Breast Cancer Facts

Breast cancer facts - the more prepared you will be to deal with the disease. Cancer can seem like an overwhelming medical issue. There are treatments to consider, doctors and specialists to contact, and a long fight ahead of you. Learning about your disease can help it feel more manageable.

With breast cancer, information really is your best weapon.

That said, first off, it's important to know what cancer is.

Cancer is, basically, unrestricted cell division. The cells within your body divide a certain number of times during your lifetime. 52 times, normally, to be exact. After the cell has divided so many times, your body tells it to stop.

Normal cells will stop. Cancer cells, however, ignore the "stop" command and keep dividing. They multiply rapidly, causing a tumor, or a lump of cells in your body. The tumor can spread throughout your body and to your major organs-that's where the real danger is.

Breast cancer, specifically, is cancer of the breast. The breast region includes the breast tissue itself, as well as underarm tissue.

While the disease overwhelmingly affects women, breast cancer can affect men, too.

Early Symptoms

Breast cancer is usually first discovered as an unfamiliar lump in the breast. The lump can be found by doing a self-breast exam, or by having a mammogram at a hospital.

Having regular mammograms is a great way to catch cancer early on. Cancer is very treatable in its early stages.

Here are more breast cancer symptoms:

• a lump or thickened tissue in the breast or underarm area
• change in nipple texture
• breast and nipple tenderness
• a nipple pointing inward, towards the breast
• scaly or textured skin on or around the breast
• nipple discharge

Pay attention to how your breast or nipple feels, and how it looks. Any changes you find could be a disease, and maybe even breast cancer. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes.

Are You at Risk?

Breast cancer statistics can be misleading. Statistics say that one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. However, this does not take into account risk factors for specific women, nor does it explain that a "lifetime" is 95 years.

Regardless of that statistic, the National Cancer Institute estimates that over 190,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2009.

That's still a large number.

"There are certain risk factors that may increase your chances of having breast cancer.

These include:

• Family history - if a close blood relative (mother, sister, daughter) had breast cancer
• Personal history - if you had breast cancer in one breast, you have a higher chance of getting it in the other
• Age - most cases of breast cancer occur after age 60 and after menopause
• Genetics - changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
• Abnormal cells - cells shaped differently than normal breast cells
• Menstrual and reproductive times - when you started and stopped your menstrual cycle, as well if and when you had children
• Breast density - higher density means a greater risk
• Radiation therapy - radiation therapy on or near your chest or breasts before age 30
• DES (diethylstilbestrol) - if you have taken this pregnancy drug (given between 1940 and 1971), you might be at a slightly higher risk
• Inactivity
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Obesity after menopause

When to Consult Your Doctor

If you notice any of the aforementioned changes in the look and feel of your breast, you should talk to your doctor. This is especially true if you also have the risk factors mentioned above.

Pay attention to your body, and note any changes. Make sure to go for routine screenings, and stay healthy. This is your best bet when it comes to staying cancer-free.

Written and edited by Natalie Thomas
7/28/09