Breast cancer are the two words no female/male ever wants to hear. The fear and anxiety associated with breast cancer is very profound. According to the National Cancer Institute, new cases in the U.S. in 2009 were 192,370 (female) and 1,910 (male). Deaths 40,170 (females) 440 (males). Symptoms to look for are: a new lump that is hard and painless, skin irritation or dimpling, thickened nipples and anything else that is abnormal in your breast. Call your doctor. You will want to know which state it is in and how he will treat it.
Stages and Grades of Cancer
The stage determines the size of a tumor, where it is and how deeply it has spread. Doctors must know the stage of the breast cancer in order to decide what treatment is recommended. The stage is based on the size and extent of the tumor, number of nodes involved and whether it has spread. The grade describes how the cancer cells look. This aids the doctor in determining how fast the cancer may grow and spread. Pathologists grade cancer from 1-3. Grade 3 diagnosed at an early stage has a better prognosis that grade 1 that isn't diagnosed until after it spreads. Stage is more important than grade.
Metastasis
The first place cancer is found is called the primary site. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. The lymph nodes under the arm nearest the affected breast is usually the first place breast cancer spreads. It can spread as far as the liver. Relating to incidence and mortality, according to SEER from 2002-2006, the median age at diagnosis for breast cancer is 61 years of age and mortality median age is 68 years of age.
Causes and Prevention
The Health Professor indicates that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer over her lifetime. Age and gender: Advanced cases are found in women over 50. Family history: About 20-30 percent of women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease. There are many other causes.
Prevention: Early detection is the key. That's why self breast examinations are very important every month. Any unusual findings should be reported to your doctor immediately.
