Breast Cancer Info
The information contained on this site is a compilation of resource materials from leading cancer organizations both in the U.S. and Canada. It is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for individual consultation with your own physician or health-care provider.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs almost exclusively in women, with less than 1% of cases in Japan occurring in men. Although it certainly does happen, it is rare for breast cancer to appear in women under 30 years old and becomes increasingly common after age 50. It can have all the characteristic features of other forms of cancer.
When a mass, lump or thickening is found in the breast-either by breast self-examination (BSE), a clinical breast exam or mammography-it will be investigated to determine if it is benign or malignant.
Benign breast lumps
Most breast lumps are benign, not cancerous, and are caused by fibrocystic changes. Benign tumors cannot spread beyond the breast tissue to other organs and are not life-threatening.
Malignant (cancerous) breast lumps
Usually, the cancerous tumor originates from the cells of milk sacs or ducts, but can arise from the supporting structure. There is much room for variation in its development, including discharge or bleeding from the nipple. While there are exceptions, cancerous breast tissue tends to be present as a hard mass in the breast, and is painless.
Risk factors in breast cancer
We do not know yet the cause of breast cancer- in fact, many women will develop the disease for no other reason than the fact that they are female. However, research is augmenting our knowledge daily and some specific factors have been identified as potential risk factors.
These include:
- More than one first-degree relative (mother, sister) has had breast cancer
- Past history of breast cancer or previous breast biopsy
- Early menstruation (before age 12)
- Women who have had no children or their first child after age 30
- Use of alcohol (over 2 – 5 drinks a day)
- While the impact of diet and weight is still being investigated, evidence suggests a high intake of dietary fat may be related to an increased incidence of breast cancer.
How can you protect yourself from breast cancer?
Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but the earlier the cancer is found, the more successful the treatment. No one detection method is foolproof. The Run for the Cure® Foundation promotes the triad approach to breast health: breast self-examination (BSE) performed monthly, clinical breast examination performed annually by a qualified healthcare professional and mammography every two years beginning at age 30.
Triad approach to breast health = BSE + Clinical Breast Exam + Mammography
BSE: BSE stands for breast self-examination, a routine examination of both breasts by oneself, usually performed monthly. Familiarity with one’s breasts through BSE raises the likelihood of detecting any change or abnormality.
Clinical breast exam: A clinical breast exam is performed by a qualified healthcare professional, often part of an annual check-up. If this is not routinely done, ask your physician/gynecologist to include it.
Mammography: A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray picture of the breast that can detect cancerous lumps so small they cannot be felt by breast self-examination.