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DEFINITION
A malignant growth of breast tissue. Breast cancer spreads to
nearby
lymph glands, lungs, pleura, bone (especially the skull), pelvis
and liver. It may affect males (rare).
BODY PARTS INVOLVED
Nipple or tissue of the breast.
SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED
Women; males (rare). Breast cancer is rare before age 30;
the peak ages are from 45 to 65. The incidence increases after
menopause.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
No symptoms in early stages, but pre-symptom stages may be
detected by mammogram.
-Swelling or lump in the breast.
-Vague discomfort in the breast without pain.
-Retraction of the nipple.
-Distorted breast contour.
-Dimpled or pitted skin in the breast.
-Enlarged nodes under the arm (late).
-Bloody discharge from the nipple (rare).
CAUSES Unknown.
RISK INCREASES WITH
-Family history of breast cancer (especially mother or sister).
-Women who have not had children.
-A typical hyperplasia on previous biopsy.
-Early menstruation (before age 12); late meno-pause
(after age 55); first pregnancy after age 30.
-Obesity; alcohol use.
-Current or previous oral contraceptive use.
-Premenopausal or postmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy.
HOW TO PREVENT
-Examine breasts monthly for signs of cancer (see Breast
Self-Exam in Appendix).
-Visit your doctor regularly for an examination.
-Obtain a baseline mammogram between ages 35 to 40.
Have mammograms every 1 to 2 years to age 49 and annually
after 50 or as recommended by your doctor.
-Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in fat.
-If you are pregnant, consider breast-feeding your baby.
Women who have breast-fed have a lower incidence of breast
cancer.
-The drug, tamoxifen, is undergoing testing as a preventive.
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