Breast cancer affects slightly more than one in eight women in the western hemisphere or roughly 250,000 women annually. Almost everyone has been impacted by this disease through friends, family members, and personal diagnosis.
Today, the majority of patients will be cured due to the many advances in treatment. Despite these advances in medical science, forty thousand women still die every year of this disease. The key to the cure is twofold; early diagnosis and aggressive therapy.
Breast Cancer Education
Breast cancer is a disease in which breast cells change and grow out of control. Eventually these cells may form a mass or lump. The breast is made up of the milk glands, (or lobules), the ducts which bring milk to the nipple, lymphatic and connective tissue. Breast cancer begins in the lobules or ducts and is categorized as being ‘in situ’ or invasive.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Staging is a system of categorizing a patient’s prognosis (likely outcome) based upon tumor size, lymph node involvement and whether or not cancer has spread to organs outside the breast. Staging is still helpful but has become less important as we find more accurate data from the individual tumor genetics.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Since there is no ONE cause of breast cancer, there is no easy preventative measure to apply to all women. Research has found that there are ways to minimize our risks of developing breast cancer and other forms of cancer connected with lifestyle choices and consistent breast screening.
Types of Breast Cancer
The breast is composed of two types of tissue: the ducts which run throughout the breast like tiny roads and through which we nurse our children; and lobules which form the fatty, shapely volume of the breast. The two basic types of breast cancer are ductal and lobular.
Screening & Diagnosis
The key to curing breast cancer is early detection by using the various methods of breast cancer screening available. Since 1990 breast cancer mortality has decreased by 34% due to early detection and improved breast cancer treatments.
Breast Cancer FAQ
Breast cancer is a scary subject and one that is full of questions. If you have any questions, start by browsing our listing of “What do I do if…?” questions regarding breast cancer screening and treatment.
Breast Cancer Patient Education Act
Woman diagnosed with breast cancer can be confused and frightened. They depend upon their physicians to guide them through the treatment process. This new law will help make sure all women are well educated regarding breast cancer screening and treatment.
– Bedford Breast Center
Leslie F. Memsic, MD, FACS
