Breast Cancer in Women

Breast Cancer is an leading causes of death in American Women
Breast Cancer is a primary reason for death in females of all nationalities in the United States of America. An early discovery of breast cancer can save a women’s life. According to American Cancer Society, 2012 about one in eight (12%) women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime Presently; it is anticipated that breast cancer will cause about one in thirty six (about 3%) deaths in women.

What is Breast Cancer in Women
Breast Cancer is a group of small cells formed in the breast called malignant tumor. If the malignant tumors are not detected in time; the tumors can metastasize throughout the body and change the features of the breast.
What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer
Indications of breast cancer contain a tumor in the breast near the armpit, swelling of the breast, a creamy substance discharge from the nipple and the alteration of the size, shape, and impression of the breast.
What are the types of Breast Cancer
There are numerous forms of breast cancer.
• Ductal Carcinoma In-Situ is a newly discovered breast cancer, and it is found in ductal system of the breast.
• Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma is the most known type of breast cancer representing 78% of all malignancies (National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2012).
• Medullary Carcinoma breast cancer is found in women between 40 and 50 years of age.
• Infiltrating lobular carcinoma is a noninvasive form of breast cancer, which is found in the upper part of the breast.
• Tubular Carcinoma appears differently when viewed under a microscope; it is found in women who are above the age 50.
• Mucinous Carcinoma breast cancers are a group of mucus production cells that are hard to identify.
• Inflammatory breast Cancer is an unusually vicious form of cancer.
What are the treatment options?
According to, The National Institute of Cancer there is six standard treatments options, depending on the type of breast cancer (National Cancer Institute).
• Surgery – eliminate the cancer
• Sentinel Lymph node biopsy – abstracted the lymph node
• Radiation therapy – using X-ray to burn the cancer cells
• Chemotherapy – uses medications to discontinue the development of the cells via mouth or vaccinated into the bloodstream.
• Hormone therapy – stop or eliminate the hormones from circulating throughout the body
• Targeted therapy – removes and targets only the cancerous cell in the breast.

