Average Risk
For women at average risk, annual screening with mammograms starts age 40.
Breast Cancer
From screening to survivorship, we offer top tier care for breast cancer
Resources & support for your cancer journey
Your Breast Cancer Dream Team
We bring our experts together to tailor a plan to your breast cancer. Our breast program is one of two in Mississippi to meet the rigorous standards of the American College of Surgeons.
Screening & Diagnosis
For Women with Dense Breasts
For those diagnosed with dense breasts by mammography, supplemental screening is recommended.
High Risk
For women at high risk, screening starting at a younger age and additional tests may be suggested.
Early Detection Matters
Screening helps find breast cancer at early stages, when treatment is most likely to be successful.
Breast Cancer Risks
The risk of developing breast cancer is affected by a range of factors. Some factors you cannot change, but others can be influenced. Having a risk factor, even many risk factors, does not mean you will develop breast cancer. The NMMC Breast Care Center uses the Tyrer-Cuzick assessment to determine lifetime breast cancer risk as a part of regular screening. Risk factors include:
Being female: Men can develop breast cancer, but it is far more common in women.
Age: Most breast cancer is found in women 55 and older.
Family history of breast cancer: Between 5%-10% of breast cancer is hereditary.
Personal history: Previous breast cancer diagnosis increases your risk.
Dense breast tissue: Having a higher percentage of fibrous breast tissue increases the risk.
Starting periods early; going through menopause later
Lifestyle factors: Drinking alcohol, smoking, being obese and being inactive.
Hormone therapy to reduce menopause symptoms
Not having children; not breastfeeding
Bringing Our Experts Together for You
As new breast cancers are diagnosed, they are presented at a weekly tumor conference at NMMC-Tupelo. As a team, they discuss medical imaging and pathology reports and recommendations for treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and radiation therapy. They consider tumor characteristics such as type, size and receptor status as well as aspects of a patient’s health and family medical history that may impact recommendations. Based on the information presented, a personalized treatment plan is developed and shared with the team.
The tumor conference includes radiologists, pathologists, surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists as well as other members of the Cancer Care team including the breast cancer nurse navigator, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, social workers, dietitians and occupational therapists.
Breast Cancer Navigation at Cancer Care
Breast cancer nurse navigator Alison Christopher, RN, OCN, has been a nurse since 2002 and has cared for cancer patients since 2018. As the breast cancer nurse navigator, she can provide:
- Guidance throughout your oncology journey
- Education on your diagnosis & treatment options
- Coordination of care
- Advocacy & support
What is an Oncology Nurse Navigator?
A cancer nurse navigator is a specialized oncology nurse who guides patients through the complex journey of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. The role is multifaceted and patient-centered, ensuring patients receive timely, coordinated, and comprehensive care.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancers are often identified by the kind of breast tissue where they start growing and how far they’ve grown.
In situ: pre-invasive cancer that has not grown into surrounding tissue; stage 0
[Invasive: has spread to surrounding breast tissue
Ductal carcinoma: tumors that start in the milk ducts
Lobular carcinomas: tumors that start in milk glands
Inflammatory breast cancer: A rare, aggressive type of breast cancer cell that block lymph vessels
Stages I-II: breast cancer that hasn’t spread outside breast tissue.
Stage III: Breast cancer has spread to nearby tissue like lymph nodes and muscles.
Metastatic: breast cancer cells have spread to distant sites; stage IV
Receptor Status
The breast cancer cells gathered during biopsy are tested to if they respond to specific chemicals in the body. These test results tell your Cancer Care team what chemicals are likely to cause your cancer to grow. The team can tailor your treatment based on what combination of receptors your cancer shows a response to:
ER+: Positive for the hormone estrogen
PR+: Positive for the hormone progesterone
HER2: Positive for the HER2 protein
Triple positive: Positive for estrogen, progesterone and HER2 protein
Triple negative: Negative for estrogen, progesterone and HER2
Breast Cancer Treatment
Your multidisciplinary Cancer Care team will use evidence-based guidelines, the characteristics of your cancer and your personal health and family history to make recommendations for treating your breast cancer.
Related Locations
Mississippi’s only cancer center with all 4 accreditations
Commission On Cancer Accredited Program
Commission on Cancer conducts evaluation every three years; NMMC accredited since 1981.
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
ACR Designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center
NMMC Breast Care Center designated comprehensive center by American College of Radiology
ACS accredits NMMC’s breast care program
Meets national standards for comprehensive, patient-centered, multidisciplinary care.
Patient Stories
Mammograms Are Not Optional
Paige McFall was determined to beat her aggressive breast cancer.
‘I Thought What I Found Would Go Away, But it Didn’t'
Like many busy women, Debbie Cochran put off getting her annual mammogram.
‘I Was Fortunate to Catch it as Early as We Did’
If Anita Monroe had put off her mammogram, her prognosis would not be so positive.
‘If Something Is Not Right, Get Checked’
Shirlette Judon celebrating 16 years as breast cancer survivor
Mammograms Are Not Optional
Paige McFall was determined to beat her aggressive breast cancer.
‘I Thought What I Found Would Go Away, But it Didn’t'
Like many busy women, Debbie Cochran put off getting her annual mammogram.
‘I Was Fortunate to Catch it as Early as We Did’
If Anita Monroe had put off her mammogram, her prognosis would not be so positive.
‘If Something Is Not Right, Get Checked’
Shirlette Judon celebrating 16 years as breast cancer survivor
Related Resources
View AllRelated Services
Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.
Clinical Research
Cancer Care physicians actively contribute to research to improve care for current and future patients. Trials are available for all stages of cancer and include treatments, testing for biomarkers and lab devices.