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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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