Published: June 2, 2025
Updated: June 5, 2025
Author: Beth Dougherty
Medically reviewed by: Stephanie Alimena, MD

You can now screen for cervical cancer without leaving your home using a prescription at-home test authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The authorized test allows you to collect a vaginal sample at home and mail it to a certified laboratory for analysis.

The test detects cervical cancer by checking for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes between 95% and 99% of cervical cancer cases.

If the result is abnormal, follow-up with a doctor for additional in-person testing is necessary.

“This new technology is very promising because the main risk factor for cervical cancer is not getting screened.

Now that average-risk patients can test themselves, we hope more people will be able to get screened,” says Stephanie Alimena, MD, a gynecologic oncology surgeon in the Gynecologic Oncology Program at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center.

Cervical cancer is highly preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening.

However, in the United States, about one-quarter of women are behind on their cervical cancer screenings.

Black, Hispanic (Latina), Native American individuals, and those without health insurance also face disparities in cervical cancer outcomes, including a higher risk of death and undertreatment, partly due to barriers to screening access.

A new FDA-approved test allows individuals to collect vaginal samples at home and mail them to a certified lab for analysis.

The test detects cervical cancer by checking for HPV, which causes 95% to 99% of cases.

If the result is abnormal, follow-up with a doctor for additional in-person testing is required.

What does the at-home cervical cancer test involve?

A Pap test requires an appointment with a doctor.

The test can be uncomfortable because, to collect a sample of cells, the clinician must use a swab on the cervix, which is located at the opening of the uterus deep inside the vagina.

Collected samples may be analyzed for:

• Cell changes (Pap test)
• Cell changes and HPV (co-testing)
• HPV alone (primary HPV testing)

The at-home cervical cancer test, manufactured by Teal Health, differs in several important ways:

• It is designed to make at-home sample collection easier using a wand.
• The wand collects cells from the vagina, which the patient packages according to instructions and mails to a laboratory for analysis.
• The laboratories that process the samples are the same ones that process clinician-collected Pap test samples.
• Samples are analyzed using primary HPV testing. This is the screening method recommended by the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
• It is more likely to detect disease than a Pap test or co-testing.
• If HPV test results are abnormal, a Pap test is performed using the same sample.
• Results are delivered through an app, and patients with abnormal results are offered a telehealth appointment for guidance.

What should I do if I receive an abnormal result from an at-home cervical cancer test

If your HPV test results are abnormal, you will need additional diagnostic testing.

Additional diagnostics may include:

• A Pap test, which is often automatically performed on the same sample if the HPV test is abnormal.
• A colposcopy, a procedure in which a doctor examines the cervix with a microscope and may take a biopsy if anything appears abnormal.

It is important to follow up using available telehealth services and schedule an in-person appointment with a doctor.

“It is vital that patients with abnormal results speak with a physician about the additional testing they need next,” explains Dr. Alimena.

Additional testing allows the doctor to diagnose cervical cancer or precancerous changes, if present, and provide appropriate treatment.

Who can use the at-home cervical cancer screening test?

The at-home cervical cancer screening test is approved for individuals ages 25 to 65 who have a cervix (for example, those who have not had a hysterectomy).

It is recommended for people at “average risk” of cervical cancer.

People at average risk:

• Have had routine screening in the past.
• Have never had an abnormal cervical cancer or HPV test.
• Are not immunocompromised.
• Do not have symptoms of cervical cancer, such as abnormal uterine bleeding.

If someone has had abnormal Pap or HPV test results in the past, they are not considered average risk.

The test is not recommended for individuals who are pregnant, have a history of reproductive cancers, have HIV, were exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES), or are immunocompromised.

Do at-home cervical cancer tests replace regular screenings or Pap tests?

The at-home cervical cancer screening test is an alternative to in-office testing with a healthcare professional.

Your regular doctor cannot order the test for you. Instead, it is prescribed through Teal Health’s telehealth providers.

The at-home test does not replace routine gynecologic exams, which assess the health of reproductive organs including the breasts, vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.

Who needs cervical cancer screening and how often?

Adults with a cervix should be screened regularly for cervical cancer.

This is recommended even if:

• You have received the HPV vaccine
• You are not sexually active
• You identify as LGBTQ+

Screening recommendations:

• Ages 21–29: Pap test every 3 years
• Ages 30–65: Primary HPV test every 5 years. If not available, alternatives include co-testing every 5 years or a Pap test every 3 years.
• Age 66 and older: Screening is recommended unless tests in the past 10 years have been negative and there has been no diagnosis of cervical cancer or precancerous cervical changes in the past 25 years.

