Topic of the Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is Breast Cancer?
It is a type of cancer where the cells in the breast tissue divide and grow without normal control. About 80% of breast cancers originate in the mammary ducts, and about 20% arise in the lobules of the breast. Cancerous tumors in the breast usually grow slowly, so by the time one is large enough to be felt as a lump, it may have been growing for as long as ten years. In the U.S. in 2007 there are estimated to be 178,480 (female) and 2,030 (male) new diagnoses of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer for women, aside from skin cancer.

What is advanced breast cancer?
Breast cancer is considered advanced when it has spread from its original site to distant areas of the body. Physicians will look at a number of factors to determine the stage of breast cancer, including tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread to other areas of the body. Once the stage of the disease is determined, there are two different ways advanced breast cancer can be classified: locally advanced or metastatic.

What is locally advanced breast cancer?
The term locally advanced breast cancer indicates that the cancer is large (greater than 2 inches) or may have spread to other nearby tissue, such as underarm lymph nodes. Locally advanced breast cancer is considered Stage III, and if it is operable, it is referred to as Stage IIIA.

What is metastatic breast cancer?
The term metastatic breast cancer indicates that the cancer has spread from the breast to other parts of the body such as bone, lung, liver, or brain.

What is benign breast tissue?
Benign breast tissue is the term generally used to describe a number of benign (non-cancerous) conditions that can affect the breast. Some cause discomfort or pain and require treatment, while others are of little concern and need no medical attention. Some of the more common benign breast diseases are hyperplasia, cysts, and fibroadenomas. Hyperplasia is the excessive accumulation of cells. It is usually found inside of the lobules or ducts. There are two main types usual and atypical. Both raise the risk of breast cancer, though atypical does so at a greater degree. Cysts are fluid filled sacs that are almost benign. Often they can be left alone or if painful the fluid can be drained. Fibroadenomas are most common in younger women. In older women they are generally removed to be certain they are not cancerous.

Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer in men is rare but, does happen. The most common symptoms of male breast cancer include a lump in the chest area, skin dimpling or puckering, or nipple changes. Several factors increase a man’s risk of getting breast cancer. These include: getting older, have family members (male or female) with breast cancer, having your chest area exposed to radiation treatment, chronic liver disorder, and having a genetic condition such as Klinefelter’s syndrome.

Risk factors for breast cancer
The most common risk factors are: sex, age, personal history, family history, genetics, and use of estrogen (it does not cause breast cancer, it may stimulate the growth of cancer cells), lifestyle choices (poor diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking).
Coping with breast cancer diagnosis


Being diagnosed with cancer can stir up a wide range of emotions, from denial to guilt, helplessness, anxiety, and fear. This is the time to build a strong support network of your family and friends and to make time to share your feelings with others. It is also helpful to maintain as normal a routine as possible. One of the first things you should do is educate yourself about breast cancer. Get information about clinical trials, treatment options, and side effects. In addition, talking to your doctor is one of the most important things you can do. Talk openly and honestly with your doctor will help you gain trust and confidence. It will also help you work together as a team to make important treatment decisions in the future.


For additional information see your health care provider or visit the following web sites; www.komen.org and www.acs.org, search each site for breast cancer.

SAGE Program from Minnesota Department of Health (http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/hpcd/ccs/mbcccp.htm)
• Free mammograms for women 40 years old or older, if the woman has no insurance or are underinsured, or if income is within SAGE guidelines.
• Check out the website or call the Alexandria Clinic for more information.

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Alexandria Clinic, P.A.
610 30th Avenue West Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-5123 or 1-800-646-4220

Osakis Medical Clinic
811 3rd Avenue East Osakis, MN 56360
(320) 859-3038 or 1-800-989-3038

This site is intended for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.
Copyright 2008 Alexandria Clinic, P.A.  This page was last updated November, 2009.