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Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494
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281-647-7766
Home/Cancer Types/Breast Cancer
Board-certified medical oncologists Dr. Shagufta Naqvi and Dr. Mohammad Riaz diagnose and treat every stage of breast cancer with chemotherapy, hormone therapy, HER2-targeted therapy and immunotherapy, coordinated with surgery and radiation. We care for patients from Katy, Memorial, Sugar Land and across Greater Houston.
Overview
Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and can form a tumor. It usually starts in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the milk-producing lobules (lobular carcinoma) and, if untreated, can spread to lymph nodes and other organs.
Not every breast lump is cancer, and not every breast cancer forms a lump you can feel. Doctors confirm breast cancer with a biopsy, then test the tumor to learn exactly how it behaves. That information guides treatment.
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast or underarm. Other warning signs include breast swelling, skin dimpling, nipple pulling inward, nipple discharge (especially bloody), and red, scaly or thickened skin. Early breast cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening matters.
When to see a doctor: any new breast change that lasts longer than a menstrual cycle should be checked. Most breast lumps are benign, but only an exam, imaging and sometimes a biopsy can tell for sure.
The biggest risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. Inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, a strong family history, dense breast tissue, prior chest radiation, and longer lifetime exposure to estrogen also raise risk. Alcohol, inactivity and excess weight after menopause are risks you can change.
| Risk factors you cannot change | Risk factors you can influence |
|---|---|
| Age (the median age at diagnosis is 62) | Drinking alcohol |
| Inherited mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2 | Excess weight or obesity after menopause |
| Family history of breast or ovarian cancer | Physical inactivity |
| Dense breast tissue on a mammogram | Some types of combined hormone therapy after menopause |
| Early first period or late menopause | Not having children, or having a first child after 30 |
| Radiation to the chest at a young age | Not breastfeeding |
If you have a strong family history, ask about genetic counseling and testing. A positive result can change how often you are screened and which treatments work best.
Mammography is the most reliable screening test for breast cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every 2 years for women ages 40 to 74 at average risk. Women at high risk, such as BRCA carriers, are usually advised to have a mammogram and a breast MRI every year, often starting around age 30. A biopsy is the only way to confirm a diagnosis.
| Who | Screening recommendation |
|---|---|
| Average risk, ages 40–74 | Screening mammogram every 2 years (USPSTF). The American Cancer Society advises yearly mammograms from 45 to 54, with the option to start at 40 and to switch to every 2 years at 55. |
| High risk (BRCA mutation, strong family history, chest radiation at a young age) | Yearly mammogram plus yearly breast MRI, typically starting at about age 30, based on your doctor’s risk assessment. |
| Dense breasts | Continue mammograms. 3D mammography may help, and you can discuss whether supplemental ultrasound or MRI makes sense for you. |
| Age 75 and older | An individual decision based on health and life expectancy. |
Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV. Stage 0 is non-invasive (DCIS). Stages I and II are early-stage cancers within the breast and possibly a few nearby lymph nodes. Stage III is locally advanced, and stage IV means the cancer has spread to distant organs such as the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
| Stage | What it means | Common treatment approach |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 0 (DCIS) | Abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not invaded nearby tissue. | Lumpectomy, usually with radiation, or mastectomy. Hormone therapy may lower the risk of recurrence if the cells are hormone receptor-positive. |
| Stage I | A small invasive tumor (about 2 cm or less) with no spread, or only tiny clusters of cells, in nearby lymph nodes. | Surgery, often with radiation. Hormone therapy for HR-positive cancers; chemotherapy and HER2-targeted therapy depending on subtype and genomic test results. |
| Stage II | A larger tumor (up to about 5 cm) and/or cancer in a few underarm lymph nodes. | Surgery and radiation plus systemic therapy. HER2-positive and triple-negative cancers are often treated with medicine before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy). |
| Stage III | Locally advanced cancer: a large tumor, many involved lymph nodes, or spread to the chest wall or skin, including inflammatory breast cancer. | Usually chemotherapy or other systemic therapy first to shrink the cancer, followed by surgery and radiation, then additional therapy as needed. |
| Stage IV (metastatic) | Cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby nodes to distant organs such as bones, liver, lungs or brain. | Systemic therapy is the main treatment: hormone therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy to control the cancer, extend life and protect quality of life. |
Doctors use the AJCC TNM system: tumor size (T), lymph node spread (N) and metastasis (M). Since 2018, staging also considers tumor grade and ER, PR and HER2 status, so two tumors of the same size can have different stages.