It is important to follow these criteria to safely stop screening, because about 20% of cervical cancer cases are diagnosed in people over age 65.

Talk with your doctor about your individual risk factors, such as a new partner, HIV infection, immunosuppression, or prior HPV infection.

If you have had abnormal cervical cancer screening results in the past, these guidelines may not apply, and your doctor may recommend more frequent testing.

Keep in mind that in medical offices, primary HPV testing may not always be available. In those cases, clinicians may follow recommendations for co-testing every five years or a Pap test every three years instead.

Published: March 7, 2025

Author: Beth Dougherty

Medically Reviewed By: Thejus Jayakrishnan, MD

In recent decades, the rates of some cancers, such as colorectal cancer, have increased in young adults under the age of 50.

A possible explanation for this rise is a parallel increase in rates of obesity and changes in diet, activity levels, and lifestyle.

However, according to Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH, director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber, these factors do not fully explain the trend. She treats many young colon cancer patients who are not obese and maintain healthy lifestyles.

Along with other experts in the field, she suspects that environmental exposure may also play a role, especially since it has been increasing in recent decades.

Microplastics are an example of a growing presence in the environment that could be increasing cancer risk in young people.

“Microplastics are very concerning because of the increasing presence of plastics in general, in our lifestyle and in the environment,” says Ng.

What are Microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, less than 5 millimeters in diameter.

They can be invisibly small and are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.

They come from a variety of plastics used in products ranging from insecticides and pharmaceuticals to micro-beads in cosmetics, synthetic clothing, tires, and industrial materials.

Over the last 70 years, plastic production has grown exponentially and continues to rise.

How Much Are Cancer Rates Increasing Among Young People?

The increase in cancer rates among young people is extremely concerning.

According to the 2025 Cancer Facts and Figures report from the American Cancer Society, those under 50 were the only group in which cancer rates increased between 1995 and 2021.

For example, in recent years, young-onset colorectal cancer has increased by 2-3% annually. Other cancers with rising rates in young adults include breast cancer and lung cancer.

“The rate of increase in colorectal cancer is more pronounced among younger adults,” adds Ng.

“It is more pronounced among people in their twenties and higher among those in their thirties than among people in their forties or fifties.”

What Evidence is There That Microplastics May Be Linked to Cancer?

Microplastics can enter the body through the lungs while breathing, through the digestive tract when eating and drinking, and through the skin.

There are some human studies that have established links between microplastics and certain bodily processes that contribute to cancer.

There are also animal studies that further explore the cause-and-effect relationships between microplastics and body cells.

To date, microplastics have been found in human and animal tissues, for example, in the lungs, liver, placenta, and arteries.

Microplastics have also been shown to have many negative effects related to cancer, including:

• They cause chronic inflammation.
• They depress immune functions that fight cancer.
• They affect the speed at which cells grow and divide.
• They affect hormone levels, including reproductive hormones.
• They affect plaque in the arteries.
• They cause DNA damage.
• They disrupt the balance between microbes and the mucosal lining of the intestine, exposing the cells lining it to damage.
• They transport toxic contaminants with potential cancer risk.

However, says Ng, “The field is very much in its infancy. There are relatively few studies. More studies of human tissues and on the effect of microplastics on diseases like cancer are needed.”

What Research is Being Conducted to Better Understand Microplastics?

At Dana-Farber, Ng is collaborating with environmental science experts to begin to better understand the effect of microplastics on the colon and the development of colorectal cancer.

The field faces many challenges in establishing reliable and standardized methods for measuring the presence of microplastics.

Research aimed at understanding the health effects of microplastics is of vital importance for informing future policy decisions.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk Related to Microplastics?

There are several things you can try, for example:

• Filter your water
• Reduce single-use plastics and plastic utensils
• Avoid food packaged in plastic
• Choose natural fiber clothing
• Vacuum often

Some of these tips may seem easy to apply, but in practice, reducing microplastic exposure is very difficult.

For example, access to plastic-free packaged food and exposure to higher levels of environmental microplastic contamination varies from community to community.

“I think decreasing the level and amount of plastic in our world is going to be a real challenge,” Ng notes. “To make changes at a systemic level, we really need more research.”

If I Am a Young Adult, What Else Can I Do to Reduce My Cancer Risk?

A key first step is to follow all cancer screening recommendations. Early detection and early treatment are fundamental approaches to improving cancer treatment outcomes.

Cancer screening recommendations typically do not include those under 40 or 45 because most new cases still occur in older adults.

However, it is important to pay attention to recommendations. Now that cancer rates in young people have been increasing and there is more information about disease risks, recommendations have been changing to include people from earlier ages.

