Breast cancer is a growing problem in the United states. There are many different forms, including Ductal Carcinoma, In-Situ Infiltrating Ductal, Carcinoma Medullary Carcinoma, Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma, Tubular Carcinoma, Mucinous Carcinoma, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer . Although there are many types the most unlikely type for people to know about is breast cancer in men. This is a cancer that does have good treatment options and a greater survival rate. It is very important for people to learn about the causes, signs and symptoms, and preventative measures of breast cancer or cancer in general because you could be harming your body by the normal activities you do in your life. Also, there is information to learn that can help a family member, friend, or an acquaintance understand the strength this cancer has on your body.
SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN: Although very easy to understand, the symptoms of breast cancer are vital and important to look for. There are many different types of breast cancer but the symptoms are the same. If there is a change of feeling on or in the nipple, a lump or bump in the breast near the underarm area, nipple tenderness or different shape of the breast can all be symptoms of breast cancer (Smith). There are also many other symptoms such as finding a firm, non-painful mass located just below the nipple (Smith). Breast cancer is common in man and women but there are more cases that occur within the female body. . The differences are 192,370 new cases in women to 40,170 deaths to 40,170 new cases in men to 440 deaths in 2009 (Wing). Although the symptoms seem fairly easy to track, you could misdiagnose yourself or just never see the cancer coming. This is why it is good to see your doctor, or give your self a self breast exam before you go in for your annual checkup. Always talk to your doctor if you are unsure about how your body is acting or if your body just does not feel right.
DIAGNOSIS IN WOMEN: Breast cancer can be detected in many ways. There are many signs that can precede the initial self diagnosis such as swollen or tender nipples, lumps around the breast or all around sickness of the body. Women should start mammogram visits after you turning forty, about once a year. If something looks to be wrong you will typically be referred for additional breast imaging with diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, or other imaging tests. Depending on the results of these imaging tests, one may be referred for a breast biopsy (Abbott). A breast biopsy removes a sample of breast tissue that is looked at under a microscope to check for breast cancer (King). The first signs of breast cancer often cannot be seen by the naked eye. They are hidden deep in the tissue of the breast that it takes a doctor or machine to understand fully if the cancer is in your body. Breast skin may change texture due to sunburn, radiation treatments, or infections that cause rashes (Wing). There are so many ways to find out if you have breast cancer such as a simple mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, breast biopsy, minimally invasive breast biopsy, sentinel node biopsy, and Ductal lavage which checks cells from the milk ducts (Wing). You usually are brought to the attention of the a possible breast cancer diagnosis because of pain. Most often the pain does not have to do with breast cancer and it will go away, but there are few cases that were brought in by pain and finishing with a breast cancer diagnosing (Wise).
TYPES AND RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN: Anyone is an applicant to get breast cancer but there are few that have more of a risk of obtaining the disease. Studies have shown that women with one or more of these features could have a greater chance of getting or having breast cancer. Women who started the period at twelvee, women with no children, or had their first child thirty years or older, began menopause after the age of fifty-five, all have a higher risk (Wise). The type of breast tissue can also be related to the breast cancer diagnosis. For example, fatty breast tissue consists of fibrous or connective tissue and this type has a higher risk of getting breast cancer compared to someone without those features (Wise). The most widely researched of all breast cancers in women is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma which are cancer cells that start in a milk duct, break through the duct walls, and then invade fatty breast tissue. IDC can remain localized, which means it stays near the site where the tumor originated. This cancer is ductal carcinoma in its earliest stage stage 0. In situ means the breast cancer hasn't spread beyond its point of origin, and Infiltrating invasive- This cancer accounts for about 10% to 15% of invasive breast cancers (Hail).
