Breast Cancer

    Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

   Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2008:

	New cases: 182,460 (female); 1,990 (male)
	Deaths: 40,480 (female); 450 (male)

  Each year, millions of women learn that they have developed breast cancer. Despite most commonly being found in women, breast cancer can also be diagnosed in men. That is why breast cancer is often considered one of the most common types of all diagnosable cancers. Fortunately, you if you are diagnosed as having cancer, there are a number of treatment options that may help you become cancer free. However, before that can occur, you need to be diagnosed as having breast cancer.

  You may be at a risk of developing breast cancer if someone else in your immediate family has also been diagnosed with having it. Research is still being conducted on this; however, it is looking as if damaged cells, which may later account for breast cancer, are being passed down through family members.

  Your age may also increase your risk of developing breast cancer but it is important to remember that breast cancer can occur at just about any age. There are a group of men and women who are more at risk. Those individuals are likely over the age of fifty. That is why it is recommended that all women over the age of forty undergo a yearly mammogram. Until that age, a self breast exam, performed by yourself or by a healthcare professional, should be enough.

  If, at any point, you notice a lump in your breast or have unexplained breast pain, you are advised to seek medical assistance immediately. The sooner breast cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated and gone from your life, hopefully forever.

  What can I do?

   Starting at age  twenty, begin a monthly breast self examination. Then at age 35 to 39 have a baseline mammogram.

   Age 40 to 49 have a mammogram every one totwo years.

  After age  50 have a mammogram every year. Early detection is the best method to prevent the spread of breast cancer. maintaining a low fat diet high in vitamins and minerals is also suggested to help prevent breast cancer and other cancers too.

   Tests that examine the breasts are used to detect (find) and diagnose breast cancer.

   A doctor should be seen if changes in the breast are noticed. The following tests and procedures may be used:

   Mammography:  Is the process of using low-dose X-rays to examine the human breast. The goal of mammography is the early detection of breast cancer, typically through detection of characteristic masses and  microcalcifications. Mammography has been shown to reduce mortality from breast cancer. No other imaging technique has been shown to reduce risk, but breast self-examination  and physician examination are essential parts of regular breast care.

   Why I Should have a mammogram:

   In addition to monthly self- breast examinations and yearly examination by a physician, a mammogram is a vital part of a complete breast evaluation program.

   A mammogram can find breast cancer that is too small for you, your doctor or nurse to feel. Women owe it to themselves and their breast health to schedule a mmamogram.

   Biopsy:  The removal of cells or tissues so they can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist to check for signs of cancer. If a lump in the breast is found, the doctor may need to remove a small piece of the lump. Four types of biopsies are as follows:

   Excisional biopsy The removal of an entire lump of tissue.

   Incisional biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or a sample of tissue.

   Core biopsy: The removal of tissue using a wide needle.

    Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: The removal of tissue or fluid, using a thin needle.

  Breast Self-Exam:  A Breast Self Exam, is when you use your own hands to feel unusual lumps. It is normal for your breast to feel a little lumpy, specially if you are pregnant, it also may you feel if you have your period, or going through menopause.

 when you do a breast self-exam you are looking for a lump or change that stands out as different from the rest of your breast tissue. If you find a lump or other change in your breast, either during breast self-exam or by chance, you should examine the other breast. If both breasts feel the same, the lumpiness is probably normal. As you get to know your breasts better by doing breast self-exams, you should be able to tell the difference between your normal lumpiness and what may be a change.

  Besides a lump or swelling, other changes in your breast might be 

-Skin irritation or dimpling 
-Nipple pain or retraction

-Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin

-A discharge other than breast milk.
                            

   Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

   The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:

• The stage of the cancer (the size of the tumor and whether it is in the breast only or has spread to lymph nodes or other places in the body).
• The type of breast cancer.
• Estrogen-receptor and progesterone-receptor levels in the tumor tissue.
• Whether the cells have high levels of human epidermal growth factor type 2 receptors (HER2/neu).
• How fast the tumor is growing.
• A woman’s age, general health, and menopausal status (whether a woman is still having menstrual periods).
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back). 
   

  Treatments: Breast cancer treatments can be local or systemic.

  1.Local treatments are used to remove, destroy or control the cancer cells in a specific area, such as the breast.

   They are:  Surgery and Radiation therapy .

  The choice of which type of surgery is based on a number of factors, including the size and location of the tumor, the type of tumor and the person's overall health and personal wishes.

  2.Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells all over the body.

   They are: Chemotherapy , Hormone therapy , and Biological Therapy.

    The cancer is staged, using the information from surgery and from other tests.

  Staging in breast cancer is based on the size of the tumor, which parts of the breast are involved, how many and which lymph nodes are affected, and whether the cancer has metastasized to another part of the body.