Another important practice is to pay attention to your body to recognize the early warning signs. If you notice changes, see a doctor.

Examples of changes to watch out for:

• In the case of colorectal cancer:
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Abdominal pain, pelvic pressure, or feeling bloated. This is especially common in the types of colorectal cancer seen in younger people.
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as new diarrhea or constipation or thinner, pencil-like stools.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Tiredness or shortness of breath with exertion, which could indicate anemia.
• In the case of breast cancer:
  • A lump in a breast detected during a self-exam.
  • Any change in the size, shape, texture, or coloration of the breast.
  • Abnormal nipple discharge.
• In the case of lung cancer:
  • A cough that does not improve.
  • Persistent shortness of breath not explained by a recent illness.
  • Back pain, especially between the shoulder blades, not explained by injury or asthma.
  • Coughing up blood.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

For more information, visit MyHealthFair.com and explore the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute booth, where you will find educational materials, patient support, and programs specially designed for our community.

Published: December 17, 2024

Written by: Beth Dougherty

Zip codes didn’t exist until 1963 and were established to help speed the delivery of mail. Today, we rely much less on paper mail but strangely, zip codes play a bigger role. They define our neighborhoods, which define our schools, food stores, health centers, even our risk of cancer. 

There are many factors that influence the risk of cancer. Many of those factors vary depending on where a person lives. Dana-Farber is working to reach more people in zip codes in the Boston area and beyond with programs that aim to reduce cancer risk, increase cancer screening rates, and direct people to Dana-Farber for cancer treatment and survivorship services when they are needed. 

“We are partnering with communities and health centers across Boston so that every person in every neighborhood can benefit from the incredible strides that have been made in cancer prevention and treatment,” says Christopher Lathan, MD, MPH, founding director of the Cancer Care Equity Program at Dana-Farber. 

How significant are health disparities and cancer disparities from one neighborhood to the next? 

The health differences can be stark. A 2023 report from the Boston Public Health Commission found that residents of affluent, predominantly white neighborhoods had a life expectancy of 92 years – 23 years longer than those living in a low-income predominantly non-white neighborhood.  

Cancer, specifically, is a leading cause of death in Boston. A community assessment of needs led by Dana-Farber found that the number of deaths from cancer in the Boston area declined for white, Black, Asian, and Latino residents between 2010 and 2021. But this was not the case for all zip codes. Several neighborhoods did not have declining cancer rates during this time. 

How does where you live influence cancer risk? 

There are several environmental, economic, and social factors tied to cancer risk. Here are a few examples: 

Air pollution and water pollution

• Some neighborhoods have fewer resources for building maintenance. As a result, people living there might be more likely to be exposed to toxins from asbestos in building materials, smoke from indoor fuel sources, or cooking smoke. These environmental exposures can increase the risk of lung cancer. 
• A neighborhood near an industrial zone might also have higher levels of air pollution or water pollution due to runoff or emissions from industrial facilities such as manufacturing plants, coal plants, or factories. Water pollutants include chlorinated by-products, nitrates, arsenic, radioactive particles, herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. 

Food deserts

• Some neighborhoods are called “food deserts” because they don’t have nearby grocery stores that sell fresh, whole foods. This lack of basic resources limits residents’ ability to purchase fresh, whole foods and makes it harder to avoid ultraprocessed foods, which can increase the risk of obesity — a factor linked to 13 types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. 
• Neighborhoods without safe outdoor spaces or facilities for exercise can also increase the risk of obesity and make it harder for people to live an active lifestyle. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to stay healthy, but getting exercise is much harder for some people simply because of where they live. 

Access to health care

• A rural neighborhood might be very far from a medical center, making screening for cancer or seeking cancer care more difficult. Delays in diagnosis or treatment can make cancer harder to treat. 
• Lower-resource neighborhoods can occur in both urban and rural settings and those communities may lack nearby medical centers or cancer care expertise. People in lower-resource neighborhoods often have less access to health resources and information about cancer risks, cancer prevention, limiting their ability to seek timely care.

Race and ethnicity

In the U.S., systemic racism has led to health disparities among historically marginalized groups. Black, Hispanic, and non-white people are more likely to live in lower-income neighborhoods with fewer resources. These neighborhoods may also have more people for whom English is a second language. Limited access to healthcare and language barriers, contribute to higher cancer disparities in these communities.  

What is Dana-Farber doing to reduce cancer disparities in Boston-area neighborhoods? 

