BREAST CANCER

Breast cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the breast tissue. The most common cancer in women is breast cancer. Almost one-third of all new cancers diagnosed in women are breast cancer.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

a non-painful lump located in the breast or in the armpit
discharge from the nipple
dimpling, change of color, or puckering of the skin of the breast
an abnormal density seen on a mammogram

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Forty-eight percent of new breast cancer occurs in women over the age of 65. In addition, the risk is higher in women who have the following conditions:

a personal or family history of breast cancer
early beginning of menstruation or late menopause
recent use of oral contraceptives or postmenopausal estrogens and progestins
never having children or having the first live birth after age 30 and
obesity

The best opportunity for reducing death from breast cancer is through early detection. If breast cancer is found early, before it can spread, it can be treated with an 80-90 percent 5-year survival rate. A clinical breast exam by a healthcare provider should be done every 2 to 3 years for women aged 20 to 39 years and annually for women 40 years and older.

Screening for breast cancer using mammography is recommended every year for women ages 40 and older. Mammography may be appropriate for women under 40 years of age who are at increased risk for breast cancer. All women aged 20 and older should regularly examine their breasts for new lumps or tender areas once a month. Any changes should be reported to her healthcare provider.

Evaluation of the lump found in the breast may include an ultrasound or biopsy, where a small piece of tissue is removed. The tissue is sent to the laboratory for evaluation and diagnosis. Other tests may be done to determine how to treat the abnormal lump.

Treatment options include:

lumpectomy -- local removal of the tumor and removal of the lymph nodes under the arm
mastectomy -- surgical removal of the breast and removal of the lymph nodes under the arm
radiation therapy
chemotherapy and
hormone therapy

Frequently two or more methods are used in combination.

For more information about breast cancer, contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER. Visit their websites at www.cancer.org and www.cancer.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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