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About Cancer

About Breast Cancer

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Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the breast tissue.

Causes

The cause of breast cancer is unknown, but research shows that certain risk factors are associated with the disease.

Risk Factors

Note - Research has shown that most women with known risk factors do not get breast cancer and that many women who get breast cancer have none of the risk factors listed below.

  • Caucasian women, age 50 or older
  • Personal or family history of breast cancer
  • Changes in breast tissue
  • Changes in certain genes
  • Increased exposure to estrogen over a lifetime through:
    • Early onset of menstruation
    • Late onset of menopause
    • No childbearing or late childbearing
    • Absence of breast feeding
    • Taking hormone replacement therapy for extended periods of time
    • Tobacco use
    • Increased breast density
    • Radiation therapy before the age of 30
    • Overuse of alcohol
    • Physical Inactivity

Prevention and Screening

Because the cause of breast cancer is unknown, finding and treating it early is the best method of prevention.

  • Breast Self Exam
  • Clinical Breast Exam
  • Mammography
  • Ultrasonography
  • Breast MRI
  • Breast Biopsy

Treatment

Typical treatments of breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biologic therapy.

For more information regarding breast cancer please visit:

BreastCancer.org
American Cancer Society
CancerCare
National Cancer Institute
NIH Cancer Topics

This page is intended as an educational resource only. It is not a substitute for professional care. Please see your physician if you have any concerns about your own health.

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