Dana-Farber teams are actively working to address disparities through a range of partnerships within neighborhoods in the Boston area. These efforts aim to help more people learn about cancer risks and prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Dana-Farber’s Community Health is committed to reaching at-risk, historically marginalized, and diverse populations in the Boston area so they can access educational and supportive programs. Dana-Farber’s Cancer Care Equity Program (CCEP) is committed to working with community health centers to develop and implement clinical interventions that reduce cancer disparities, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing cancer disparities.

Examples of programs include: 

Prevention: Examples include an HPV-Related Cancer Outreach Program, a Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Prevention Program, and a Tobacco Treatment Program, all of which are available in communities in the Boston area that stand to benefit most. 

Screening: A Mammography Van visits many communities and prioritizes reaching women who are low-income, elderly, immigrant or non-English speaking. A tool called AssessYourRisk helps educate people about their risk of breast and ovarian cancer is also available online and is actively shared with priority communities. 

Diagnosis: The Cancer Care Equity Program’s Clinical Outreach Initiative has clinical interventions in community hospitals that are helping speed cancer diagnosis for patients. The Centers for Early Detection and Intervention also has several initiatives focused on ensuring early diagnosis, treatment, and related research programs are reaching as many people as possible.   

Treatment: The CCEP also has a Patient Navigation Program, in which patient navigators are paired with patients from priority zip codes to help them overcome barriers to care, including helping them with challenges including transportation, food, housing, and more.  

Dana-Farber also has two main campuses and several community-based locations so that more patients can receive Dana-Farber cancer care close to home. 

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Published: March 14, 2013

Updated: January 29, 2025

Colonoscopy exams get a bad rap.

Even though such exams are brief and painless, many people fear and avoid them. Roughly one third of Americans for whom the exams are recommended are not getting them.

Yet colonoscopy is one of the most effective of all cancer prevention methods. As many as 60% of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if everyone 50 years old or above underwent colonoscopies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Current recommendations call for screening to begin at age 45.)

In fact, a study by a team of researchers from Dana-Farber, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the Harvard School of Public Health found that people who received either a colonoscopy or a sigmoidoscopy, which allow doctors to look inside the large intestine through a thin tube and snip away at precancerous growths, had a markedly lower rate of cancers in the rectum and lower colon than did other patients.

“Colonoscopies are the most sensitive test since they examine inside the entire colon for cancer or polyps,” says Jeffrey Meyerhardt, MD, MPH, clinical director of the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “These polyps are precursors for cancer that, if removed, will not turn into cancer.”

The recommendations for colonoscopy screening aren’t changed by a recent European study that seemed to call into question the exam’s ability to reduce colorectal cancer deaths, Dana-Farber specialists say. The study found that among people who were offered a colonoscopy, the exam lowered the risk of developing colorectal cancer by 18% but didn’t reduce the risk of dying from the disease. These statistics, however, overlook the fact that only 42% of those who were offered a colonoscopy actually got one. Among those who did have a colonoscopy, the risk of developing the disease was reduced by 31% and the risk of dying from it decreased by 50%.

“The take-home message is therefore that colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer works, but only if you actually do it,” says Dana-Farber’s Kimmie Ng, MD, MPH. “Further follow-up of the clinical trial results is needed, as well as comparisons with other screening tests, and dedicated efforts to improve adherence to recommended screening guidelines.”

When should I have my first colorectal cancer screening?

Previously, and in many parts of the world, health authorities recommended that most individuals have their first colonoscopy at age 50. But a rise in colorectal cancer rates in younger people has prompted a U.S. federal task force to recommend that screening begin at age 45 — or earlier for some patients with high-risk conditions.

“A concerning increase in colorectal cancer incidence among younger individuals has been documented since the mid-1990s, with 11% of colon cancers and 15% of rectal cancers in 2020 occurring among patients younger than 50 years, compared with 5% and 9%, respectively, in 2010,” Ng wrote in an editorial in JAMA accompanying the article about the guideline changes. Ng is the director of the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at Dana-Farber.

As a result, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) now recommends the following:

• Adults ages 45 to 75 should be regularly screened for colorectal cancer.
• Adults ages 76 to 85 should discuss with their doctor whether they should be screened. Since colorectal cancer is a slow-growing disease, the risks and benefits of screening after age 75 should be weighed against the individual’s overall health, life expectancy, and prior screening history. Adults in this age group who have never been screened for CRC are more likely to benefit, especially if they are healthy enough to undergo treatment if colorectal cancer is detected.

How often should I be screened?

For most patients, if a colonoscopy is normal, it should be repeated every 10 years. If one or two low-risk polyps are found and removed during the exam, the next colonoscopy should be done in five years.

