Breast cancer is a malignant tumor (a collection of cancer cell) arising from the cells of the breast. Although breast cancer predominantly occurs in women it can also affect men. "Your mammogram seems to be suspect for breast cancer." "Your biopsy was positive for breast cancer."
These are among the most terrifying words a woman can hear from her doctor. Breast cancer elicits so many fears, including those relating to surgery, death. Loss of body image, and loss of sexuality. Managing these fears can be facilitated by information and knowledge so that each woman can make the best decision concerning her care.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer. There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading (metastasize) to other body tissues. The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully known although a number of risk factors have been identified. There are many different types of breast cancer. It is diagnosed with physician and self-examination of the breast, mammography, ultrasound testing and biopsy. Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage (the extent of spread in the body).
According to the American Cancer Society:
---- Over 200,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are diagnosed each year.
---- Near 40,000 women died of breast cancer in 2011.
---- There are over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
---- A woman should have a baseline mammogram between the 35 and 40 years of age. Between 40 and 50 years of age mammograms are recommended every other year. After 50 years of age, mammograms are recommended.