Understanding Breast Cancer

Your cells divide, grow and die every day. Normally cells divide and grow in a precise manner. But sometimes cells will grow out of control. When this type of growth happens a mass or lump forms and is called a tumor. Tumors can either be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are not cancerous, but untreated; they may pose a health risk, so in most cases they are removed. When benign tumors are removed they typically do not reappear. More importantly, the benign tumor cells do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are abnormal cells and cancerous. Malignant tumor cells can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor that develops in the breast is called breast cancer.

Malignant breast tumors need nourishment and they get it by making new blood vessels, which promotes growth of the tumors. As the malignant tumor grows it expands into nearby tissue, which is called invasion. Cells can break off from the primary tumor and travel to other parts of the body by way of the blood stream and lymphatic system. This is called metastasis. When the cells do appear in a new location they repeat the process over again growing out of control and creating another tumor. Even though it is called breast cancer, it can metastases in your bodies’ lymph nodes, liver, bones and lungs.

So, why does breast cancer grow? Cells are controlled by our genes which determine the way our cells divide. When your genes fail to work like they should, it is called a genetic error or mutation. Mutation can be inherited or can be spontaneous. The inherited cells are the ones you were born with.  Inherited mutations of specific genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Spontaneous mutations can occur within your body any time during your lifetime. The actual cause of mutations is still unknown at this time.

Understand that cells can be growing out of control before you have any symptoms of breast cancer. That is why breast screening is so important and can lead to finding early changes in your breast. The sooner you can determine a problem the better chances are for survival, in fact you have a 92% chance of survival if found early.  If your a female 40 years or older you should have a mammogram every year. If there is a family history of breast cancer then you should discuss with your doctor about risk assessment and how often you should have a mammogram. If your mother or sister have had breast cancer before normal menopause, you may need to start getting mammograms and yearly clinical breast exams before age 40. It is important for all women to have clinical breast exams done by a certified health care provider at least every three years beginning at age 20 and every year after age 40. We at the World Motor Sports Breast Cancer Foundation believe that females should learn how to do self exams starting at age 13 so that you have knowledge of self tests and know your breast.

There are three methods of breast cancer screening:

Breast Self Exam- This method can help you learn what is normal for you. Breast self exam includes looking at and feeling your breast. Some women have a pattern of lumpiness in there breast, which can be normal. But if you feel any change or a new lump in your breast or underarms you should ask your doctor to examine the area. (For further information on how to perform a breast self exam contact the W.M.S.B.C.F. for one of our "KNOCKERS PIT STOP" instruction cards.)

Clinical Breast Exam- This method is performed by a certified health care provider and should be part of your regular medical checkup. If it is not, ask for it.  A clinical breast exam includes a visual examination and carefully feeling the entire breast and underarm area. If you are 40 or older, a mammogram should also be scheduled close to the time of your clinical breast exam.

Mammogram- With this method and x-ray is taken of your breast. This is done with a special type of x-ray machine designed for photographing breast.  A mammogram can find many cancers before they can be felt.  Talk to your health doctor about your risk for breast cancer and ask which screening methods are best for you at your age.

Some trouble signs that you should NOT ignore in your breast or underarm area are listed below. If you notice any of them you should make an appointment with your doctor right away.

0. lumps, hard knot or thickening in any part of your breast.

0. swelling, warmth, redness or darkening that does not go away.

0. change in the size or shape of your breast.

0. dimpling or puckering of the skin of your breast.

0. itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.

0. pulling in of your nipple or other parts of the breast.

0. nipple discharge that starts suddenly.

0. new pain in one spot that does not go away.

CAN MEN GET BREAST CANCER? The answer to that is yes. though in men it is rare, but it does happen. Men do have breast tissue. On average for every 100 females that have breast cancer 1 male will. That might seem like a small number but that is about 2,000 men in the USA every year and about 23% of them will die of breast cancer.

The most common symptoms of male breast cancer include a lump in the checks area, skin dimpling, puckering or nipple changes. Because breast cancer is more common in females, many men do not even realize they can develop breast cancer.

Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge can delay diagnosis and as a result, the cancer is not found until it has progressed to a late stage. Though, when breast cancer is found at the early stages, as in women, the survival rates are similar. Because the male breast is smaller them female breast, it is more likely the disease will spread to the chest wall. Because of this reason, it is important to find the cancer early in order to successfully treat it. Men should see their doctor if they have any persistent lumps or changes in their chest area.

Some of MAN'S RISK are:

0. a genetic condition such as Klinefelter's syndrome that is associated with high estrogen levels.

0. a family member (male or female) with breast cancer, specially with a BRCA2 mutation.

0. chronic liver disorders, alcoholism and obesity

0. just getting older

The procedure to diagnose breast cancer in men include a complete medical history, clinical breast exam, mammogram and biopsy. They types of breast cancer found in men are the same as those found in women, as are the staging system and patterns of how the disease spreads. So, treatments for breast cancer in men are the same as those treatments for breast cancer in women.

For more information on Breast Cancer contact:

The American Cancer Society. They have education and patient service programs to help patients and their families cope with breast cancer. 1-800-ACA-2345  www.Cancer.org