Breast CancerPenny LuanHealth 12

What is breast cancer?

Cancer is the abnormal growth of cells, which invade and destroy normal tissue. Most common types:

● Ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS● Invasive ductal carcinoma, or IDC (80% of BC)● Invasive lobular carnoma, or ILC

Source: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-what-is-breast-cancer

Ductal

cancer cells

Ductal cancer cells

breaking through the

wall

How common is breast cancer?

● It is the most common cancer in women in the US, aside from skin cancer

● 2nd leading cause of cancer-related death in women

● Death rates have been declining since the 1990s

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusOverview/common-breast-cancer/story?id=3655503

Causes

● Most of causes of cancers are still not known● Most likely due to change in the DNA in our

cells● Some cancer-related DNA mutations can be

inherited, but most mutations occur after the person is born

● DNA changes are often related to our lifestyle, age, and other factors

Risk Factors

● Gender

● Aging

● Genetic risk factors

● Family history of breast cancer

● Personal history of breast cancer

● Certain non-cancer breast problems

● Previous chest radiation

● Dense breast tissue

● Having later pregnancies● More here: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-

cancer-risk-factors

Prevention

● The usual- staying healthy, limit alcohol use● Drugs- several are proven to lower breast

cancer risk (tamoxifen, raloxifene)● Preventative surgery- only for women with very

high risks● No sure way to prevent, but there are ways to

reduce the risk

Source: http://www.freep.com/article/20131006/FEATURES08/310060031/breast-cancer

Tests

● Screening- testing to find cancer● Early detection could save thousands of lives● Include:

– Mammograms

– Clinical breast exams

– Breast MRIs

Source: http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-diagnosis-tests

Treatments

Main types include:● Surgery

● Radiation therapy

● Chemotherapy

● Hormone therapy

● Targeted therapyRecent news:

● http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57604994/shark-blood-antibodies-may-hold-potential-treatment-for-breast-cancer/

● http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266828.php

Source: http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-general-info● http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57604994/shark-blood-antibodies-may-hold-potential-treatment-for-breast-cancer/

Conclusion

My personal reaction was interest, because cancer is a close topic to my family. My grandmother was diagnosed with liver cancer and recently passed away. Breast cancer is one of those cancers that can be treated if discovered early, so spreading awareness is one of the greatest prevention methods, in my opinion. Breast cancer is a highly researched topic, and scientists are still discovering new facts and treatments for it.

Sources

http://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-what-is-breast-cancerhttp://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266828.phphttp://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-treating-general-infohttp://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-diagnosis-testshttp://www.freep.com/article/20131006/FEATURES08/310060031/breast-cancerhttp://www.cancer.org/cancer/breastcancer/detailedguide/breast-cancer-risk-factorshttp://abcnews.go.com/Health/OnCallPlusOverview/common-breast-cancer/story?id=3655503