If a colonoscopy detects precancerous polyps or the patient has factors associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, the physician may recommend that colonoscopies be repeated more frequently. People at increased risk include those with:

• A personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps
• A personal history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease
• A family history of colorectal cancers or polyps
• A known inherited hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome (such as familial adenomatous polypsis (FAP) or Lynch syndrome)

What does a colonoscopy involve?

A colonoscopy is considered the gold standard screening test for colorectal cancer. It requires the patient to adhere to a cleansing regimen of a liquid diet and laxatives the day before the procedure, which is done in a clinic or hospital, usually under sedation. The doctor passes a long, flexible tube with a light and camera through the anus and along the entire length of the colon, which is about five feet. The tube is then withdrawn, and the physician examines the walls of the colon for any abnormal growths such as polyps, or tumors.

Polyps can be removed using instruments that snip them off; they’re then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Removing precancerous polyps can prevent the development of cancer; colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies are the only procedures in which this is possible.

Because of the sedating drugs, the patient usually doesn’t feel any pain and remembers little or nothing about the procedure. Because of the drugs used, however, someone must accompany the patient on the return home, and resting for the remainder of the day is recommended.

Are there alternatives to a colonoscopy?

Among the options are a sigmoidoscopy, which is similar to a colonoscopy but is limited to the lower part of the colon. Because sigmoidoscopies are less extensive, they don’t require as much prep as colonoscopies, Meyerhardt says.

An alternative screening procedure is a “virtual colonoscopy,” a specialized type of CT scan that does not require any instrument to be inserted into the colon and can be done without sedation. However, there is radiation exposure from the CT scan, and it requires the same type of bowel cleansing preparation as a conventional colonoscopy, and if abnormal growths are detected, a colonoscopy would need to be performed.

There are several types of stool-based screening tests that involve a sample collected at home and analyzed in a laboratory. They are not diagnostic tools (in other words, they cannot diagnose colorectal cancer), and a positive test needs to be immediately followed by a colonoscopy. Such stool tests need to be done more often than a colonoscopy. A positive test result of a stool-based test always calls for a follow-up colonoscopy and biopsy.

Types of stool-based tests include:

• Fecal occult (hidden) blood testing, in which patients complete a set of stool samples at home and send them to be tested for evidence of blood. This could indicate bleeding from fragile vessels in a polyp or tumor. The test should be done annually.
• Fecal immunochemical test (FIT), which also looks for blood in the stool. It, too, must be done every year.
• Multitargeted stool DNA test, which in addition to looking for occult blood, can identify abnormal segments of DNA from a tumor or polyp and can also detect DNA mutations in certain genes associated with colorectal cancer. The only such test available in the United States is Cologuard, which should be done every three years.

“All of the screening tests carry some risks, and the more sensitive the test, the higher the risk,” says Meyerhardt. “During a colonoscopy, there’s a very small risk of a perforation of the bowel, bleeding, or infection. The biggest risk of fecal occult blood testing and other screening measures is missing something, which could turn out to be much more serious.”Categories

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Breast cancer, a disease that often begins in the lobules or ducts of breast tissue, is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer). In 2013, nearly 233,000 American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. While breast cancer affects mostly women, men can also develop the disease. 

The identification of various subtypes of breast cancer has made it possible to personalize treatment according to the tumor type, stage of disease, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Physicians have a better understanding of which patients are likely to benefit from a particular treatment, and can deliver chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery much more precisely. 

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer 

Risk factors for breast cancer include but are not limited to the following: 

• Being female (about 100 times more women than men develop breast cancer). 
• Older age (the risk of breast cancer rises with age). 
• Ethnicity (Caucasian women are at slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than are African American or Asian women, but African American women are at higher risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer, a specific subtype of the disease). 
• History of breast cancer or prior treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest in childhood or early adulthood. 
• Consuming more than two alcoholic drinks per day on a regular basis. 
• Dense breast tissue (women with dense as opposed to fatty breast tissue are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer). 
• Early menstruation or late menopause. 
• Exposure to certain drugs, including DES, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and certain other medications. 
• History of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia and other specific conditions identified on breast biopsies (these non-cancerous conditions can suggest a higher risk of developing breast cancer). 

Center for BRCA and Related Genes

Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and BRCA-related genes confer increased risk of certain cancers when inherited. These mutations can also be acquired by the cancers themselves. The Mellen and Eisenson Family Center for BRCA and Related Genes provides comprehensive care for patients with inherited and acquired mutations, including clinical therapeutic trials, trials of risk-reducing strategies, and studies of novel early detection markers.

