Breast cancer is cancer that forms in breast tissue, most commonly the ducts and lobules, which are the tubes and glands involved with milk production. Aside from skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.
Significance
In the United States in 2009, the National Cancer Institute estimates there will be 192,370 women diagnosed with breast cancer, and 1,910 men will be diagnosed with the disease.
Risk Factors
Having a family or personal history of breast cancer, previous radiation to the chest, going through menopause after the age of 55, physical inactivity and being overweight after menopause are all risk factors for developing breast cancer.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or thickening in the breast, an inverted nipple, nipple discharge, changes in the skin on the breast such as pitting or inflammation and a change of breast shape.
Screening
Early detection is important because the earlier breast cancer is found, the more likely treatment is to work well. Monthly breast self-exams, yearly clinical breast exams by your doctor and, for women over 40 or younger women with strong risk factors, mammograms every 1 to 2 years.
Treatment
There are five kinds of standard treatment for breast cancer: surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. Your treatment plan may consist of one or more of these, depending on the type of breast cancer and the extent.
Famous Ties
Actresses Edie Falco and Christina Applegate, singers Melissa Etheridge and Sheryl Crow, former First Lady Betty Ford and activist Gloria Steinem have all been diagnosed with breast cancer.
