Breast Cancer Health Article

Definition

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth and uncontrolled division of cells in the breast. Cancer cells invade and destroy surrounding normal tissue, and can spread throughout the body via blood or lymph fluid (clear fluid bathing body cells) to start a new cancer in another part of the body.

Description

Every woman is at risk for breast cancer and the disease was diagnosed more than 200,000 times in 2002 in the United States. When a woman lives to be 85, there is a one out of nine chance that she will develop the condition sometime during the rest of her life. As a woman ages, her risk of developing breast cancer rises dramatically regardless of her family history. The breast cancer risk of a 25-year-old woman is only one out of 19,608; by age 45, it is one in 93. In fact, 80% of all breast cancers are found in women over age 50.

Causes & symptoms

There are a number of risk factors for the development of breast cancer, including:

• family history of breast cancer in mother or sister
• early onset of menstruation and late menopause
• reproductive history (women who had no children or have children late in life and women who have never breastfed have increased risk)
• history of abnormal breast biopsies

However, more than 70% of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors. While a breast cancer gene was discovered in 1994, only about 5% of breast cancers are believed to be related to the gene.

In addition, some studies suggest that high fat diets, bottle feeding instead of breastfeeding, or consuming alcohol may contribute to the risk profile. Other aspects of nutrition and lifestyle in Western countries may be responsible for higher rates of breast cancer in our societies. For example, aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco and certain hydrocarbons in well-done meat may act as carcinogens. While some studies had suggested a link between hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) contributing to breast cancer, many did not take them seriously. However, a landmark study released in 2003 proved the risk was greater than thought. The Women's Health Initiative found that even relatively short-term use of estrogen plus progestin is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, diagnosis at a more advanced stage of the disease, and a higher number of abnormal mammograms. The longer a woman used HRT, the more her risk increased.

It is important to realize that not all lumps detected in the breast are cancerous. Many are benign and require

only the removal of the lump. While having several risk factors may boost a woman's chances of having breast cancer, the interplay of factors is complex. The best way to assess breast cancer risk is by doing monthly self examinations to detect any lump at an early stage. The second is to have a regular mammogram, an x ray of the front and side of the breast that will detect cysts or tumors at the earliest possible stage. Seeking risk assessment consultation at one of the many breast cancer centers located throughout the United States is also helpful.

Changes in the breast that may indicate breast cancer include:

• lump or thickening in breast or armpit
• changes in a nipple (thickening, pulling in, bleeding, or discharge)
• dimpled or reddened skin over the breast
• change in size or shape
• abnormality on a mammogram