Genetic and Inherited Risk Factors 

In addition to risk factors associated with lifestyle and environmental exposures, there are breast cancer risk factors that cluster in families. Certain genetic markers have been identified which, if present, may significantly increase your personal risk of breast cancer.

The Dana-Farber Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program is a nationally recognized program focused on assessing genetic risk factors associated with breast cancer and designing individualized plans for managing hereditary and familial breast cancer risk. Genetic testing analyzing the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and other breast cancer-associated genes is performed, as appropriate. 

Find out more about our services to help individuals at higher risk for breast cancer. 

Stages of Breast Cancer 

We provide personalized treatment plans based on you, your needs, and your specific type of cancer. Current research and care focuses on the four major subtypes of breast cancer. Lab analysis can determine which subtype of breast cancer you have: 

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) 

Also known as pre-invasive breast cancer, DCIS is very treatable and highly curable. In DCIS, abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct to other tissues in the breast. 

DCIS is diagnosed in nearly 60,000 women in the United States each year, a significant increase over previous decades, due to the widespread use of digital mammograms and MRIs, which detect DCIS at a smaller, earlier stage. When surgically removed with lumpectomy and usually followed by radiation or a mastectomy with reconstruction, the disease is nearly always curable. 

Research from Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center scientists may lead to screening tests to better understand whether some patients with DCIS might be able to safely receive less treatment and which patients might benefit from more aggressive treatment. 

Learn more about our specialized Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) Program. 

Invasive Breast Cancer 

Invasive cancers have started to break through normal breast tissue barriers and have the potential to spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. There are nearly 233,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women each year. 

Biologically, breast cancer is not a single disease but actually several different diseases, which can act differently depending on their distinctive genetic makeup. Invasive breast cancer is categorized as stage I, II, III, or IV, depending on the amount and location of cancer in the body. Treatment plans for any stage of breast cancer include a multidisciplinary approach, and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy/endocrine therapy, and/or targeted biologic therapy, such as trastuzumab. 

Inflammatory Breast Cancer 

With inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), cancer cells block the lymph vessels of the skin of the breast, causing the breast to appear red or inflamed. Unlike other types of breast cancer, IBC generally does not present with a lump. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your physician immediately. IBC is typically diagnosed through a clinical exam, and confirmed with a breast biopsy. Prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment is important because of the aggressive nature of the disease. The treatment starts with systemic therapy (chemotherapy and targeted therapy), followed by surgery and then radiation therapy. 

Learn more about our specialized Inflammatory Breast Cancer Program. 

Clinical Trials Questions? 877-338-7425

Metastatic Breast Cancer 

Metastatic breast cancer has spread from the breast to other distant parts of the body. Surgery is less commonly part of the treatment plan, but may be included in some circumstances. 

Many encouraging clinical trials at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center are focused on finding new and more effective treatments for women with metastatic breast cancer. A study, called Ending Metastatic Breast Cancer for Everyone (EMBRACE), which seeks to learn more about the biology of advanced breast cancer, as well as the treatment experiences of patients living with it. 

Learn more about clinical trials for metastatic breast cancer. 

Learn more about metastatic breast cancer. 

Specialized Programs 

Recognizing that not all breast cancer patients have the same needs, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center created specialty programs designed specifically for individuals with metastatic breast cancer, young adults with breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, breast cancer during pregnancy, individuals with higher genetic risk, breast cancer in men, and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). 

Why Choose Us

At the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers Breast Oncology Program, at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, our team of experts work together to provide compassionate and comprehensive care for patients with breast cancer. We are committed to providing every patient with the best and most personalized treatment options available, taking advantage of the full range of services of a top-ranked cancer hospital and research center. 

We provide comprehensive services to patients with these cancers, including:  

• Personalized treatment plans based on your needs and the details of your specific cancer, along with the latest and most advanced care possible 
• Tissue-preserving procedures and precise surgical and radiation therapy techniques that provide the best results possible. We also are leaders in breast reconstruction. 
• Specialty care designed specifically for young adults with breast cancer, women with inflammatory breast cancer, and women with hereditary breast cancer. These are model programs being replicated around the country. 
• Expert symptom management teams to help you feel better throughout your treatment 
• Genetic evaluation for patients who have a personal or family history that suggests an inherited risk of or tendency to develop breast cancer 
• Access to social workers, psychiatry, integrative therapies, pain specialists, nutritionists and exercise physiologists 
• Access to fertility specialists who have unique expertise in providing care to women who are battling cancer and have concerns about future fertility 
• Access to clinical trials available for all stages and subtypes of breast cancer, with an average of 50 clinical trials available at all times for all stages of breast cancer 
• Multidisciplinary care delivered by specialists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital 

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month is commemorated in October.

