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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY WOMEN HAVE
BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, excluding skin
cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women,
after lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that in
2003-2004, 3 million women in the U.S. are living with breast
cancer: 2 million who have been diagnosed and an estimated 1 million
who do not yet know they have the disease.
DOES BREAST CANCER
OCCUR IN MEN?
Breast cancer is a relatively rare disease in men. It accounts for
less than one percent of breast cancers.
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in
the body that have changed and grown out of control. Breast cancer
begins in breast tissue, which is made up of glands for milk
production, ducts and fatty, connective and lymphatic tissue.
There are many types of breast tumors. Most tumors are benign
(non-cancerous); they do not grow uncontrollably or spread, and are
not life-threatening. Other tumors are malignant (cancerous) and may
become life-threatening.
HOW CAN WOMEN PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST BREAST CANCER?
Early detection is the best defense against breast cancer. The cause
of this disease is still unknown.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
75% to 80% of all breast cancers occur in women with no risk factors
other than their gender. However, the key risk factors are:
-
being a woman;
-
increasing age,
especially women over 50;
-
previous breast
cancer;
-
family history of
breast cancer;
-
reproductive factors
(age at first birth, age of first menstrual cycle, age at
menopause);
-
being overweight
-
alcohol abuse.
WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS?
Only your doctor can make a diagnosis; however, a lump or thickening
in the breast or bleeding from the nipple could be a sign you have
breast cancer.
IS PAIN A SIGN OF
BREAST CANCER?
Usually, pain is not a sign of breast cancer. Statistics show that
pain in the breast is more often associated with benign conditions.
Your doctor should be consulted about any unusual sensations in the
breasts.
CAN INJURY
TO THE BREAST CAUSE BREAST CANCER?
No connection has been found between breast cancer and breast
injury. In some cases, an injury to the breast may make an existing
tumor more apparent.
HOW IS BREAST CANCER
TREATED?
Breast cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy,
hormone therapy and immunotherapy. The doctor may use one method or
a combination of methods. The choice of treatment depends on the
type and location of the cancer, whether the disease has spread, the
patient’s age and general health, and other factors.
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