by Imonikhe Ahimie

Created on: July 02, 2009   Last Updated: July 03, 2009

A breast cancer is a carcinoma, i.e. an abnormal and malignant growth of cells, in the milk glands of the breast or in the ducts that convey milk to the nipples, and although the causes of the disease are not fully understood, certain factors may place a woman at greater risk such as having family members who have had the disease; early onset of menstruation or late onset of menopause; not having had children, or had them late in life or not having breastfed; obesity, high fat diet, high alcohol consumption, etc.; and hormone replacement therapy after menopause.

However, age is the most important factor in developing the disease. At age 25, the odds for developing the disease are 1 in almost 20,000; by age 45, the odds are less than 1 in 100; and if the woman lives to be 85, the odds fall to less than 1 in 10. Notwithstanding, more than 70% of breast cancers have no relation to the known risk factors.

Self examination is a critical means of early detection and any suspicious lumps or other unusual developments in the breast/armpit areas should be brought to the notice of a physician as soon as possible. In addition, women should develop the habit of going for regular screening mammograms. The American Cancer Society recommends that women should undergo annual mammograms from the age of 40, while those who fall into a higher risk category should start earlier. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.

If breast cancer is suspected, the first step is to undergo a breast biopsy to determine whether in fact the growth is cancerous, and, if so, whether the cancer has spread to infect other sites. The spread or lack of spread of the cancer will assist the oncologist, a doctor who is a specialist on tumours, to determine the best treatment regimen. The American Joint Commission on Cancer has set out different stages of the disease depending on how widespread it has become to assist both physicians and patients choose the best treatment options.

Surgery is the foremost treatment for the disease and the extent of surgery will depend upon the extent to which the disease has spread, the age of the patient and her state of health. In the past, surgery almost always meant total mastectomy i.e. the total removal of the breast along with the underlying chest muscle and the underarm lymph nodes. Nowadays, only in extreme cases will total mastectomy be indicated. A lumpectomy i.e. the removal of the

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