Breast Cancer Paper

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Breast Cancer
HCA/240
Cheryl Williams
March 2nd 2012

ABOUT BREAST CANCER Cancer is very common among people of all ages. There are many different types of cancer and certain ones affect certain ages more. Among older people there are certain cancers that affect their age group more than others. One cancer that affects older adults more than any other age group is breast cancer. Breast cancer can both occur in men and women it is rare for a man to get breast cancer. CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS
*Gender- women are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
*Age- Breast cancer is more commonly found in women ages +
*Family history- More common in people that have had close family members with the disease.
*History of breast cancer- Someone who has had this cancer before is more likely to get it again.
*Race- white women are more likely to get breast cancer than other races.
*Dense breast tissue- Women with more gland tissue and less fat tissue.
*Not having children/children later in life- Women who do not have children or have children after age 30 have a greater risk for breast cancer
*Birth control pills- women who use birth control pills have a slightly greater risk for breast cancer.
*Using hormone therapy after menopause.
*Not breast feeding – breast feeding slightly lowers the risk for breast cancer.
*Alcohol- Alcohol use is clearly linked to high ring your risk of getting breast cancer.
*overweight- Being overweight or obese is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
*Lack of exercise- Exercise reduces the risk of breast cancer.

PREVENTION AND DETECTION
Ways to detect breast cancer
*Yearly mammograms starting at age 40.
*Clinical breast exam about every 3 years for women in their 20’s and 30’s
*Self breast exam- if anything feels or looks different than normal they should get it checked out.

Ways to prevent breast cancer
*Stay away from tobacco and alcohol
*Stay at a healthy weight
*Regular physical activity
*Eat healthy, lots of fruits and vegetables
*Protect your skin
*know yourself, your family history, and your risks.
*Regular check ups HOW DOES BREAST CANCER AFFECT THE BODY?
*Extreme Fatigue
*Lack of energy
*Nausea
*lack of appetite
*Sudden unexplained weight loss
*treatment for breast cancer can cause hair loss and weight gain BREAST CANCER TREATMENT OPTIONS
*Surgery- Remove the cancerous tissue and analyze it for type, grade, size, hormonal status and possible metastasis.

*Radiation- Radiation causes severe damage to that abnormal DNA, disrupting growth signals and preventing cell division. Healthy cells around the cancer can survive with some side effects.
*Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy targets rapidly diving cells, it is used to kill cancer cells and prevent recurrence. It can be used in all stages of breast cancer.
*Targeted Therapies- designed to disrupt those processes that contribute to the continued growth of cancer cells.
*Hormonal Therapy- Anti-estrogen hormone therapy starves tumor cells of the estrogen they need to grow. Resulting in cancer cell death. BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

The Breast Cancer Society INC. Email: support@breastcancersociety.org
Phone: (888)470-7909
Fax: (480)659-9807
Address:
The Breast Cancer Society, INC.
6859 East Rembrandt Ave., Ste. 128
Mesa, AZ
85212

References: http://www.breastcancersociety.org/aboutus/contactus/ http://breastcancer.about.com/od/treatments/a/treatment_ov.htm http://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/servingpeople/snapshots/breast.pdf http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/reach-to-recovery

References: http://www.breastcancersociety.org/aboutus/contactus/ http://breastcancer.about.com/od/treatments/a/treatment_ov.htm http://www.cancer.gov/aboutnci/servingpeople/snapshots/breast.pdf http://www.cancer.org/treatment/supportprogramsservices/reach-to-recovery