BREAST CANCER

What Is Breast Cancer?

Having breast cancer means that some cells in your breast are growing abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and may spread through your breast or into other parts of your body. The most common type of breast cancer begins in the ducts designed to carry milk after childbirth. But cancer may also occur in the small sacs that produce milk (lobules) or in other breast tissue.

Breast cancer is the disease many women fear most, though they are far more likely to die of cardiovascular disease. Still, breast cancer is the main cause of cancer deaths of women ages 40 to 55. In 2001, approximately 192,000 women will receive a diagnosis of the disease. Of these, more than 40,000 will die. Men also can develop breast cancer. About 1,500 cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in men in 2001, and nearly 400 will die.

Yet there is more reason for optimism with regard to breast cancer than ever before. Great strides have been made in diagnosis and treatment in the last 25 years. In 1975 a diagnosis of breast cancer usually meant radical mastectomy — removal of the entire breast along with underarm lymph nodes, skin and muscles underneath the breast. Today, radical mastectomy is rarely performed. Instead, there are more and better treatment options, and many women are candidates for breast-sparing operations, such as lumpectomy.

Emphasis is also being placed on early detection, lifestyle changes and therapies such as tamoxifen that may reduce the risk of breast cancer. In addition, a growing network of agencies and resources exist to help those who have just received a diagnosis, are facing treatment decisions or are living with breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms
Causes
When to Seek Medical Advice
Treatment
Coping Skills
Prevention
Screening and Diagnosis
Risk Factors