What measure of prevention can be used to protect ourselves?
There are several prevention techniques used to help prevent breast cancer; such as understanding family history. If an immediate family member has had breast cancer; it is good to follow up this a Physician to for preventive options. Monitoring weight gain and loss; include physical activity when feasible. Monitor or limit the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Commences performing monthly self-examination, along with annual screenings and if necessary mammograms.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer in Women
Women face many risk elements for developing breast cancer; it seems that there is a never-ending list of things that can increase a woman’s chance of acquiring this dreadful disease.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors:
The importance of living as a woman is the biggest risk factor. Breast cancer can develop in men; however, that is a rare occurrence. Second, women with family members that have a robust history of breast cancer. Although, according to the Breast Cancer Care website, “the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history” with the disease (Breast Cancer Care WA, 2010).
Third, genes can play a part in developing breast cancer, especially if that gene is mutated or damaged in some way. Fourthly, age plays a significant part in the development of breast cancer; most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 45. The last risk is if a woman was previously diagnosed with breast cancer, it is possible that she will develop it again.
There are other factors in developing breast cancer that are uncontrollable according to the Breast Cancer Care website (2010):
• Menstruation at a fairly early age (before 12 years)
• Menopause at somewhat late age (after 55 years)
• Previously have been detected with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia
Controllable Risk Factors:
Lifestyle Factors:
There are of course, several things we can do as women to help prevent breast cancer from developing, they require us to live a disciplined life and to take care of our health and lifestyles daily. Women, who have children after 30 years of age have a slightly higher risk, oppose to having children when you are younger is a good idea. Alongside of this concept is the debate about contraception. According to the American Cancer society website (2010), using an oral contraceptive can slightly increase your chances of developing breast cancer (The American Cancer Society, 2012). Hormone replacement therapy is another risk factor involved; however, this type of treatment for menopause and is something that should be considered carefully.
Other ways to control your risk for developing breast cancer are:
• Maintaining a healthy weight,
• Eating a well balanced diet – keeping alcohol consumption to a minimum
• Exercising regularly
Controversial Factors:
Diet and vitamin intake is one such issue. According to the American Cancer Society, “More research is needed to understand the effect of the types of fat eaten on breast cancer risk. But it is clear that calories do count, and fat is a major source of these. High-fat diets can lead to being overweight or obese, which is a breast cancer risk factor” (The American Cancer Society, 2012).
Antiperspirants are another controversial issue surrounding breast cancer development. Again the American Cancer Society (2010) states, “Internet e-mail rumors have suggested that chemicals in underarm antiperspirants are absorbed through the skin, interfere with lymph circulation, cause toxins to build up in the breast, and eventually lead to breast cancer.” There is very little truth to this rumor, however.
Shift Work
As stated in the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre’s report (200), “An emerging issue in breast cancer is the role of disruption of the daily sleep/wake cycles (i.e. circadian rhythm) in increasing the risk of the disease” (National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre, 2009). It is thought that this disruption in the bodies’ production of the hormone, melatonin could play a role in the increased risk of developing breast cancer; however the studies, to date, are still inconclusive.
Environmental Risk Factors:
Chemicals
In today’s environmentally aware climate, there are many studies and much research being done on the environmental risk factors involved in developing breast cancer. There is, however; not much conclusive evidence currently that confirms the effects of things, such as chemicals in the atmosphere having a direct impact on the development of breast cancer.
Smoking
There are a number of issues with smoking and breast cancer. The chemicals found in cigarette smoke are carcinogenic and therefore whether inhaled directly or passively they are still absorbed into our bodies, which increase the risk of developing further into breast cancer. The report from the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (2009) outlines many statistical findings regarding this issue and as it says, “The relationship between cigarette smoking and breast cancer risk is complicated.” Best thing to do is to avoid smoking or smokers if possible.
Role of the Immune System in Breast Cancer
Protection
Our immune system is an integral part of fighting off any threat or infection to our bodies. It is our first line of defense in the war on fighting breast cancer. Breast cancer begins from a cell within the body that mutates and “metastasizes” throughout the body, changing the cell structures that it affects. Our immune system attempts to kill off those mutated cells before it gets to that point.
Boosting Your Immune System
When fighting against such an aggressive disease it is important to give your body help by way of boosting your immune system. There are several ways to do that as follows:
• Eating well, keeping the nutritional value of your daily food intake high and of good quality.
• Keep your stress levels low by way of participating in relaxation classes or keeping your exercise routine.
• Maintain healthy relationships with friends and even join a support group so that you can talk through the frustrations of your situation.

Reliable Community & Web Resources
Wise health care decisions about treatment and prevention
A health care decision is to consult with a physician annually to help identify early signs of breast cancer. Live a prosperous lifestyle via eating healthy, enduring in physically activity. Limit consumptions of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
Alternative Health Care
Many websites for breast cancer recommend that keeping your body healthy and maintaining a good diet and exercise routine as an essential part of caring for yourself when facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Alternative options for keeping the body stress-free and relaxed could be massage therapy, increased vitamin intake, yoga, or acupuncture treatments. The website www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com, suggests many other alternative options for treating breast cancer. There is, however; much controversy surrounding these types of care, as there is little or no explanation or scientific findings that quantify them.

References
1. American Cancer Society. (2012). Retrieved from http:// http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-key-statistics
2. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/How-To-Help/?gclid=CIfd2IH8irACFUOo4AodJlJeqA
3. National Cancer Institute. (). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/breast/Patient/page5
4. Breast Cancer Care WA. (). Retrieved from http://www.breastcancer.org.au/about-breast-cancer/risk-factors.aspx

References: 1. American Cancer Society. (2012). Retrieved from http:// http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/BreastCancer/DetailedGuide/breast-cancer-key-statistics 2. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/How-To-Help/?gclid=CIfd2IH8irACFUOo4AodJlJeqA 3. National Cancer Institute. (). Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/breast/Patient/page5 4. Breast Cancer Care WA. (). Retrieved from http://www.breastcancer.org.au/about-breast-cancer/risk-factors.aspx