Breast Cancer Information
Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without the usual controls on cell death and cell division
There is no definitive answer to what causes breast cancer but scientists do have a theory. Scientists believe that breast cancer is caused by a combination of both known and unknown factors including genetics, lifestyle choices, and reproductive factors
There are many signs of breast cancer but they are not the same for all women. Some signs and symptoms are:
- A lump, hard knot or thickening
- Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening
- Change in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
- Pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast
- Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
- New pain in on spot
The most common symptoms of male breast cancer include a lump in the chest area, skin dimpling or puckering or nipple changes
All women are at risk of breast cancer
The two most significant risk factors are being female and getting older. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors
Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer in men are:
- A genetic condition such as Klinefelter’s syndrome that is associated with high estrogen levels
- Family members (male or female) with breast cancer
- Chronic liver disorders, alcoholism and obesity
- Getting older
To reduce the chances of breast cancer, Susan G. Komen recommends the following screening guidelines:
- Mammograms every year starting at the age of 40
- Women under 40 with a family history of breast cancer should talk to a health care provider because screening tests may be needed more often and/or started earlier
- Clinical breast exams by a health care provider at least every 3 years starting at age 20
- Breast self exams every month starting at age 20
The American Cancer Society estimates that:
- 182,460 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women during 2008
- 40,480 women will die from breast cancer
- 1,990 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer
- 450 men will die of breast cancer during 2008
The overall ratio of female to male breast cancer in the U.S. is 100 to 1