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In cancer of the breast malignant cells are found in the breast tissues.
While breast cancer can occur in men, such occurances are rare. However, breast
cancer is the most common cancer in women, the second leading cause of cancer
death for all women (after lung cancer), and the leading cause of death in women
between the ages of 40 and 55.
If detected early, breast cancer can be treated effectively. In fact, about two
million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.
Types
The most common form of breast cancer is that of the ducts. Breasts have 15 to
20 sections called lobes. Each lobe has many smaller sections called lobules.
The ducts, tiny tubes that conduct fluids, connect the lobes and lobules.
Lobular cancer is that which begins in the lobes or lobules. It is more
frequently found in both breasts than other kinds of breast cancer.
Inflammatory breast cancer is much less common than duct or lobular breast
cancer. In this manifestation the breast is warm, swollen, and reddish in color.
Risk Factors
Approximately 5% to 10% of all breast cancer cases are thought to be caused by
hereditaty factors. Therefore women who have relatives with breast cancer may be
at greater risk of developing the disease. Tests are being developed to
determine who may be genetically predisposed to the development of cancer so
that preventative action can be taken before any cancer appears.
Risk increases as women age. The majority of breast cancer cases occur in women
over 50. However, younger women can also get breast cancer.
Research findings also suggest a link between hormonal contraceptive use and a
slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Some risk factors are related to a woman's personal history. Risk of developing
breast cancer is greater for women who:
* Start to menstruate at an early age (before 12)
* Have a late menopause (after 55)
* Have not had a child or have their first child after the age of 30
* Have lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), abnormal cells in the breast lobules
that doctors can detect in the breast
* Have had breast cancer before
However, every woman is at risk for breast cancer. Over 70 percent of cases
occur in women who have no identifiable risk factors.
If detected early (when the cancer is localized to the breast) five year
survival statistics are very good, therefore it is important to:
* Practice monthly breast self-exam.
* Have your health care provider perform a yearly breast examination.
* Have a regularly scheduled mammogram.
Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines:
The following are general guidelines suggested by the University of Pittsburgh
Cancer Institute.
Beginning at age 18 Perform monthly breast self-exam (BSE)
Age 20-35 : Monthly BSE + Have a health care professional check your breast
every year.
Age 35-40 : Monthly BSE + Breast exam by your health care provider yearly+ Have
your first mammogram
Age 40-50 : Monthly BSE + Breast exam by your health care provider yearly + Have
a mammogram every year
Age 50+ : Monthly BSE + Breast exam by your health care provided + Have a yearly
mammogram
Source :
http://www.womenscancercenter.com/info/types/breast.html