The curves of femininity include lush lips, rounded hips, and, most notably, a woman’s breasts. Packed with milk ducts, the breasts serve to feed the newborn, yet style tends to supersede function. Deeply instilled in a woman’s self-image, it can be particularly devastating if breast cancer develops. On average, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast Cancer Source and Frequency
Breasts are composed of three main types of tissue. Lobules are glands that produce milk. The milk is then carried through ducts to the nipple. Connective tissue that holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.
Although only about 1% of a woman’s body mass, the breast is the most common site for cancer in a woman (excluding skin). In 2016, the incidence of new breast cancer diagnosed in Mississippi was 121 per 100,000 population. In comparison, the next two most common, lung and colorectal, clocked in at 58 and 40, meaning breast cancer was more common than the next three types of cancer combined.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Multiple risk factors affect the likelihood of a woman developing breast cancer. It strikes women older than 55 twice as often as those who are younger. A family history, particularly a first degree relative such as a mother, sister, or daughter, having had breast cancer doubles the woman’s risk. Certain genes have been linked with cancer. Having had cancer in one breast greatly increases the chances of developing it in the other.
Other risk factors include women who’ve been exposed to large doses of radiation, such as those who’ve had treatment for other cancers. Female hormones increase the risks, so women who are obese, take hormonal supplements, began having periods at a young age, or continued having periods late into life, are all at increased risk. Having a child at a younger age and having breast fed statistically reduces the risk, while never having had a child increases that risk. Alcohol consumption has also been found to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Detection
The key to treatment is early detection. Tumors found when less than a centimeter, about a third of an inch, have a 7% mortality. If treatment isn’t started before the tumor reaches 3 inches, mortality is about 60%. Thus, it’s important for a woman to do self-examination frequently, and keep regular appointments with her doctor.
The most important sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. Other signs include a change in the size or shape of the breast, notably dimpling, an inverted nipple, or skin changes such as redness or pitting. Not all lumps are cancer, in fact, most will be benign, such as cysts or scar tissue. If a lump is found, a doctor will likely order a mammogram and perhaps a needle biopsy.
The American Cancer Society makes the following recommendations:
Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms (x-rays of the breast) if they wish to do so.
Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.
Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screening.
Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 more years or longer.
All women should be familiar with the known benefits, limitations, and potential harms linked to breast cancer screening.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Once breast cancer has been found, the treatment will depend on how far it has advanced. Small self-contained lumps, so called cancer-in-situ, might be cured with simple surgical excision. Because breast cancer tends to spread through the lymphatic system, the surgeon may biopsy or remove some of the lymph nodes on the upper chest and into the armpit to have those checked for cancer.
Once the cancer has spread, two other modalities come into play: radiation and chemotherapy. Radiation might be localized to the chest to try to kill any stray cells missed with surgery or might be administered to other parts of the body where the cancer has metastasized. Chemotherapy involves taking poisons that kill multiplying cells, typical of cancers. In breast cancer, certain hormonal treatments have proven successful.
The Value of Screening
Breast cancer is one of the slower growing cancers, so that even though breast cancer is more common in women than lung cancer, more women die of the faster growing lung cancer, and die sooner. The most important factor in mortality is the size of the tumor on diagnosis, and whether it has spread. Improved screening tests and treatment options mean about 8 out of 10 women with breast cancer will survive at least 10 years after initial diagnosis.
To prevent the terrible consequences of breast cancer, all women should be diligent about self-examination and having scheduled mammograms. Keep a healthy weight, avoid excessive alcohol, and see your doctor for regular checkups.
Risk factors for Breast Cancer:
· Age greater than 55
· First degree family history (mother, sister, daughter)
· Certain gene types
· Prior breast cancer
· Radiation exposure
· Hormonal supplementation
· Never having had a child, or having the first one late in life.
· Early onset of periods and late onset of menopause
· Obesity
· High alcohol consumption
