Breast Cancer: An Introduction

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is when the cells in the breast begin to grow out of control due to a genetic abnormality.  These growing cells usually form a tumor that can be seen by x-ray or felt as a lump by physical examination.  A tumor is considered malignant (cancerous) if the cells grow and invade to surrounding tissues or metastasize (spread) to other areas of the body (What is Breast Cancer, 2016). Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, however, men can be diagnosed as well.

How it Starts:

Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. Some start in the glands that make breast milk. A small number of cancers start in other tissues in the breast. These types of cancers are called lymphomas and sarcomas and are not usually thought of as "traditional" breast cancer (What is Breast Cancer, 2016).

Signs and Symptoms:

Regular, self examinations are an important process to determining and finding breast cancer. Knowing how your breasts feel and how they are shaped can help diagnose breast cancer early.  An early diagnosis gives you a better chance of a successful treatment.  Regular mammograms and other screenings are imperative to finding and treating breast cancer early.  The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancers can often be tender, soft, rounded, or even painful. Any new mass should be assessed by a medical professional.  Usually they will take a biopsy of the lump and surrounding fluid to be examined (Signs and Symptoms, 2016). Other symptoms of breast cancer include, swelling, skin irritation, breast/nipple pain, and nipple discharge.

(2013)

Treatment:

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you and your medical team will come up with a customized treatment plan that may include removal surgery, radiation (shrinks/destroys tumors) therapy, chemotherapy (slows the growth of cells), or even hormone therapy (How is Breast Cancer Treated, 2016) .  

Helpful Links

BreastCancer.org
The BreastCancer.org Website has many helpful and knowledgable links and information regarding topics from symptoms to risk factors and everyday questions and concerns.

Cancer.org offers detailed information on breast cancer, treatments, and symptoms.
Cancer.org

If you are seeking male breast cancer advice, cancer.org offers a detailed guide.
Breast Cancer in Males

References:

C. (2013). Breast cancer - Symptoms and treatment. Retrieved November 23, 2016, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsviAPGfPUo

How is breast cancer treated? (2016, September 13). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-general-info 

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer. (2016, September 19). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-signs-symptoms 

What is breast cancer? (2016, September 13). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-what-is-breast-cancer