| Stage at diagnosis (SEER) | What it means | 5-year relative survival |
|---|---|---|
| Localized | No sign the cancer has spread outside the breast | >99% |
| Regional | Spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes | 87% |
| Distant | Spread to distant organs such as lungs, liver or bones | 32% |
| All stages combined | 91% |
Source: American Cancer Society, based on NCI SEER data for women diagnosed 2015–2021. Survival rates are averages and cannot predict any one person’s outcome. Treatments continue to improve, so people diagnosed today may do better.
Breast cancer has three main subtypes, based on lab tests of the tumor: hormone receptor-positive (HR+), HER2-positive, and triple-negative. The subtype matters as much as the stage, because each one responds to different medicines.
| Subtype | What it means | Treatments that target it |
|---|---|---|
| HR-positive, HER2-negative | The most common subtype. Growth is fueled by estrogen and/or progesterone. | Hormone (endocrine) therapy such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, often with CDK4/6 inhibitors in higher-risk or advanced disease. Genomic testing helps decide on chemotherapy. |
| HER2-positive | Tumor cells make too much HER2 protein, which can drive faster growth. | HER2-targeted drugs such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab combined with chemotherapy, and antibody-drug conjugates for residual or advanced disease. |
| Triple-negative (TNBC) | No estrogen, progesterone or HER2 receptors. More common in younger women, Black women and BRCA1 carriers. | Chemotherapy, immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) for high-risk early-stage and some advanced cases, and PARP inhibitors when a BRCA mutation is present. |
Most people with breast cancer have surgery, but not everyone needs chemotherapy. Whether you need chemotherapy depends on the stage, the subtype, lymph node involvement and, for many HR-positive cancers, a genomic test of the tumor. Some patients receive medicine before surgery to shrink the tumor; others receive it afterward to lower the risk of recurrence.
As medical oncologists, we create and manage your drug treatment plan and coordinate closely with breast surgeons and radiation oncologists, so your care stays organized from diagnosis through survivorship.
Premier Oncology Consultants provides the medical (drug) treatments for breast cancer, including chemotherapy, hormone therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies, along with palliative and supportive care. We coordinate surgery and radiation with trusted specialists throughout Katy and Houston.
Medicines that destroy fast-growing cancer cells, given before or after surgery or for advanced disease. Treatment is commonly given in cycles over about 3 to 6 months, in a comfortable, supportive setting.
Used for: Stage I–IV, especially triple-negative and HER2-positive
Tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane) and ovarian suppression block estrogen’s effect on cancer cells. Usually taken for 5 to 10 years.
Used for: Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
Trastuzumab, pertuzumab and antibody-drug conjugates such as T-DM1 and T-DXd attack the HER2 protein directly, dramatically improving outcomes for HER2-positive disease.
Used for: HER2-positive and some HER2-low cancers
Pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is used with chemotherapy for high-risk early-stage triple-negative breast cancer and some advanced cases.
Used for: Triple-negative breast cancer
CDK4/6 inhibitors (palbociclib, ribociclib, abemaciclib), PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations, and other targeted drugs selected by tumor and genetic testing.
Used for: HR-positive and BRCA-related cancers
Led by Dr. Riaz, who completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. We treat pain, nausea, fatigue and anxiety at every stage, not only at the end of life.
Used for: All stages, alongside active treatment
Learn more about chemotherapy at Premier Oncology and our full range of cancer treatment services.
Breast cancer treatment side effects depend on the therapy. Chemotherapy can cause fatigue, hair loss, nausea and a higher infection risk; hormone therapy can cause hot flashes and joint aches. Most side effects can be prevented or managed, and supportive care can be given at the same time as cancer treatment.
Our practice follows a biopsychosocial approach: we care for your physical health, emotional well-being and practical needs together. That includes anti-nausea medicine, management of fatigue and neuropathy, nutrition and exercise guidance, help with anxiety and depression, and clear communication with your family and caregivers.
