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Archive for October, 2010

5
Oct

Breast Cancer Awareness

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast divide and grow without normal control. About 85 percent of breast cancers begin in the mammary ducts, while about 15 percent arise in the lobules [3]. Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly. By the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. However, some tumors can be aggressive, and grow much more rapidly.

It is important to understand the difference between invasive cancer and ductal carcinoma in situ (kar-sin-O-ma in SY-too). These are discussed below

Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells from inside the lobules or ducts break out into nearby breast tissue. This allows the cancer cells to spread to the lymph nodes and, in advanced stages, to organs like the liver, lungs and bones in a process called metastasis.

Breast cancer may grow from a tiny tumor to a larger one, later traveling to nearby lymph nodes, then distant ones. Finally, it may spread in other parts of the body. Cancer cells can also travel from the breast through the blood and lymphatic system early in the process when the tumor is small [4].

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS, non-invasive breast cancer)  

When abnormal cells grow inside the milk ducts, but have not spread to nearby tissue or beyond, the condition is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). The term “in situ” means “in place”. With DCIS, the abnormal cells are still “in place” inside the ducts. DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer (you may also hear the term “pre-invasive breast carcinoma”). Although the abnormal cells have not spread to tissues outside the ducts, they can develop into invasive cancer.

Both men and women can get breast cancer. For more on male breast health, see Breast Facts for Men.

 

Who Gets Breast Cancer?

What are the estimated numbers of new breast cancer cases and deaths in the United States for the year 2010?

About 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer will occur among women in the United States during 2010 [5]. And an estimated 39,840 women will die from breast cancer this year. Also, about 1,970 men will be diagnosed and 390 men will die of breast cancer during 2010 in the United States [5]. In addition to invasive breast cancer, an estimated 54,010 new cases of in situ breast cancer will occur among women in 2010 [5].  (Breast Fact References)

How does breast cancer affect…

Early Detection

Getting regular screening tests is the best way for women & men to lower their risk of dying from breast cancer. Screening tests can find breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. 

Make a Difference

Imagine life without Breast Cancer.  Get involved.  There are millions that can die from this disease in the next 25 years, so we must continue to fight to save lives.

Ways to help save lives:

 

This article written in honor of two survivors that play a major part in my life:  Shirley B. (mother) & Rose B. (sister in love).  I have watched these two exemplify true strength and courage.  My mother has fought the battle of Cancer and is a living illustration that if you don’t give up, you can win against this deadly disease.  Also, Rose is fighting a good fight against this disease as I write these words. I am overjoyed to get the wonderful updates from her husband, & my Big Brother, Rod.

I encourage every woman as well as men to do a monthly self-exam.  Women make sure if you are age 40+ and if you are under age 40 and have a family history of breast cancer or other concerns about your breasts, talk to your doctor about when to start getting mammograms or other tests and how often to have them.

 

 

Resources:  Susan G. Komen for the Cure