Breast Cancer Must Knows
 Breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality affecting women today. It is documented as the second most common type of cancer in women and the second leading cancer-related cause of death.
Breast cancer is defined as the abnormal proliferation of malignant cells originating from the ducts and lobes. The abnormal growth may be confined to a specific area, most commonly to the upper outer quadrant of the left breast, or may spread to adjacent areas of the body (metastasis).
Cancer of the breast is commonly associated with nulliparity (no child) or having the first child after the age of 35. The risk of having breast cancer increases with age and longer exposure to estrogen. Other factors such as familial history, number of menstrual cycles (menarche or first menstruation before the age of 12, menopause after the age of 55) also predispose an individual to this type of cancer. Estrogen replacement therapy, obesity, high fat, a selenium-deficient diet, and alcohol are factors considered to contribute to the risk of developing this type of malignancy.
The hallmark symptom of breast cancer is the presence of a painless, palpable, irregularly-shaped and fixed mass on the outer upper quadrant of the breast. Other associated symptoms are breast asymmetry, abnormal nipple discharge, change in the color and dimpling of the skin over the lesion (called peau d’orange or orange peel look, seen during the late stage), nipple inversion, and enlargement of axillary lymph nodes.
Diagnostic tests used to confirm this malignancy are mammography, which will reveal the presence of non-palpable lesions, and tissue biopsy. Baseline mammography must be made between 35-40 and yearly thereafter if you have a breast cancer-positive family history.
Treatment modalities for breast cancer include surgical removal of the lump itself, the whole breast including the surrounding tissues, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Breast reconstruction may also be done to improve self-image.
As a general preventive measure, it is important for women to do a regular self-breast examination monthly, seven days after menstruation. Self-breast examination helps women become familiar with their breasts (lump, asymmetry, nipple discharge) and recognize any change immediately. This exam can be done lying down with a pillow under the breast being examined or standing in front of the mirror and slowly palpating each breast clockwise or counter-clockwise to feel for any lump or mass. Breast cancer is a treatable disease. There is a good prognosis for early detected mass.
 December 23, 2009
 Tags: breast cancer, breast cancer blog, breast cancer org, breast cancer organizations, sign of breast cancer Posted in: earlysymptoms
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