STAGES IN WOMEN: The stages in women's breast cancer are complicated to understand. They are named what they are because of the symptoms and problems at the time they are staged. Stage 0 is carcinoma in situ., meaning Abnormal cells are in the lining of a lobule. LCIS seldom becomes invasive cancer. However, having LCIS in one breast increases the risk of cancer for both breasts. Stage I is an early stage of invasive breast cancer. The tumor is no more than 2 centimeters. Stage II is one of the following: The tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters (three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches). The cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. Stage III is locally advanced cancer. It is divided into Stage IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. Stage IIIA is one of the following: The tumor in the breast is smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches). The cancer has spread to underarm lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures. Stage IIIB is a tumor of any size that has grown into the chest wall or the skin of the breast. It may be associated with swelling of the breast or with nodules (lumps) in the breast skin. Stage IIIC is a tumor of any size. It has spread in one of the following ways: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes behind the breastbone and under the arm. Stage IV is distant metastatic cancer. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (Abbott ). There is always a chance of cancer recurring. It could come back after a period of time when it could not be detected. It may recur locally in the breast or chest wall, or it may recur in any other part of the body, such as the bone, liver, or lungs. Knowing how you felt during the last breast cancer diagnosis can prompt you to see your doctor again if something does not seem right. The best preventative measure regarding a breast cancer recurrence is doing a self exam. If you feel like you are not sure and have questions you should see your doctor for a follow up appointment. You should also have doctors appointments after you have been cleared from the disease to make sure it is really gone.
BREAST CANCER IN MEN: Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall. Like breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of the cells of this breast tissue. As with cancer of the female breast, the cause of cancer of the male breast has not been fully characterized, but both environmental influences and genetic factors likely play a role in its development (Wise). There are many different types of breast cancer in men such as Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma which can also be in women. Other types are Ductal Carcinoma and Cystosarcoma Phylloides. (Wider). Male breast cancer is diagnosed by identifying the cells in the tissue segments looked at through biopsy. Also you can tell by feeling the breast tissue and this will help you feel any lumps or tenderness throughout the nipple area. Other techniques include incisional prexcisional biopsy in the body mass. Male breast cancer is not very common. In fact there is about a 1% out of all cancers. A man's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about one-tenth of 1%, or one in 1,000 (King). The stages are very complex when it comes to breast cancer in both males or females. Although talked about earlier, the following is additional information about the staging process of breast cancer. The staging is from the type and how far along you are with the cancer. First is T: tumor size and extent of local spread, second N: extent of tumor involvement of lymph nodes in the underarm region, third is M: presence of distant metastases (spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels). The stages are also numerically staged such as: Stage 0 refers to Intra Ductal Carcinoma, which the cancer cells have not spread beyond the boundaries of the ducts themselves, Stage I breast cancer, the tumor is 2 cm or less in greatest diameter, Stage II cancers are divided into two groups. Stage IIA cancer is either less than 2 cm in diameter with spread to the axillary lymph nodes, Stage IIB tumors are either larger than 5 cm without spread to the lymph node, Stage III is considered to be locally advanced cancer, and Stage IV cancer refers to metastatic cancer, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body (Smith).
TREATMENTS: Treatments for breast cancer in men and women are essentially the same. The severity or stage of cancer determines the treatment plan. Radiation and use of chemotherapy drugs or hormone therapies is usually the first course in treating breast cancer. Surgical procedures can also be used such as lumpectomies or mastectomies (Smith). Physical therapy usually follows surgery. From the first diagnosis to the final physical therapy it is extremely important to remember and provide the emotional support needed to go through the breast cancer process.
MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER: There are many myths that are brought up though many of the websites I visited. I thought it would be important to share these with you. It is very important to get facts straight about breast cancer. The first myth is that finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. If there is a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. The next myth is that mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread. A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It cannot cause cancer to spread by putting pressure on the breast. The third myth about breast cancer is that having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it. While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age thirty-five. Some think that breast cancer is contagious. You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body. The last myth is that antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer. There have been many tests made from this myth, and they still have found no information to prove there is a relation between antiperspirants or deodorants (Hail). Breast cancer is the most common cancer among in American women except for skin cancers. There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and death rates have been declining since 1990 (Hail). It is very important to continue with breast cancer research for improved diagnosis and treatments but most importantly women and men need to be aware of their bodies and signs and symptoms of breast cancer and should be seen by their doctors at the earliest time. Hopefully in my lifetime we will see the breast cancer cure.
Breast Cancer: The Struggles with Men and Women
Breast cancer is a growing problem in the United states. There are many different forms, including Ductal Carcinoma, In-Situ Infiltrating Ductal, Carcinoma Medullary Carcinoma, Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma, Tubular Carcinoma, Mucinous Carcinoma, and Inflammatory Breast Cancer . Although there are many types the most unlikely type for people to know about is breast cancer in men. This is a cancer that does have good treatment options and a greater survival rate. It is very important for people to learn about the causes, signs and symptoms, and preventative measures of breast cancer or cancer in general because you could be harming your body by the normal activities you do in your life. Also, there is information to learn that can help a family member, friend, or an acquaintance understand the strength this cancer has on your body.
