Breast Cancer Prevention

how do I prevent breast cancer, symptoms of breast cancer, breast cancer mammogram

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. It can start in one or both breasts.

Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.

Most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Non-cancer breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast. They are not life threatening, but some types of benign breast lumps can increase a woman's risk of getting breast cancer. Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care professional to find out if it is benign or malignant (cancer) and if it might affect your future cancer risk.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are many different types of breast cancer. The type is determined by the kind of cells in the breast that are affected. Most breast cancers are carcinomas. The most common breast cancers such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive carcinoma are called adenocarcinomas. These cancers start in the gland cells in the milk ducts or the lobules (milk-producing glands). Other kinds of cancers can grow in the breast, like angiosarcoma or sarcoma, but are not considered breast cancer since they start in different cells of the breast.

Breast cancers are also classified by certain types of proteins or genes each cancer might make. After a biopsy is done, breast cancer cells are tested for proteins called estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors, and the HER2 gene or protein. The tumor cells are also closely looked at in the lab to find out what grade it is. The specific proteins found and the tumor grade can help decide the stage of the cancer and treatment options.

Risk Factors you Cannot Change

Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.
Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Reproductive history. Early menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55 expose women to hormones longer, raising their risk of getting breast cancer.
Having dense breasts. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which can sometimes make it hard to see tumors on a mammogram.
Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Previous treatment using radiation therapy. Women who had radiation therapy to the chest or breasts (for instance, treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma) before age 30 have a higher risk of getting breast cancer later in life.

Risk Factors You Can Change

Not being physically active.
Being overweight or obese after menopause.
Taking hormones. Some forms of hormone replacement therapy (those that include both estrogen and progesterone) taken during menopause can raise risk for breast cancer when taken for more than five years.
Reproductive history. Having the first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.
Drinking alcohol.
Research suggests that other factors such as smoking, being exposed to chemicals that can cause cancer, and changes in other hormones due to night shift working also may increase breast cancer risk.

Screening

Although Although screening for breast cancer cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat. There are several ways to screen for breast cancer.

Mammogram - A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast. For many women, mammograms are the best way to find breast cancer early, when it is easier to treat and before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Having regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. At this time, a mammogram is the best way to find breast cancer for most women of screening age.

Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - A breast MRI uses magnets and radio waves to take pictures of the breast. A breast MRI is used with mammograms to screen women who are at high risk for getting breast cancer. Breast MRIs may appear abnormal even when there is no cancer, so they are not used for women at average risk.

Clinical Breast Exam - A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes.

Breast Self-Awareness - Being familiar with how your breasts look and feel can help you notice symptoms such as lumps, pain, or changes in size that may be of concern. These could include changes found during a breast self-exam. You should report any changes that you notice to your doctor or health care provider.

Guidelines for Screening for Breast Cancer

Women aged 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year.

Women 55 and older should get mammograms every 2 years, or can continue yearly screenings.

Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live 10 or more years.

Some women, because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors should be screened with MRIs along with mammograms (the number of women who fall into this category is very small). Talk with a health care provider about your risk for breast cancer and the best screening plan for you.