Breast Cancer

Retrieved November 19, 2000 from the World Wide Web: http://www.napbc.org/napbc/state.htm Transmed Network. (1997). Breast Cancer-Characteristics of Hereditary Breast Cancer. Retrieved November 19, 2000 from the World Wide Web: http://www.breastdiseases.com/genebr3.htm Transmed Network. (1997).

About 40,800 United States ladies were killed off by breast cancer in the year 2000 (Meister). Breast cancer also affects more that 1,000 men, in the United States, a year (National Cancer Institute). According to the National Cancer Institute, the number of women in the United States who learns that they have been diagnosed with cancer exceeds 180,000. Breast cancer, following skin cancer, is now the most prominent form of cancer among women in the United States. What are the reasons people get cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, Each year, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer; furthermore Twelve percent of all women will contract the disease, and 3.5% of them will die from breast cancer (American Cancer Society, 2005). There are risk factors that may lead to breast cancer. There are 4 stages of breast cancer and several treatments, although treatments vary from types and stages of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women who are 40 to 55 years old (Breast Cancer, 2009).Cancer occurs when cells divide uncontrollably. It changes from a normal cell to cancerous cells that require gene alterations.

In invasive cancer, the cancer cells spread from inside the breast to other parts of the body. The cancer cells can reach the lymph nodes and spread to other organs like the bones, lungs, or liver. In non-invasive breast cancer the cancer is still only found in the breast. The most common symptom of breast cancer is finding a new lump in the breast. Other possible signs of breast cancer are having a swollen breast, having irritated, red, thickening or dimpled skin on the breast, having pain in the breast or nipple, having a breast nipple turning inward, and having discharge from the nipple (other than breast milk for nursing mothers).

Breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of death for middle aged women. In the past year, there were over 194,000 new cases of breast cancer in the U.S., approximately 20% of which did not access treatment in time despite the availability of educational resources. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in a female or male’s breast cells. Though the condition is not gender specific, it is most prevalent in middle aged to older women. It’s malignant foundation causes it to also conquer surrounding tissues if left untreated.

According to the American Cancer Society, Every year, more than 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer; furthermore Twelve percent of all women will contract the disease, and 3.5% of them will die from breast cancer (American Cancer Society, 2005). There are risk factors that may lead to breast cancer. There are 4 stages of breast cancer and several treatments, although treatments vary from types and stages of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women who are 40 to 55 years old (Breast Cancer, 2009).When cells divides it causes cancer which then changes from an normal call to what’s called a cancerous cell that requires gene alterations. The uncontrolled growth and alter genes is what causes tumors to form.

A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too” (Breast Cancer). Today many women are becoming diagnosed with breast cancer. It has become the most type of cancer in women, regardless of ethnicity or background. There are many risk factors that can cause breast cancer.

The definition of breast cancer “is a malignant tumor that starts from cells of the breast”. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may grow to take over the breast. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it too (“What is” par.1). Being diagnosed with breast cancer could be very difficult to accept that you have it. There is so much information to learn about breast cancer itself.

Hereditary cancer occurs at young age, for instance a woman in her 20's with breast cancer is more likely to have hereditary type of cancer that a woman in her 50's. (http:www.familycancer.org/FamHist.stm) BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes, these genes also called "Anti- Oncogenes" which normally are involved in regulating cell growth, the proteins inhibit the proliferation of cell, which is crucial for the normal cell development and differentiation. (Britanica on line). Since the discovery of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 in 1994 and 1995 about 80% of the women who inherit mutated forms of these genes will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, usually at relatively early age and woman with BRCA1 mutations have a high risk of developing ovarian cancer as well. Kudson in 1971 proposed a two-mutation theory of cancer causation.

Advanced Technology of the Treatment of Breast Cancer This year 203,000 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and 40,000 of them are expected to die. Breast Cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women the ages of 35-54. There are numerous ways breast cancer can be treated if found early. The key to treating breast cancer is early detection, beast self-exams, and early mammograms. One out of every eight women will get diagnosed with Breast Cancer this year; therefore, new advanced technology of the treatment of Breast Cancer is the key to life after the disease.