Information From Your Health Care Provider

BREAST CANCER

Basic information

description

Breast cancer is a malignant growth of breast tissue. It is the most common form of cancer in women (after skin cancers). Breast cancer is rare before age 30, and is more common after the age of 50. Men can develop breast cancer also.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

No symptoms in early stages. It may be detected by a mammogram or by feeling a breast lump.
Swelling or lump in the breast.
Vague discomfort in the breast without true pain.
Inversion of the nipple.
Distorted breast contour.
Dimpled or pitted skin in the breast.
Enlarged nodes under the arm (late stages).
Bloody discharge from the nipple (rare).

causes

The cause is unknown. Genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors probably play a role.

risk increases with

Women and increasing age.
Older age for having first child; never giving birth.
Personal or family history of breast cancer (especially in mother, sister, or daughter).
Changes in genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, and others).
Certain breast changes.
Dense breast tissue (as seen on a mammogram).
Early menstruation and/or late menopause.
White women more than other racial groups.
Previous radiation therapy to the chest area.
Menopausal hormone therapy.
Overweight or obesity (more so after menopause).
Being physically inactive.
Excess alcohol use.
Women who used DES (diethylstilbestrol) between 1938 and 1971 and their daughters.
Not having breastfed a child.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. You can reduce certain risk factors.
Maintain healthy weight, eat a low-fat diet high in vegetables and fruit, exercise daily, and avoid/limit alcohol.
Consult your health care provider: about new breast symptoms or breast changes, mammogram screening, medical breast exams, and self breast exams.
Avoid or limit hormone therapy after menopause.
Women at high risk may have gene testing, take preventive drugs, or consider preventive surgery.

expected outcomes

Outcome depends on many factors for each individual.

possible complications

Cancer spreads to other body parts or cancer recurs.
Treatment side effects (during and after treatment).

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a breast exam and ask questions about your symptoms. Different medical tests will be done. The tests first help diagnose the cancer and then determine if it has spread (staging).
Treatment depends on the cancer type, size, and location; if it has spread; and your health, age, and preferences.
Treatment may include surgery, drug therapy, and/or radiation therapy. The treatment choices are complex and often confusing. Be sure all options are discussed and that you understand the risks and benefits of each.
Surgery can remove the lump (lumpectomy) or part or all of the breast (different degrees of mastectomy). Lymph nodes and supporting muscles may be removed also. Breast reconstruction surgery is an option.
Radiation therapy may be used following surgery.
Counseling may help you cope with having cancer.
To learn more: National Cancer Institute, (800) 422-6347; website: www.cancer.gov or American Cancer Society, (800) 227-2345; website: www.cancer.org or Breast Cancer Network of Strength, (800) 221-2141; website: www.networkofstrength.org.

medications

Chemotherapy (anticancer drugs), hormone blockers, or targeted therapy (attacks certain cancer cells) may be prescribed. Preventive drugs may also be prescribed.

activity

Cancer and the treatment side effects (e.g., fatigue) may limit your daily routines, work, and other activities.
After treatment, daily exercise will help you regain your health. Physical therapy may be recommended.