You cannot prevent every breast cancer, but you can lower your risk and find it earlier. Get recommended mammograms, limit alcohol, stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Women at increased risk may benefit from genetic counseling, risk-reducing medicines such as tamoxifen, raloxifene or aromatase inhibitors, and, for some BRCA carriers, preventive surgery.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist
Dr. Naqvi brings years of experience treating a wide range of cancers, including breast cancer, with a focus on personalized medicine, patient advocacy and compassionate care. Patients describe her as thorough in explaining their cancer and treatment options.
Board-Certified Medical Oncologist & Palliative Care Specialist
Dr. Riaz specializes in medical oncology and completed a Palliative Medicine Fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. His training ensures patients receive cutting-edge cancer therapy while maintaining the highest possible quality of life.
Our oncology office is located at 410 West Grand Parkway South, Suite #4C, Katy, TX 77494, with easy access from I-10 and the Grand Parkway. Patients come to us for breast cancer treatment from Katy, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear, Richmond, Sugar Land, Memorial, the Energy Corridor, West Houston and communities throughout Greater Houston.
Hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM · Friday 8:30 AM–4:00 PM · Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM
Phone: 281-647-7766 · Fax: 281-647-7767 · Map & directions
Yes, many breast cancers are curable, especially when found early. When breast cancer is diagnosed before it spreads beyond the breast, the 5-year relative survival rate is above 99%. Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer is usually not curable, but modern treatments can control it for years while protecting quality of life.
Most stage 1 breast cancers are classified as localized, and the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is above 99%, according to the American Cancer Society. Your own outlook also depends on tumor grade, hormone receptor and HER2 status, age and overall health.
No. Many people with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer do not need chemotherapy. Genomic tests such as Oncotype DX help identify who will benefit. Chemotherapy is more often recommended for triple-negative, HER2-positive, larger or node-positive cancers.
It varies widely. Some hormone receptor-positive cancers grow slowly over years, while triple-negative, HER2-positive and inflammatory breast cancers can grow within weeks to months. That is why prompt evaluation of any new breast change is important.
A lumpectomy removes the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue while preserving the breast, and it is usually followed by radiation. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. For many early-stage cancers, lumpectomy with radiation offers the same long-term survival as mastectomy.
Chemotherapy commonly lasts about 3 to 6 months. Whole-breast radiation usually takes 1 to 4 weeks. HER2-targeted therapy is often given for about a year, and hormone therapy is typically taken for 5 to 10 years. Your oncologist will map out a timeline for your specific plan.
A medical oncologist diagnoses and stages breast cancer and treats it with medicines such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, HER2-targeted therapy, immunotherapy and targeted drugs. The medical oncologist also coordinates care with your surgeon and radiation oncologist and manages side effects and follow-up.
No. Most breast lumps are benign, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. However, any new lump or breast change should be checked by a doctor, and a biopsy is the only way to confirm whether cancer is present.
Yes. Men have a small amount of breast tissue and can develop breast cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates about 2,670 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. A painless lump under the nipple is the most common sign.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every 2 years for average-risk women ages 40 to 74. Women at higher risk, such as those with a BRCA mutation or a strong family history, may need to start earlier and add a yearly breast MRI.
Premier Oncology Consultants offers same-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients at our Katy office. Call 281-647-7766 to schedule.
Yes. A second opinion can confirm your diagnosis and stage or offer additional treatment options. Our oncologists regularly see patients from Katy, Memorial, Sugar Land and across Greater Houston for second opinions.
We accept most major insurance plans, including AARP, Aetna (most benefit plans), Aetna Medicare, Amerigroup Star Plus, Amerivantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Medicare Advantage PPO, UnitedHealthcare (most benefit plans), Tricare and TMHP. Self-pay patients are welcome. Call 281-647-7766 to verify your coverage.
Bring your imaging reports and biopsy results if you have them, a list of all medications and supplements, your insurance card, a list of questions, and a trusted family member or friend for support.
Sources
This page is for education only and does not replace medical advice from your own physician. Treatment decisions should be made with your care team based on your individual diagnosis.
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