Breast Cancer Basics Every Woman Should Know

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when a malignant tumor forms from cells within the breast. It occurs most frequently in women, however, men can develop breast cancer, although much less frequently. The American Cancer Society estimates that 1 in every 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer among women, aside from skin cancer.
Risk Factors and Causes of Breast Cancer
Research is ongoing to identify the exact causes of breast cancer. Researchers have, however, identified several breast cancer risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases the chance that a person will develop a disease. It is not a guarantee and does not predict a future diagnosis. Risk factors for breast cancer include:

Age: As we grow older, our risk of developing breast cancer increases. It is estimated that 80% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are 50 or older. This doesn't mean that younger women aren't at risk. Young women are diagnosed with breast cancer, just much less frequently.

Family and Personal History of Breast Cancer. Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer doubles your risk of the disease. While family history can play a role in breast cancer development, women shouldn't subscribe to the popular belief that women without a family history of breast cancer aren't at risk. The American Cancer Society estimates that 70 to 80% of women with breast cancer do not have a family history that includes breast cancer.

Women who have previously been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer are at a greater risk of developing breast cancer again.

Race. Of all women, Caucasian women are diagnosed more frequently than women of other races. Though Caucasian women are the most at risk, it is African American women who die of the disease the most. Asian, Native American, and Hispanic women have less of a risk.

Alcohol Consumption. Women who drink alcohol increase their breast cancer risk and the risk is heightened with the amount of alcohol consumed. Women who drink 2-5 drinks a day increase their risk by 1 1/2 when compared to women who do not drink alcohol. One drink a day only slightly elevates a woman's risk.
Alcohol and Your Breast Cancer Risk: Lifestyle Factors You Can Change

Family Planning Choices. Women who choose not to have children or have them after age 30 somewhat increase their risk of breast cancer.
How Pregnancy Decreases Risk of Breast Cancer

Genetics Genetics may play a role in up to 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer. Hereditary breast cancer occurs when a mutated gene has been passed down from a parent. The most common genetic mutation is that of the BRCA gene pair, referred to as "BRCA1" and "BRCA2". These genes are responsible for regulating cell growth and repairing damaged DNA, but do not properly function if mutated. Those who are found through genetic testing to be carriers of mutated BRCA genes are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Other gene types have been associated to breast cancer, but not as prevalently as the BRCA genes.

Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test?
Breast Cancer Genetic Testing: What to Do with the Results
Young Women, Family History, and Breast Cancer

There are several other breast cancer risk factors, such as use of hormone replacement therapy, obesity, and oral contraceptive use.
Complete List of Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Top 8 Breast Cancer Risk Myths
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
A worrisome breast lump is usually what provokes a woman to see a doctor, but there are several other symptoms that can be caused by breast cancer. Breast cancer symptoms can include:
a breast that feels warm to the touch
nipple that becomes inverted that was not inverted before
skin on or around breast is dimpled or has an appearance similar to an orange peel
skin on breast that is red or blotchy
sudden increase in breast size that is not related to menstrual cycle
nipple discharge (clear or bloody)
nipple pain or scaly nipples
persistent breast pain or tenderness that is unrelated to menstrual cycle
swelling of the lymph nodes of the armpit
a breast lump, swelling, or mass

These are symptoms of breast cancer that can be seen or touched, but there are instances in early breast cancer where there are no symptoms that can be detected by physical examination. Imaging tests like mammograms and MRI can detect breast abnormalities that cannot be seen by the eye or by the touch.
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Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Regular breast cancer screening can reveal breast abnormalities that require additional testing. Some women detect breast abnormalities through breast-self exams at home or through a clinical breast exam by their doctor. Most breast abnormalities are found through mammography. Only 10% of symptoms are initially found through physical exam. The remaining 90% are detected through a mammogram, proving just how vital it is to have a regular mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends that women begin having an annual mammogram beginning at age 40. Women who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer may be recommended to begin screening earlier.
Having a Mammogram
Video: What to Expect During a Mammogram
Understanding Your Mammogram Report

If you are experiencing breast cancer symptoms or a screening mammogram reveals an abnormality, then further testing is done to determine if breast cancer is present and what stage the disease is in. Further testing methods used to diagnose breast cancer include:
diagnostic mammogram
breast MRI
breast ultrasound
ductogram
ductal lavage

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