SYMPTOMS IN WOMEN:
Although very easy to understand, the symptoms of breast cancer are vital and important to look for. There are many different types of breast cancer but the symptoms are the same. If there is a change of feeling on or in the nipple, a lump or bump in the breast near the underarm area, nipple tenderness or different shape of the breast can all be symptoms of breast cancer (Smith). There are also many other symptoms such as finding a firm, non-painful mass located just below the nipple (Smith). Breast cancer is common in man and women but there are more cases that occur within the female body. . The differences are 192,370 new cases in women to 40,170 deaths to 40,170 new cases in men to 440 deaths in 2009 (Wing).
Although the symptoms seem fairly easy to track, you could misdiagnose yourself or just never see the cancer coming. This is why it is good to see your doctor, or give your self a self breast exam before you go in for your annual checkup. Always talk to your doctor if you are unsure about how your body is acting or if your body just does not feel right.
DIAGNOSIS IN WOMEN:
Breast cancer can be detected in many ways. There are many signs that can precede the initial self diagnosis such as swollen or tender nipples, lumps around the breast or all around sickness of the body. Women should start mammogram visits after you turning forty, about once a year. If something looks to be wrong you will typically be referred for additional breast imaging with diagnostic mammography, ultrasound, or other imaging tests. Depending on the results of these imaging tests, one may be referred for a breast biopsy (Abbott). A breast biopsy removes a sample of breast tissue that is looked at under a microscope to check for breast cancer (King).
The first signs of breast cancer often cannot be seen by the naked eye. They are hidden deep in the tissue of the breast that it takes a doctor or machine to understand fully if the cancer is in your body. Breast skin may change texture due to sunburn, radiation treatments, or infections that cause rashes (Wing). There are so many ways to find out if you have breast cancer such as a simple mammogram, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, breast biopsy, minimally invasive breast biopsy, sentinel node biopsy, and Ductal lavage which checks cells from the milk ducts (Wing). You usually are brought to the attention of the a possible breast cancer diagnosis because of pain. Most often the pain does not have to do with breast cancer and it will go away, but there are few cases that were brought in by pain and finishing with a breast cancer diagnosing (Wise).
TYPES AND RISK FACTORS IN WOMEN:
Anyone is an applicant to get breast cancer but there are few that have more of a risk of obtaining the disease. Studies have shown that women with one or more of these features could have a greater chance of getting or having breast cancer. Women who started the period at twelvee, women with no children, or had their first child thirty years or older, began menopause after the age of fifty-five, all have a higher risk (Wise).
The type of breast tissue can also be related to the breast cancer diagnosis. For example, fatty breast tissue consists of fibrous or connective tissue and this type has a higher risk of getting breast cancer compared to someone without those features (Wise).
The most widely researched of all breast cancers in women is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma which are cancer cells that start in a milk duct, break through the duct walls, and then invade fatty breast tissue. IDC can remain localized, which means it stays near the site where the tumor originated. This cancer is ductal carcinoma in its earliest stage stage 0. In situ means the breast cancer hasn't spread beyond its point of origin, and Infiltrating invasive- This cancer accounts for about 10% to 15% of invasive breast cancers (Hail).
STAGES IN WOMEN:
The stages in women's breast cancer are complicated to understand. They are named what they are because of the symptoms and problems at the time they are staged. Stage 0 is carcinoma in situ., meaning Abnormal cells are in the lining of a lobule. LCIS seldom becomes invasive cancer. However, having LCIS in one breast increases the risk of cancer for both breasts. Stage I is an early stage of invasive breast cancer. The tumor is no more than 2 centimeters. Stage II is one of the following: The tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters (three-quarters of an inch to 2 inches). The cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes under the arm. Stage III is locally advanced cancer. It is divided into Stage IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. Stage IIIA is one of the following: The tumor in the breast is smaller than 5 centimeters (2 inches). The cancer has spread to underarm lymph nodes that are attached to each other or to other structures. Stage IIIB is a tumor of any size that has grown into the chest wall or the skin of the breast. It may be associated with swelling of the breast or with nodules (lumps) in the breast skin. Stage IIIC is a tumor of any size. It has spread in one of the following ways: The cancer has spread to the lymph nodes behind the breastbone and under the arm. Stage IV is distant metastatic cancer. The cancer has spread to other parts of the body (Abbott ).
