Breast Cancer

Compassionate care, clear answers and expert support

A breast cancer concern or diagnosis can feel overwhelming. You deserve clear information, trusted experts and care that meets you where you are. At Marshfield Clinic, our breast cancer specialists work together to guide you from your first question to treatment and beyond. Our team uses advanced screening, precise diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans to support your health and confidence every step of the way.

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow and divide abnormally. It is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women, though anyone can be affected. Early detection through screening improves treatment outcomes and can save lives.

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Call: (866) 520-2510 Monday-Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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Types of breast cancer we treat

Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast, and knowing its type helps determine the most effective treatment plan. Common types include:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A very early, noninvasive cancer contained within the milk ducts
• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common breast cancer, starting in the milk ducts and spreading into nearby tissue
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Begins in milk producing lobules; may be harder to detect and can involve both breasts

Less common forms

• Inflammatory breast cancer: Rare and aggressive; causes rapid swelling and skin changes
• Paget's disease of the breast: Rare cancer involving the nipple and areola
• Male breast cancer: Uncommon but possible because all people have breast tissue

Risk factors

Breast cancer risk increases due to a mix of personal, genetic and lifestyle factors. Your risk is unique. Our high-risk breast service can help you understand your personal factors and determine whether enhanced screening or preventive care may help.

Key risk factors include:

• Female biological sex and increasing age are some of the strongest risk factors
• Personal or family history of breast cancer
• Inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
• Dense breast tissue, which can make cancer harder to detect on mammograms
• Early menstruation or late menopause, increasing lifetime estrogen exposure
• Obesity, especially after menopause
• Prior chest radiation therapy
• Long-term hormone replacement therapy (combined estrogen and progestin)
• Alcohol use and physical inactivity

Signs and symptoms

Breast cancer may not cause symptoms in early stages, which is why screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they may include the following.

Common warning signs:

• A breast or underarm lump or thickening
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Skin dimpling (like an orange peel)
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Redness, scaling, or thickening of breast or nipple skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms

• Rapid swelling
• Skin warmth
• Redness
• Dimpling; often without a lump.

If you notice any changes, don’t wait for your next screening. Early evaluation makes a meaningful difference.

Treatments

Your treatment plan is personalized based on the cancer type, stage, tumor biology and your goals. Our team includes surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, nurse navigators and supportive care specialists.

• Surgery: Many patients undergo breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy depending on the tumor’s location and size; Lymph node evaluation may also be included
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk; Often recommended after lumpectomy or in select mastectomy cases
• Chemotherapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk; Often recommended after lumpectomy or in select mastectomy cases
• Hormone therapy:Used for cancers that rely on estrogen or progesterone to grow and helps prevent recurrence
• Targeted therapy:Focuses on specific changes in cancer cells, such as HER2positive breast cancer
• Reconstructive surgery:Breast reconstruction can be done at the time of mastectomy or later, depending on your treatment plan and preferences

High risk breast service

Understand your personal risk and explore strategies to lower it through tailored screening plans, lifestyle guidance and when appropriate, medication or surgery to reduce risk.

Learn more about our high-risk breast service.