Breast Cancer Awareness

Information and Essential Resources

Oct 4, 2009 Bernice McWilliams

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an appropriate time to gather vital information not just for a month, but for a lifetime of prevention.

To date, breast cancer is the 7th leading cause of mortality in the United States and the most common cancer in women, aside from skin cancer. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer, resulting in approximately 41,000 deaths annually. Although found mostly in women, men can also get breast cancer. The focus of this article will pertain to the breast cancer found in women.

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer occurs when cells in a segment of the body grow out of control. They grow to the point that they crowd out normal cells. Although, there are numerous types of cancer, they all have in common this out-of-control growth of cells. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor originating within the cells of the breast. Female breasts are made up of lobules glands that make breast milk, ducts glands which are small tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple, fatty and connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymph vessels (see attached illustration). The majority of breast cancers originate in the cells that line the ducts and are known as ductal cancer, other cancers originate in the lobules and are known as lobular cancer, and then a smaller number of cancers formulate in other tissues.

The Lymph System

The lymph system is the primary path in which breast cancers can spread. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped groups of immune system cells that fight infections and are connected by lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic vessels are akin to small veins, except they carry a clear fluid called lymph, instead of blood, away from the breast. Breast cancer cells can enter lymphatic vessels and begin to grow in lymph nodes.

Lymph vessels of the breast can lead to lymph nodes under the arm, which are called axillary nodes. Breast cancer cells that reach the underarm lymph nodes and continue to grow can cause the nodes to swell. Cancer cells that have spread to lymph nodes have a higher chance of getting into the bloodstream and spreading to other places in the body. The more lymph nodes with cancer the increase chance cancer will be found in other organs, too.

Breast Lumps

The majority of breast lumps are benign. Benign meaning they are not cancerous, but are abnormal growths which do not spread outside the breast and are not life threatening. Yet, some benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.

The main causes for most lumps are due to fibrocystic changes. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs and fibrosis is the formation of scar-like tissue. Fibrocystic changes can cause breast swelling and pain. These changes often occur just before the beginning of a woman’s monthly cycle. The breasts may feel lumpy and render a clear or slightly cloudy nipple discharge.

Breast Cancer Statistics

It is estimated that this year alone there will be 193, 370 new cases of invasive breast cancer. Yet, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer during her lifetime is a little less than 1 in 8. A woman’s chance of dying from breast cancer is estimated as 1 in 35. Fortunately, breast cancer death rates have been declining/on the decline. The reduction is likely attributable to early detection and better treatment procedures. Presently, there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Suggested methods for lowering a woman’s risk are: limiting alcohol use, a prudent diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, exercising regularly maintaining a healthy weight. Women who choose to breastfeed for at least several months may also reduce their breast cancer risk. Not using post-menopausal hormone therapy (PHT) can also help you avoid raising your risk.

Breast self-examinations are important (see attached diagram for self-examination steps.)

For additional information checkout the following websites:

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization www.nbcam.org is celebrating 25 years of awareness, education and empowerment. There website provides patient services, information about the disease and ways you can lend a helping hand in the fight for a cure.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure http://ww5.komen.org/

Sources for this article: The American Cancer Society, The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month organization, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, The University of Michigan Health System, and Relay Health.

The copyright of the article Breast Cancer Awareness in Women’s Health is owned by Bernice McWilliams. Permission to republish Breast Cancer Awareness in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Ribbon