Breast cancer: Early detection is best prevention

  • By Fran Gengo, RN, BSN, OCN, Oncology Nurse at Wooster Community Hospital
  • October 12, 2009
  • 718
                        
In the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer except for skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. There are different types of breast cancer. Breast cancer type is categorized by whether it begins in the ducts or lobules, the organs responsible for breast milk production. Understanding the specific type of breast cancer can help you ask better questions and work with your physicians to get the best breast cancer treatments. The different stages of breast cancer are: In stage zero: cells have not spread outside of the ducts or lobule into the surrounding breast tissue. Ÿ Stage 1: the cancer is no larger than two centimeters (approximately an inch) and has not spread to surrounding lymph nodes or outside the breast. Ÿ Stage 2: divided into two categories according to the size of the tumor and whether or not it has spread to the lymph nodes. Ÿ Stage 3: divided into two categories: tumor is larger than two centimeters but smaller than five centimeters; the cancer has spread to tissues near the breast. Ÿ Stage 4: the cancer has spread to other organs or tissues in the body such as bones or lymph nodes. Although eight out of 10 breast lumps are benign, not cancer, a persistent lump or change in the breast tissue should be checked by a physician as soon as possible. Risk factors include: Ÿ Age: half of all women diagnosed are over age 65 Ÿ Weight: being obese or overweight Ÿ Diet and lifestyle: Lack of physical activity, a diet high in saturated fat, drinking more than two alcoholic drinks per day. Ÿ Menstrual and reproductive history: Early menstruation or late menopause, having your first child at an older age or not having given birth, or taking birth control pills for more than 10 years if you are under 35. Ÿ Family and personal history: a family history of breast cancer- particularly a mother, sister or a personal history of breast cancer or benign breast disease. Other factors: dense breast tissue (often identified by a mammogram), past radiation therapy to the breast or chest area and a history of hormone therapy. In recent years two genetic malformations have been identified which may increase your risk of breast cancer. A specific blood test can determine if you have this gene abnormality. Early breast cancer detection should include: Ÿ Beginning at age 20: perform breast self-exams and looking for changes Ÿ Age 20-39: schedule routine breast exams Ÿ By the age of 40: have a baseline mammogram and annual breast exams Ÿ Ages 40-49: have a mammogram every one-two years Ÿ Ages 50 plus: have a mammogram every year Early detection truly is the best prevention. For information, ask your doctor or call Wooster Community Hospital at 330-263-8631.


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