This date aims to raise awareness about this disease and highlight the importance of early detection in saving lives.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide, affecting millions of people each year.

However, what exactly is breast cancer?

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumor that can spread to other parts of the body.

While it primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, although it is much less common.

Early Detection: Key to Saving Lives

Early detection of breast cancer can make a difference between successful treatment and disease progression.

For example, there are several detection tools:

• Breast self-exam: Performing a monthly self-exam allows you to identify changes or lumps in the breast.
• Mammogram: This tool effectively detects breast cancer in its early stages, before any symptoms appear.
• Ultrasounds and MRIs: Doctors use these methods when a mammogram doesn’t provide clear results or for individuals at higher risk.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If the doctor detects an abnormality, they may order a biopsy to confirm whether the tumor is cancerous.

Subsequently, doctors conduct additional tests to determine the type of cancer, its size, location, and whether it has spread to other organs.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is classified into different stages, from 0 to IV, depending on the extent of the tumor.

In the early stages (0 and I), the cancer remains contained in the breast or nearby lymph nodes.

On the other hand, the advanced stages (III and IV) suggest that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, the most common being:

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): This is a very early and non-invasive cancer.
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): It originates in the milk ducts and spreads to surrounding breast tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): It begins in the lobules that produce breast milk.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer. In this sense, options include:

• Surgery: The removal of the tumor or the entire breast (mastectomy).
• Radiation therapy: Use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
• Hormone therapy: For types of cancer that are sensitive to hormones.
• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight cancer.

Breast Cancer Myths

There are several myths surrounding breast cancer. Some of the most common include:

• Myth: Only women with a family history of breast cancer develop it.
• Reality: While family history increases the risk, most cases occur in women without a family history.
• Myth: Only older women develop breast cancer.
• Reality: Although risk increases with age, younger women can also be affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer FAQs

1. At what age should I start getting mammograms? Experts generally recommend starting at age 40, but if you have a family history, consult your doctor to evaluate whether you should begin earlier.
2. Is breast cancer always detectable through a self-exam? Not always. This is why mammograms are essential, as they can detect tumors that are not felt in a physical exam.
3. Is a mastectomy always necessary? No. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, a breast-conserving surgery may be sufficient.

Resources in Massachusetts: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

In Massachusetts, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is one of the leading institutions in breast cancer research and treatment.

Additionally, they offer comprehensive care, including screening programs, advanced diagnostics, personalized treatments, and psychological support.

In fact, they have Spanish-language resources to help Spanish-speaking individuals access essential services.

The center is also involved in cutting-edge cancer studies, allowing them to offer innovative treatments.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of early detection and access to appropriate treatments.

Being informed and taking action in time can save lives.

If you have questions or need resources in Massachusetts, do not hesitate to contact Dana-Farber Cancer Institute or other local services to receive the help you need.

Visit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute booth: https://myhealthfair.com/en/booths/dana-farber/

Published: August 18, 2014

Updated: April 4, 2024

Written by: Lukas Harnisch-Weidauer

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, gets its name from the pigment-producing cells called melanocytes from which tumors can develop. Melanocytes manufacture melanin, a substance in your body that produces hair, eye, and skin pigmentation. Melanin absorbs sunlight and helps to protect skin from DNA damaging ultraviolet light which can contribute to the development of cancer. 

Although melanoma accounts for relatively few skin cancer cases compared to other skin cancers like squamous and basal cell carcinomas, it is a common cause of skin cancer deaths. Melanoma is easier to treat in earlier stages. This means awareness and early detection are especially important. 

Does skin color affect melanoma risk? 

The short answer is yes, but everyone should be aware of, and monitor for, skin cancer. 

Because people with darker skin have more melanin, they are at lower risk of developing melanoma than those with light skin. The lifetime odds of developing melanoma are – according to one’s ethnicity: 

• 3% (1 in 33) for white people. 
• 0.1% (1 in 1,000) for Black people. 
• 0.5% (1 in 200) for Hispanic people. 

Ethnicity is complex, and many will not fit into a single category. Your sun reactivity is a more accurate indicator of your risk of developing skin cancer.

If you are very fair-skinned, with light or red hair, or have a lot of freckles, you are more susceptible to skin damage that can lead to skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.  

People who are less likely to burn, including people of color, are less at risk for skin cancers. But ultimately, melanin is not enough to protect you from the damaging effects of the sun. It is a common misconception that people of color do not get melanoma. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop acral melanoma, a rare subtype of melanoma not caused by the sun.

