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Breast Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments

Updated/Revised Date: 2023-01-28
Author: Disabled World | Contact: Disabled World (Disabled-World.com)
Additional References: Breast Cancer Publications

Synopsis: Information on breast cancer, including current treatment options and new discoveries for breast cancer cures. In the United States, Breast Cancer is the form of cancer that women get most, except for skin cancer. Breast Cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from cancer for women in America. Men can get breast cancer as well, and about one thousand seven hundred men will be diagnosed each year; four hundred and fifty will die from it.

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Definition

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease in which specific cells in the breast become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor. Although breast cancer is much more common in women, this form of cancer can also develop in men. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, a newly inverted nipple, or a red or scaly patch of skin. Breast cancer most commonly presents as a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. More than 80% of cases are discovered when a person detects such a lump with the fingertips. In those with a distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women after skin cancer. A small percentage of all breast cancers cluster in families. These cancers are described as hereditary and are associated with inherited gene mutations. Hereditary breast cancers tend to develop earlier in life than noninherited (sporadic) cases, and new (primary) tumors are more likely to develop in both breasts. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, possibly before it has spread.

Main Document

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the lining of the milk ducts (thin tubes that carry milk from the breast's lobules to the nipple). Another type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma, which begins in the breast's lobules (milk glands). Invasive breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread from where it began in the breast ducts or lobules to surrounding normal tissue.

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) has included Breast Cancer with distant metastases or inoperable or resectable as a Compassionate Allowance to expedite a disability claim.

No woman wants to hear this diagnosis from their doctor, but should you find yourself facing a breast cancer diagnosis, understand that it doesn't always mean the end. A breast cancer diagnosis can be the beginning of learning how to obtain facts, knowledge, hope and how to fight this disease.

In the United States, Breast Cancer is the form of cancer that women get most, except for skin cancer. Breast Cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from cancer for women in America. Estimates suggest that every year, almost two-hundred thousand women will face a breast cancer diagnosis; more than forty-thousand of these women will die.

Male Breast Cancer

Educational efforts have raised awareness among men, and more needs to be done. Men also get Breast Cancer, and about one thousand seven hundred men will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer each year; of them, four hundred and fifty will die from it. Evaluation of men with Breast Cancer is very similar to the evaluation methods used for women, including mammography imaging techniques.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. Some warning signs of breast cancer are:

 

 

Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms that worry you, be sure to see your doctor right away.

In those with distant spread of the disease, bone pain may be swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Some factors may increase your risk for Breast Cancer. If you have dense breast tissue, which may be identified through a mammogram, or have had past radiation therapy - these are risk factors for Breast Cancer. A history of hormone treatments like progesterone or estrogen, or gene changes including BRCA1 and BRCA2 or others; are risk factors as well.

Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics

Women may reduce their risk of breast cancer by maintaining a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, being physically active, and breastfeeding their children. These modifications might prevent 38% of breast cancers in the US, 42% in the UK, 28% in Brazil, and 20% in China. The benefits of moderate exercise such as brisk walking are seen in all age groups, including postmenopausal women. Marine omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids appear to reduce the risk.

In the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. The American Cancer Society's estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2015 are:

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Subtopics and Associated Subjects


Latest Breast Cancer Publications
21-Gene Assay - Are Oncologists Jumping the Gun? Article.
Study uncovers discrepant decision making for use of 21-gene assay in women with cancer.
Publish Date: 2017-04-17
Prophylactic Mastectomy Tripled Despite No Survival Benefit Article.
New research finds many women choosing to remove a healthy breast are at low risk for developing cancer in that breast.
Publish Date: 2016-03-14 - Updated: 2020-11-05
Mastectomy: Types and Postoperative Surgery Information Article.
Information regarding mastectomy, a surgery to remove the breast, includes types and postoperative surgery care.
Publish Date: 2015-10-14 - Updated: 2021-07-25

Additional Breast Cancer Publications

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Disabled World provides general information only. The materials presented are never meant to substitute for professional medical care by a qualified practitioner, nor should they be construed as such. Financial support is derived from advertisements or referral programs, where indicated. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.


Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World. (2023, January 28). Breast Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, Treatments. Disabled World. Retrieved June 2, 2023 from www.disabled-world.com/health/cancer/breast/

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