There is always a chance of cancer recurring. It could come back after a period of time when it could not be detected. It may recur locally in the breast or chest wall, or it may recur in any other part of the body, such as the bone, liver, or lungs. Knowing how you felt during the last breast cancer diagnosis can prompt you to see your doctor again if something does not seem right. The best preventative measure regarding a breast cancer recurrence is doing a self exam. If you feel like you are not sure and have questions you should see your doctor for a follow up appointment. You should also have doctors appointments after you have been cleared from the disease to make sure it is really gone.
BREAST CANCER IN MEN:
Men possess a small amount of nonfunctioning breast tissue (breast tissue that cannot produce milk) that is concentrated in the area directly behind the nipple on the chest wall. Like breast cancer in women, cancer of the male breast is the uncontrolled growth of the cells of this breast tissue. As with cancer of the female breast, the cause of cancer of the male breast has not been fully characterized, but both environmental influences and genetic factors likely play a role in its development (Wise). There are many different types of breast cancer in men such as Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma which can also be in women. Other types are Ductal Carcinoma and Cystosarcoma Phylloides. (Wider).
Male breast cancer is diagnosed by identifying the cells in the tissue segments looked at through biopsy. Also you can tell by feeling the breast tissue and this will help you feel any lumps or tenderness throughout the nipple area. Other techniques include incisional prexcisional biopsy in the body mass. Male breast cancer is not very common. In fact there is about a 1% out of all cancers. A man's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about one-tenth of 1%, or one in 1,000 (King).
The stages are very complex when it comes to breast cancer in both males or females. Although talked about earlier, the following is additional information about the staging process of breast cancer. The staging is from the type and how far along you are with the cancer. First is T: tumor size and extent of local spread, second N: extent of tumor involvement of lymph nodes in the underarm region, third is M: presence of distant metastases (spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic vessels). The stages are also numerically staged such as: Stage 0 refers to Intra Ductal Carcinoma, which the cancer cells have not spread beyond the boundaries of the ducts themselves, Stage I breast cancer, the tumor is 2 cm or less in greatest diameter, Stage II cancers are divided into two groups. Stage IIA cancer is either less than 2 cm in diameter with spread to the axillary lymph nodes, Stage IIB tumors are either larger than 5 cm without spread to the lymph node, Stage III is considered to be locally advanced cancer, and Stage IV cancer refers to metastatic cancer, meaning it has spread to other parts of the body (Smith).
TREATMENTS:
Treatments for breast cancer in men and women are essentially the same. The severity or stage of cancer determines the treatment plan. Radiation and use of chemotherapy drugs or hormone therapies is usually the first course in treating breast cancer. Surgical procedures can also be used such as lumpectomies or mastectomies (Smith). Physical therapy usually follows surgery. From the first diagnosis to the final physical therapy it is extremely important to remember and provide the emotional support needed to go through the breast cancer process.
MYTHS ABOUT BREAST CANCER:
There are many myths that are brought up though many of the websites I visited. I thought it would be important to share these with you. It is very important to get facts straight about breast cancer. The first myth is that finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer. If there is a persistent lump in your breast or any changes in breast tissue, it is very important that you see a physician immediately. The next myth is that mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread. A mammogram, or X-ray of the breast, is one of the best tools available for the early detection of breast cancer. It cannot cause cancer to spread by putting pressure on the breast. The third myth about breast cancer is that having a family history of breast cancer means you will get it. While women who have a family history of breast cancer are in a higher risk group, most women who have breast cancer have no family history. If you have a mother, daughter, sister, or grandmother who had breast cancer, you should have a mammogram five years before the age of their diagnosis, or starting at age thirty-five. Some think that breast cancer is contagious. You cannot catch breast cancer or transfer it to someone else's body. Breast cancer is the result of uncontrolled cell growth in your own body. The last myth is that antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer. Researchers at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are not aware of any conclusive evidence linking the use of underarm antiperspirants or deodorants and the subsequent development of breast cancer. There have been many tests made from this myth, and they still have found no information to prove there is a relation between antiperspirants or deodorants (Hail).
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among in American women except for skin cancers. There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and death rates have been declining since 1990 (Hail). It is very important to continue with breast cancer research for improved diagnosis and treatments but most importantly women and men need to be aware of their bodies and signs and symptoms of breast cancer and should be seen by their doctors at the earliest time. Hopefully in my lifetime we will see the breast cancer cure.