Breast Cancer Facts and Risks
Every day, too many women are diagnosed with breast cancer-a frightening, sometimes overwhelming discovery. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer (excluding skin cancers) in women, and the second most common cause of cancer death in women. Men also develop breast cancer, but it's rare. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.
The treatment of breast cancer has come a long way, achieving great progress. Chances of survival are excellent. According to the National Cancer Institute, the overall five-year survival rate is 89% and the five-year survival rate for early stage breast cancer is 98%. These women and men diagnosed with breast cancer will join millions of survivors who are alive and active today.
Mission Hospital's Breast Program sees hundreds of breast cancer patients annually, incorporating an interdisciplinary approach that includes a team of specialists who collaborate to assure that patients receive care that is best for them.
A great deal of information is available to help educate you and your loved ones about breast cancer and the latest treatments available. Before starting any treatment, talk with your physician and medical team and ask questions.
Early Detection of Breast Cancer
The key to survival and prevention of breast cancer is early detection, including mammograms, clinical breast exams, and breast awareness. Other ways to reduce the risks are maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
- The American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
- You should have a clinical breast exam every year by your health care professional if you are age 40 or older, and at least every three years if you are in your 20s or 30s.
- Breast awareness. You should become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so that if changes occur, you can report them to your doctor right away. Learn more about how to examine your own breasts.
To schedule a mammogram at Asheville Imaging Center please call 828-213-XRAY (828-213-9729).
Risk Factors That May Cause Breast Cancer
Most women want to figure out what caused their breast cancer, but for the most part this question cannot be answered. Most risk factors are out of our control, including being a woman and:
- Aging. The risk of this type cancer increases with age. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50+.
- Having first-degree family relatives diagnosed with breast cancer.
- Genetics.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your physician about a genetics evaluation. We can now identify certain breast cancer genes that contribute to higher risks of developing breast cancer. Factors that may contribute to risk that are avoidable include:
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Taking hormone replacement therapy
- Weight gain
- Lack of exercise
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow abnormally, forming a cluster called a tumor. These abnormal cells grow rapidly and out of control, sometimes spreading to other parts of the body, which is called metastasis.
Mammography remains the gold standard for screening for early breast cancer. A biopsy is the only way to tell if a change in the breast tissue is a benign breast condition or cancer.
Types of Breast Cancer
Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts (ductal cancer) or milk-producing glands (lobular cancer) of the breast.
Noninvasive
Also called in situ, noninvasive cancer normally means that the cells are confined to one place; they have not spread to other parts of the body. Ductal carcinoma in situ is contained in the milk ducts; lobular carcinoma in situ is within the milk-producing glands.
Invasive
This type of cancer has extended to tissue surrounding the ducts or lobes, and possibly to other parts of the body. Invasive ductal carcinoma begins in the milk duct and breaks through to other tissue. Invasive lobular carcinoma forms in the lobes (milk producing glands) and spreads to nearby tissue. Invasive does not always mean the cancer has spread elsewhere. Checking the lymph nodes and reviewing other factors during surgery help to determine if the cancer has spread.
Breast cancer is categorized by staging; there are four stages ranging from stage 0 to stage IV. Staging combines several pieces of information (size of the tumor, lymph node involvement, and other organ involvement.) Each person with breast cancer is different so be sure to talk with your physician and medical team to determine what this means to you.
Contact and More Information:
For more information on the Breast Program call 828-213-9990.
