subject: Breast Cancer Causes and Symptoms and Risk and Treatment for Breast Cancer [print this page] Breast Cancer Causes and Symptoms and Risk and Treatment for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a malignant tumor forms from cells within the breast. It occurs most frequently in women, however, men can develop breast cancer, although much less frequently. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women, aside from skin cancer.
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Causes of Breast Cancer
Although Janet Lane-Claypon performed the first scientific analysis of breast cancer epidemiology throught the mid-1920s, we still do not know exactly what causes breast cancer. We know that all cancers are considered to result from damage caused to the DNA. Thee mutation of DNA is known to have occurred from exposure to radiation, estrogen hormones, dietary influences, geographical location, and a variety of other inconclusively related factors. The majority of breast cancer causes remain unknown which unfortunately limits our ability to find a cure. Breast cancer risks increase with age, as women who live to be 90 have a one in seven chance of getting breast cancer. Women who have family history of breast cancer are also more likely to experience mutation.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early symptoms of breast cancer are painless, making it difficult to diagnose in early stages. This is why regular mammograms are so important. A lump under the arm or above the collarbone that does not go away is one sign. Other symptoms include breast discharge, changes in skin, and nipple inversion.
Treatments of Breast Cancer
Surgery
Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy), mastectomy, and lymph node dissection, and what to expect from each.
Building Long-Term Health
Why it's so important to stick to your treatment plan, take the full course of medications, and continue with regular tests and doctors' visits to keep yourself healthy into the future.
Tests on your cancer cells
Your breast cancer cells can be tested to see if they have hormone receptors' or biological therapy receptors. There are oestrogen receptors and progesterone receptors.
Simple mastectomy. During a simple mastectomy, your surgeon removes all your breast tissue - the lobules, ducts, fatty tissue and skin, including the nipple and areola.
Reconstruction with a tissue flap. Known as a transverse rectus abdominal muscle (TRAM) flap, this surgery reconstructs your breast using tissue, including fat and muscle, from your abdomen, although surgeons.
