Identification

• Breast cancer occurs when cells within the breast become malignant and form a tumor. There are many different stages and types of breast cancer. The type of cancer depends on where in the breast the malignant cells are located, if they have spread, and where they have spread. While there is no known exact cause of breast cancer, certain risk factors increase your chances of developing this disease.
  
  

Risk Factors

• You may be at higher risk for breast cancer if you are over the age of fifty-five, overweight, lead a sedentary lifestyle, eat foods high in fat, and consume more than two alcoholic drinks a day. Other risk factors include having an early menstruation or late menopause, not having children or having them later in life, and if you have been taking birth control pills for more then ten years. Genetics also plays a role, so you need to be aware of your family history. Having a mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer doubles your risk. Breast cancer affects more white women than any other race, but African American women are more likely to die from the disease.
  
  

Early Detection

• Catching this disease early can save your life. At the age of twenty, you should start doing regular self breast exams and having clinical breast exams every three years. When you reach forty, you need to have a mammogram and a medical breast exam every year. If you are at a high risk, your doctor may also order an MRI as an additional screening tool. Instructions for performing a self exam can be found at the National Breast Cancer Foundation website (see below).
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Few symptoms of breast cancer can be seen in the early stages, so keeping up with self and clinical exams is a necessity. Some patients have pain in the breast during the early stages. In some cases physical changes occur, such as how the breast or nipple feels and looks. There may be tender spots, lumps or a thickening near the breast or armpit. The nipple may become scaly, scarred, turned inward or have a discharge. Sometimes the size and shape of the breast can change or show signs of swelling. Any changes in your breasts should be checked out.
  
  

Treatment

• The type of treatment you receive depends on the type and stage of breast cancer you have. Surgical options include radiation treatment, chemotherapy, drugs and heat therapy. The link below for the American Cancer Society has a wealth of information on treatments available. Some patients also turn to complementary techniques such as acupuncture, Reiki, massage, meditation and reflexology, as well as dietary practices, which can be used along with traditional medicine. The links below have more information on early detection, treatment and general information about breast cancer.