Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month so get ready to don your pink in support of those lost to breast cancer; those fighting the disease; and those who have beat it. Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and conducting monthly self-exams is vital to understanding your body and hopefully recognizing a potential problem before it worsens. Breast cancer is a life threatening disease, but the scientific and medical communities, with growing public support, are making significant gains in educating women so that diagnosis at the earliest stage of the disease is a possibility. This October, the players in National Football League (NFL) will wear pink gloves, wrist bands, and shoes to show their support. Join the NFL and show your support and recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is cancer affecting the breast tissue. While the disease typically affects women, breast cancer can develop in men. Ductal carcinoma and Lobular carcinoma are the primary types of breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer and it begins in the tubes or ducts of the breast. Lobular carcinoma is cancer that begins in the lobules of the breast. Rarely, breast cancer may originate in areas of the breast other than the ducts or lobules.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Education is your greatest asset in understanding and recognizing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Giving yourself monthly breast exams will help you to identify any changes in your breast that may point to possible disease. Should you experience changes in the texture, shape, size or color of the skin of your breast, abnormal discharge from the nipple, or a change in the appearance of the nipple, contact your physician. Finding a lump in the breast and experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms may point to breast cancer.

What causes breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease which affects both men and women. Women are significantly more likely to develop breast cancer. Women age 50 or older are at increased risk; and African American women are at a greater risk than Caucasian women of developing cancer of the breast prior to entering menopause. While the exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, the medical and scientific communities believe that the disease may be caused by the hormone estrogen, high levels of radiation, high fat diets, obesity, and consumption of alcohol on a daily basis.

What are risk factors for developing breast cancer?

Today, 13 percent of women will develop breast cancer and 75 percent of those women will have "no known risk factors". Factors increasing the risk that someone will develop breast cancer include: personal history of breast cancer, family history (immediate or distant), genetics, presence or history of atypical breast tissue, having children after age 35, beginning menstruation before age 12, entering menopause after age 55, family history of other gynecological cancers (ovarian, cervical, or uterine), being of Eastern or Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, being Caucasian, and having a history of hormone replacement therapy.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

After discussing your symptoms, your physician will conduct a physical examination of the breast, neck, and surrounding area. Your doctor may also use imaging and biopsy. The use of mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, biopsy of the breast tissue or lymph node, computed tomography (CT) scan, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan will help your doctor understand the nature of your symptoms and determine whether or not breast cancer is present. Should testing reveal that cancer is present, additional testing of the breast will tell you and your physician the stage of the cancer and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the breast and surrounding tissue. Understanding the stage of the cancer will help you and your doctor determine the best course of action.

How is breast cancer treated?

Your doctor will take various factors into consideration when discussing treatment options available to you. Your physician will consider the stage and nature of the cancer, your level of health, and the treatment options that you favor. In order to remove the cancer, prevent its spread, and best ensure that it will not return, you may undergo surgery, chemotherapy, hormone treatment, or biological treatment

Be informed, be supported

Increased breast cancer awareness has launched public campaigns to better educate men and women about the disease. The breast cancer awareness campaigns have improved technology and information leading to the early diagnosis and the availability of the best treatment options to fight breast cancer. If you or your loved one believes that they are experiencing signs or symptoms of breast cancer, obtaining medical attention is vital. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer or has suffered from the disease in the past, reach out. There is a wide network of breast cancer support services at your disposal and making use of them will help you to remain educated, informed, hopeful, and supported. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, wear your pink and show your support for those who have breast cancer, have been lost to the disease, have lost loved ones to the disease, and who are hoping and struggling for a world without breast cancer.

References

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. dBTechNo. http://www.dbtechno.com/health/2009/09/26/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness-month/

Breast Cancer. Google Health. https://www.google.com/health/ref/Breast+cancer

Breast Cancer. Mayo Clinic. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/DS00328

Treatments for Breast Cancer. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-treatment

Breast Cancer Resources. WebMD. http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-resources