This article will provide a brief overview of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most feared illnesses among women. This fear is
valid considering that breast cancer ranks second in deaths caused by cancer.
Fortunately within the last 30 years, many women, physicians, and organizations
have increased breast cancer awareness. They provide an abundance of
information in the form of pamphlets and radio spots. The purpose of
information is to encourage women to regularly examine their breast for
abnormalities. Self-examinations should be done monthly. In addition, women
over the age of 30 should make a habit of having yearly mammograms, which are
designed to detect cancerous cells in the breast.
What is Breast Cancer?
Within the United States,
breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is estimated that over
100,000 women are diagnosed annually with breast cancer. This number does not
include the millions of women who are diagnosed during previous years. Although
breast cancer is primarily a woman's disease, men may also develop the illness.
Male breast cancer is rare; however there are nearly 1,000 new cases each year.
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to develop in the breast.
Ordinarily, our bodies contain healthy cells which are intended to protect us
from infections, viruses, and so forth. Occasionally, healthy cells divide to
form new healthy cell. In rare instances, the cells divide unnecessarily. An
overgrowth of healthy cells and abnormal cells will result in a tumor, or lump
on the breast. When a lump is caused by an overgrowth of cells, the tumor is
benign (non-cancerous). However, when a lump is the result of the development
of abnormal cells, the tumor is malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumors are non-life threatening and will not pose a health threat. In
most cases, physicians recommend removing the tumor. Rarely does a benign tumor
return. Still, the patient will likely undergo close monitoring to ensure that
additional tumors do not develop.
Malignant tumors are life-threatening, and require immediate treatment.
Cancerous tumors that are left untreated may spread to the surround tissues and
organs. Cancer cells that spread to the lymph nodes and bloodstream are allowed
to travel throughout the body. The more widespread the cancer, the more
difficult it is to cure. Breast cancer may spread to any part of the body
including the liver, lungs, bones, and brain. Malignant tumors may progress
rapidly, thus regular exams are vital.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Stage I: Early stage of breast cancer in which the tumor is
less than 1 inch. The cancer is found in only one breast and has not spread to
surrounding tissues and organs
Stage II: Early stage of breast cancer in which the tumor
is less than 1 inch, but has spread to nearby lymph node located under the
armpit, or the tumor is 1 to 2 inches and has not spread to lymph nodes.
Stage III: Advanced stage of breast cancer in which the
tumor is larger than 2 inches and has spread to the lymph nodes. In stage 3,
the cancer may have spread to surrounding tissues located near the breast
Stage IV: Advanced stage of breast cancer in which
cancerous cells spread to other organs such as the bones, lungs, liver, and
Breast cancer may occur in any woman regardless of age or nationality.
Mistakenly, many women believe that breast cancer is caused by a gene. They
reason that if no other woman in their family has breast cancer, they are
immune to the illness. However, several women without a family history of
breast cancer, or any other form of cancer, develop the illness. Similar to
other illnesses, cancer is random and can affect anyone at anytime during their
life. Nonetheless, there are factors that may increase a woman's chance of
developing breast cancer. These include:
Person history of
breast cancer (women treated for breast cancer may have a recurrence of
the illness, or cancer may spread to the other breast)
Family history of
breast cancer, or any other type of cancer
Altered gene (some
women contain a hereditary defected gene that increases the odds of
developing breast cancer)
Other factors that place a woman at risk of developing breast cancer is
being over the age of 50. Breast cancer rarely occurs in women under the age of
35 – but it is possible. On average, women who are diagnosed at an early age
have a strong family history of breast cancer. This consists of having several
close family members diagnosed with breast cancer, perhaps a mother or sibling.
Researchers have concluded that long-term exposure to estrogen may cause a
variety of cancers. Thus, women who begin early menstruation are also at great
risk. Having children later in life is another risk factor. Late childbearing
consists of having one's first child pass the age of 30. Lastly, women who
abuse alcohol have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Unlike other cancers that have several tell-tale signs, breast cancer has
few symptoms. The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump or hard area
anywhere on the breast. Some women also experience a change in breast size or
nipple discharge. Women who detect a lump, regardless of size, should see a
doctor. In many cases, mysterious lumps are caused by cyst or benign tumors.
Still, breast cancer is a serious illness. The worst thing a woman can do is
ignore any sign of breast cancer.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Ultrasounds are very effective for diagnosing breast cancer. When an
abnormality is detected, these machines allow doctors to examine lumps in order
to determine whether it contains a mass or filled with fluid. If the lump
contains fluid, it is not cancerous. If the lump is solid, the patient will
need to undergo further testing. A biopsy is necessary for determining if a
lump is cancerous. During a biopsy, a tissue sample from the lump is removed
with a needle, and examined by a pathologist. After examining the lump, a
pathologist is able to conclude whether the mass is benign or malignant. Benign
lumps are generally surgically removed without further treatment. If cancerous
cells are present, the patient must begin immediate treatment.
Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer.
Prior to surgery, oncologist must determine the stage of cancer. This
information will greatly affect the recommended treatment. In the early stages,
the patient may undergo a lumpectomy to remove the cancerous tumor. Lymph nodes
under the arm may also be removed. In cases of advanced breast cancer, the
patient will likely undergo a mastectomy. This surgery is intended to remove
the entire breast. Post-surgery, patients may receive radiation therapy
(high energy rays to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells), and chemotherapy
(drug intended to kill cancer cell) to kill any remaining cancer cells, and
prevent the development of new ones.