Acral melanoma usually develops in areas that are not exposed to sunlight, like under fingernails or on the palms and soles of feet. Individuals with any skin type can develop melanoma, and it’s important to monitor your skin regardless of skin type. 

The importance of early detection of melanoma 

Early detection is key to melanoma treatment, the earlier it is caught, the greater likelihood of survival. Usually, the cancer begins on the skin. It can appear as a mole that has recently changed size, shape, or color. It can occur anywhere on the body, including, in some rare cases, on the eye and within the nose and throat. 

Even though, melanoma is most common among white people, mortality rates are highest for people of color. This is because those cases are often caught at a later stage when the cancer has infiltrated the body and is no longer easy to remove surgically. 

Awareness may be the key to reducing this disparity. Researchers believe it stems from the misconception that people of color are not at risk for skin cancers. These patients and their physicians may overlook melanoma symptoms and catch the cancer later. 

How people of color can detect melanoma  

Melanoma may look different among people of color and is often hidden. It is important to check areas of the skin that are usually hidden from the sun, including the soles of the feet, in-between toes, and palms of the hands, for new or changing moles. Skin cancer can also manifest on nails as a pigmented streak.  

Doctors advise people of all skin types to: 

• Wear sunscreen. 
• Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 
• Regularly check your own skin including areas like the soles of the feet, in-between toes, palms of the hands, and nail beds. 
• If you see something concerning, raise it with your physician. 
• Have regular skin checks by a health professional. 

For more information, please visit the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute booth.

Source: Read the complete article

Published: May 10, 2024

Medically Reviewed By: Catherine Pisano, MD

Catching skin cancer early will often lead to a better prognosis for patients and can mean avoiding extensive surgeries or other treatments depending on the cancer. 

To do so, physicians recommend: 

• Regular monthly self-examinations of your skin, which will allow you to track changes in your skin and alert a physician about any concerns. 
• A yearly annual evaluation by a dermatologist if you have many moles (more than 50), atypical moles, a family history of melanoma, a personal history of skin cancer, are immunosuppressed, or have other risk factors. 

How do I perform a self-exam for skin cancer? 

Experts recommend monthly self-exams begin at age 18. To conduct a self-exam, use the acronym ABCDE (asymmetry, border, color, diameter/ugly duckling, evolution) to evaluate if a mole on your body could be something more serious. If any spots seem unusual, consult your doctor as soon as possible. 

• A – Asymmetry: When one half of the lesion is unlike the other. 
• B – Border: When the lesion has an irregular, scalloped (a series of curves), or poorly defined border. 
• C – Color: If the color of the lesion varies from one area to the next or has several different colors (tan, brown, black, white, red, or purple). 
• D – Diameter/Ugly Duckling: Melanomas are usually bigger than 6mm
  • (about the width of a pencil eraser) but can be smaller if diagnosed early. If the diameter of a lesion is increasing rapidly, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. The “ugly duckling” rule, meaning one mole on your body looks very different from all the others, is another reason to consult your doctor. 
• E – Evolving: When the lesion changes in size, shape, color, or becomes symptomatic. 

Regular checks are an effective way to get to know your skin and identify any changes in it, one of the first things a dermatologist will want to be alerted about.  

If you have darker skin, pay special attention to your hands and feet where melanoma is more common for patients with darker skin tones.

Consult with a physician if you see a finger or toenail changing color, or a concerning lesion on your hands or feet. 

How do I know if I should be concerned about skin cancer? 

If you have many moles (more than 50), atypical moles, or a family history of melanoma, a personal history of skin cancer, or are immunosuppressed, you should have an annual evaluation by a dermatologist. Other risk factors include: 

• A family history of other types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma) 
• A personal history of excessive sun exposure with frequent sun burns 
• Tanning bed usage 
• Having fair skin that burns easily 
• A tendency to freckle 
• Being a white man older than 65 (this is a population of people who frequently have advanced melanomas at the time of diagnosis) 

Anyone can develop skin cancer regardless of skin type or age. Even people who aren’t at particularly high risk of skin cancer should perform regular skin checks  

If you are at an elevated risk, you should ask your primary care physicians about skin exams. These are not usually part of a routine physical exam. Individuals concerned about melanoma or other skin cancers should ask their primary care physicians to refer them to a dermatologist.  

Sun safety tips 

It is important to keep yourself protected from the sun. To maintain healthy skin, limit sun exposure and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying every two hours, or wear protective clothing. 

We invite you to visit the Dana-Farber booth to address any concerns you may have about cancer.

Meet experts in your language who can provide valuable resources and answer your questions. Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity to receive specialized guidance and support in the fight against cancer.

Source: Read the complete article