Breast Cancer Disease State Management

In the month of October, breast cancer (BC) is recognized by survivors, family and friends of survivors and/or victims of the disease to increase awareness and to raise funds for research, prevention, and the cure. The symbol of the campaign has been a pink ribbon that is worn to recognize the struggle that sufferers face when battling cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, BC is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, behind lung cancer and the second most common diagnosed cancer behind skin cancer. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop an invasive form of BC. Although more frequently found in women, men can be diagnosed with BC, but the number of cases is extremely small in comparison to development of the disease in women.

BC is an uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast and can be categorized as either benign or malignant. Although it is still not fully understood why some women develop BC, those that have a family history of breast cancer and are found to have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a significantly greater risk of developing BC at some point in their lives. In addition to these genetic risks, the following are risk factors that women can control:

Weight- maintaining a healthy BMI is important since adipose tissue is the main source of estrogen in postmenopausal women.
Diet- maintaining a low-fat diet can be important in reducing BC risk.
Exercise- for a minimum of 45 minutes or more 5 days a week.
Alcohol consumption- may increase the risk of developing BC due to inhibiting the liver’s ability to control the blood levels of estrogen.
Smoking
Hormone replacement therapy- over long periods of time has been found to increase the risk of BC.
Use of Oral Contraceptives

BC symptoms can vary from abnormal lumps, swelling, a change in size or shape of the breast, discharge from the nipple, skin discoloration, or lacking obvious signs that the disease is present. For this reason, it is recommended that women perform monthly self-exams and those over the age of 40 have an annual mammogram and physical by a physician to ensure there is no presence of BC. The earlier the disease is identified and diagnosed, the better the chances of survival.

Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from the nipple. Early detection through breast self-exam and mammography can assist in identifying breast cancer early and when it is most treatable.

Links - Breast Cancer

Center For Disease Control Health Topic: Cancer THE CDC page devoted to all types of Cancer

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer has been designed to allow people of all fitness levels to have a safe, challenging and rewarding experience while raising money and awareness for breast cancer research.

The Breast Cancer Site was founded to help offer free mammograms to underprivileged women nationwide -- women for whom early detection would not otherwise be possible. Since its launch in October 2000, the site has established itself as a clear leader in online activism and in the fight to prevent breast cancer deaths.

American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community- based voluntary health organization.

The National Cancer Institute established under the National Cancer Act of 1937, is the Federal Government's principal agency for cancer research and training.

The Canadian Cancer Society is a national community-based organization of volunteers, whose mission is the eradication of cancer and the enhancement of the quality of life of people living with cancer.

National Breast Cancer Coalition works to increase federal funding for breast cancer research and collaborate with the scientific community to implement new models of research; improve access to high quality health care and breast cancer clinical trials for all women; and expand the influence of breast cancer advocates in all aspects of the breast cancer decision making process.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation have raised more than $240 million for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. It is credited as the nation's leading catalyst in the fight against breast cancer.

The National Breast Cancer Foundation mission is to save lives by increasing awareness through education and providing mammograms for those in need.

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