Breast
cancer is one of the most common types of cancers affecting
women with approximately 180,000 new cases developed each
year in the United States. The disease can also occur in
men although it accounts for less than one in 100 breast
cancer cases. Up to one in 10 cases of breast cancer is
linked to an abnormal gene, and several of these genes have
now been identified.
What
are the Causes?
The
underlying cause of breast cancer is unclear. However some
of the risk factors that have been identified suggest the
female hormone estrogen is an important factor in the development
and progress of the disease.
Risk
factors
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Women
who begin menstruating before age 11 |
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Having
a child after age 30 |
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Obesity,
particularly in older women, because excess body fat
causes an increase in estrogen levels |
| • |
Post-menopausal
women who take hormone replacement therapy for more
than 10 years |
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A
close relative who has had breast cancer after age 45,
you have a slightly increased risk |
What
are the symptoms?
It
is very unusual for breast cancer to produce symptoms in
the early stages. Although the below symptoms most often
result from non-cancerous conditions, if you experience
any of them you should consult an internist.
When
do Symptoms do Occur
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•
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A
lump in the breast which is usually painless and may
be situated deep in the breast or just under the skin |
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Dimpling
of the skin area of the lump that looks like an orange
peel |
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•
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Inversion
of the nipple |
| • |
A
blood-stained nipple discharge |
How
is it diagnosed?
You
should conduct self breast examines regularly to look for
lumps and other abnormalities. But screening for breast
cancer is done through a mammogram, which enables tumors
to be detected before symptoms have appeared. Although mammograms
are reliable, it may not detect every case, and it is therefore
important to continue to do self breast examinations regularly.
If breast cancer has been diagnosed and confirmed, further
tests will be done to find out whether the cancer is sensitive
to estrogen and to see if the cancer has spread. Certain
blood tests would be done to see if the cancer has spread
to the liver, chest X-rays may be arranged to look for evidence
of the cancer spreading to the lungs, and a bone scan may
be done to find out whether the bones have been affected.
How
is it treated?
The
treatment for breast cancer depends on whether the cancer
is effecting one area or if it has spread throughout the
body. Once a full assessment has been made, your internist
will discuss treatment options with you.
Treatment
may be one or a combination of the following:
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Surgery
(removal of the cancer tumor) |
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Radiation
therapy |
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Chemotherapy
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Hormone
therapy |
