Types of Breast Cancer

September 4, 2025

Being told you have breast cancer can be scary but understanding the type you have can help you know what treatments your doctor might suggest. At Presbyterian Cancer Care, patients across New Mexico receive personalized breast cancer care, education, and support close to home. There are two main types of breast cancer: invasive and non-invasive. Each type has different subtypes that affect how the cancer grows and how it is treated.

Invasive Breast Cancer

This means the cancer has spread into nearby breast tissue. Some common types are:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):

  This means the cancer has spread from the milk ducts into the nearby fat of the breast. Some of the cancer has also spread into the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):

  The second most common type. It begins in the lobules, which are the parts of the breast that make milk.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC):

  A rare type that makes the breast look red and swollen.

• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC):

  A rare and fast-growing type that is harder to treat because it doesn't respond to some common medicines.

• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:

  This type has too much of a protein called HER2, and there are special treatments that target it.

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer (also called Carcinoma in Situ)

This means the cancer has not spread into nearby tissue. Types include:

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS):

  Cancer cells are found only in the milk ducts. They haven’t spread yet.

Every breast cancer diagnosis is different, and treatment depends on the type, stage, and individual patient needs. At Presbyterian Cancer Care, oncology specialists work closely with patients to create personalized treatment plans that may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or clinical trials.

Patients across New Mexico have access to a variety of breast cancer treatment options, screening, and support services designed to provide you care close to home.

Learn More About Breast Cancer Care at Presbyterian

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, talk with your care team about your specific cancer type and treatment options.

Visit phs.org/cancer to learn more about breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services available across New Mexico. To hear from one of our breast surgeons, please visit pres.support/bishop.