According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer will affect one in eight women in their lifetime and is the second most common cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, although men do get breast cancer, they only account for 1 percent of all cases. The chances of a woman developing the cancer increase with age. The stage and type of cancer help determine treatment and prognosis.
Types
There are several types of breast cancer, each categorized according to where it starts. Ductal carcinoma in-situ starts in the inside of the ductal system and is considered early breast cancer. Another type of breast cancer is infiltrating ductal carcinoma, which according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, is the most common type of breast cancer. Other types include infiltrating lobular carcinoma, which starts in the lobes, and inflammatory, which is aggressive and rare.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. However, there are risk factors which increase the chance of developing the disease. Having a close blood relative, such as a mother or sister with breast cancer increases a woman's risk. Gene changes or mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increases the chance of developing the cancer. Reaching menopause after age 55 is also considered a risk factor because of the increase in exposure to estrogen.
Symptoms
One of the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump, either in the breast or under the arm. Some types of breast cancer may also cause pain in the breast and discharge from the nipple, including blood. Inflammatory breast cancer may cause additional symptoms, such as itching and swelling or the breast feeling warm..
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the type and stage of the cancer. Surgery will usually be required. A lumpectomy saves the breast and removes the tumor. A mastectomy which removes the entire breast and sometimes lymph nodes and the chest wall muscle may be recommended depending on the size and stage of the cancer. Chemotherapy is often given to kill remaining cancer cells. It may be given in cycles over the course of months and is taken either orally or intravenously. Hormone therapy, such as with Tamoxifen is used for women whose cancer is estrogen-receptive. The Tamoxifen helps reduce the effects of the estrogen and is taken for 5 years. Radiation therapy can also used.
Early Detection
While it may not be possible to prevent breast cancer from developing, it may be possible to find it early which increases the chances of survival substantially. The American Cancer Society recommends women over age 40 have a yearly mammogram. A clinical breast exam should be performed by a nurse or doctor every 3 years for women in the twenties and thirties. Since the chances of developing cancer increase with age, women in their forties and older should have a yearly clinical breast exam. Monthly self breast exams should also be performed by all women.
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