Information on Breast cancer from the MD Anderson Cancer Center
Cancer occurs when healthy cells begin to multiply uncontrollably. One out of every eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The biggest risk factors are advanced age and having a mother or sister who developed the disease. The disease is most treatable if caught in the early stages, so it is important to get an annual clinical breast exam and have a mammogram after age 40, or sooner if the person is a high risk individual. Symptoms include painless lumps in the breast, skin changes, enlarged lymph nodes, and changes in nipple position. The diagnosis is usually made by taking a sample of the breast lump, which is examined under a microscope by a pathologist...Learn more from the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Breast Cancer Information at Mayo Clinic
Information on breast cancer from MayoClinic.com.
Information on Breast Cancer from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Breast cancer information from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Breast Cancer Statistics
Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. Breast cancer is the number one cause of cancer death in Hispanic women. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in white, black, Asian/Pacific Islander, and American Indian/Alaska Native women. More information at the Center for Disease Control.
Video: Breast Cancer Risk Factors
The major risk factors for breast cancer are advanced age, family history, having a first child after age 30, and carrying a mutation for breast cancer genes. It is a combination of these risk factors, not any particular one alone, that raise an individual's chances of developing breast cancer. View the video at the National Library of Medicine.
Video: Breast Cancer
View a series of videos from Introduction to Breast Cancer, How Breast Cancer Spreads, Factors that Affect Cure Rate, Determining the Stage of Breast Cancer, Chemotherapy and Hormone Therapy, Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, Patient Stories, and Deciding on a Treatment at at Sutter Health.
Podcast: Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Listen to the podcast on inflammatory breast cancer from MayoClinic.com.
Podcast Series: Breast Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery
Following a breast cancer diagnosis, a patient and their doctors must decide on a treatment plan. The most appropriate therapeutic regimen depends upon many factors, both psychological and physical. For breast cancer survivors, psychological recovery can be difficult. Listen to a series of 12 podcasts from the American Cancer Society.
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Genes
Genetic testing can help patients make informed decisions about breast cancer prevention strategies. Patients found to have mutations in the breast cancer genes BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 may elect mastectomy. However, genetic testing is only recommended for patients with other risk factors for developing cancer, such as having a strong family history of the disease. View the major recommendations at the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Using Tumor Markers in the Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Cancerous breast tissue that is removed during biopsy is usually sent to a pathologist for histological examination. Many markers are available to aid in the diagnosis of breast cancer subtypes. The pattern of breast tumor markers aids in determining an optimal treatment course. View the major recommendations at the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Managing Advanced Breast Cancer
The standard treatment for advanced breast cancer will include a combination of surgery, medication, radiation, and other therapies. The patient will also be examined using imaging techniques or tissue biopsy to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Complications from therapy must also be managed. View the major recommendations at the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Screening for Breast Cancer
Annual mammography is recommended beginning at age 40. Women with significant risk factors for breast cancer may choose to begin these screenings earlier. There is insufficient evidence to determine if monthly self-breast exams are useful. View the major recommendations at the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Breast cancer treatments can vary greatly depending upon the location, grade, and physical characteristics of the tumor. In addition, in many cases, the patient should be screened for tumors that have spread throughout the body. This is typically done using lymph node biopsy and imaging techniques. Psychological support is essential both during and following breast cancer treatment. View the major recommendations at the National Guideline Clearinghouse.
Abstract: Tracking Cancer Cells
A major limitation in breast cancer treatment is the ability to track cancer cells. Recent work targets fluorescent molecules to HER-2 positive cancer cells in mice. The researchers were able to visualize breast cancer cells that had spread to the lungs. This application may be very useful the treatment of human breast cancer, because it could help identify small tumors that might be missed with current imaging technologies. View the abstract at Pubmed.
Free Full Text: Removing Ovaries and Fallopian Tubes Reduces Breast Cancer Risk by 50% in Women With the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 Genetic Mutation.
The BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. One of the most effective ways to prevent cancer development in these women is to surgically remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This procedure reduces a woman's risk by 50%. Full text available free through PubMed.
Free Full Text: Determining if a BRCA-1 Mutation Increases Breast Cancer Risk
Mutations in the BRCA-1 gene are associated with early onset of breast cancer. However, not all mutations are harmful. Ongoing research aims to determine which mutations raise the risk of developing breast cancer and which mutations are harmless. Patients with harmless mutations could avoid elective surgeries to remove the breast tissue. Full text available free through PubMed.
Free Full Text: Using Ultrasound and Mammography to Screen for Early Breast Cancer
Mammography is routinely used to screen women for early breast cancer. However, some small tumors can be missed, especially if the woman has dense breast tissue. Ultrasound may be used following mammography, in order to increase the chances of detecting an early stage cancer. Full text available free through PubMed.
Free Full Text: Comparison of the Drugs Commonly Used to Prevent Breast Cancer in High Risk Women
The drugs tamoxifen citrate, raloxifene, and tibolone are commonly prescribed to high risk patients to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. However, the various kinds of breast cancer respond differently to each medication. Furthermore, each medication poses the risk of serious side effects. Full text available free through PubMed.
Abstract: Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is commonly classified by the levels of certain proteins found on the cancours cell's surface. The most common abnormalities observed in breast cancer are changes in the levels of estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or HER2/neu . Some breast cancers lack these distinctive features. Unfortunately, these "triple negative" tumors are usually more aggressive and more difficult to treat. View the abstract online at Pubmed.
Abstract: Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Cancer stem cells are a population of cells thought to remain after the primary tumor has been eliminated. These cells are difficult to remove with current therapies and may be responsible for regrowth of the cancer. New therapies are being developed to track and fight breast cancer stem cells. View the abstract online in Pubmed.
Abstract: Breast Cancer Risk and Intervals Between Childbirths
The length of time between childbirths is associated with a women's risk of developing breast cancer. Women who space their children less than one year apart are at an increased risk for breast cancer compared to women waiting three years between pregnancies. In addition, women diagnosed with ductal breast cancer within three years of any birth, were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced cancer. These findings may be explained by the effects of hormones on breast tissue. View the abstract online at Pubmed.
Free Full Text: The Effect of Breast Cancer Treatment on Fertility
Women aged 20-34 years old account for 12% of all breast cancers diagnosed in the developed world. Chemotherapy often results in reduced fertility. For patients wishing to conceive after breast cancer, many interventions are available. Full text available free through PubMed.
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What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer (booklet)
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