In a healthy body, cells grow and divide to produce more cells only when the body is in need of them. If cells are produced when they aren�t needed, a mass of tissue is formed called a tumor. There are two kinds of tumors: benign, meaning that they are not cancerous, can be removed and are not likely to return; and malignant, meaning that the cells are abnormal or cancerous. Cells in a malignant tumor divide uncontrollably, and can attack nearby tissues and organs, as well as break away from the original mass to enter the blood or lymphatic system. It is this break that allows cancer to spread to other parts of the body.

While the cause of these abnormal masses is unknown, we are becoming more aware of who might be at risk. The National Cancer Institute reports that studies have shown that breast cancer risk increases for a woman as she ages. It is most common in women over the age of 60 and is likely to strike Caucasian women more than African-American or Asian women.

The Institute also reports that the following conditions increase a woman�s risk of getting breast cancer:

• Personal history of breast cancer
• Family history of breast cancer
• Certain changes in the breast
• Alterations in certain genes
• Prolonged estrogen exposure
• Initial childbearing after age 30
• Breast density
• Breast exposure to radiation therapy
• Alcohol consumption

The National Cancer Institute suggests that all women, but especially high-risk women, should be actively taking part in prevention and early detection by having annual clinical breast exams, mammograms every year or two if over the age of 40, as well as performing monthly self-examinations. They recommend looking for the following symptoms:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Nipple discharge, tenderness or inversion
• Ridges or pits in the skin of the breast
• A change in the appearance of the breast, areola or nipple, such as swelling, redness, scaling or warmth

If any of these symptoms are present, you should talk to your physician immediately. While it may be nothing, early detection is key to breast cancer survival.

If breast cancer is found, treatment typically begins a few weeks after the diagnosis. Local and systemic therapy are the two types of treatments. Local therapy involves removing the cancer from a specific area. Surgery and radiation are examples. Systemic treatment is used when cancer has spread throughout the body. It includes chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and biological therapy. It may also be used to shrink a tumor before local therapy is performed. The method of treatment chosen is specific for each woman. Factors influencing the decision include the general health of the woman, the size and location of the tumor, the stage of the cancer, lab results and the size of the breast.

Just as treatment is different for each woman, so is rehabilitation. It depends upon the extent of the disease, the types of treatment used and other specific factors for that woman. In general, though, rehabilitation involves exercising the arm and shoulder to regain or keep mobility and strength in those areas. Regular check-ups are important to ensure that changes in the body or health of the patient are detected and treated early. With attention paid to these factors, your friend, your mother, your sister, your neighbor has a greater chance of early detection and effective treatments.

If you have any of the above mentioned risk factors or symptoms, talk to your physician immediately. For more information on breast cancer and the research being done, contact the National Cancer Institute at http://www.nci.nih.gov

Click here for more information on the Breast Center at Forest Park Hospital.