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An Introduction to Breast Cancer
Alternative Name - Carcinoma of
the breast
Definition - A malignant form of cancer
that develops in the breast tissue. Causes, incidence, and risk factors.
The most common type of breast cancer
begins in the lining of the ducts and is called ductal carcinoma. Another type, called
lobular carcinoma, arises in the lobules. For most types of breast cancer the cause is
unknown. Recently two genes, BRC1 and BRC2 have been implicated in a familial type of
breast cancer. A number of other predisposing factors have been identified including
obesity, early menarche and delayed or absent child bearing. Breast cancer may occur in
men as well as women, but is much more common in women.
The risk increases exponentially after
the age 30. The average age of women diagnosed with breast cancer is 60 years. In general,
the rate of breast cancer is lower in underdeveloped countries than the western countries.
Other risk factors include:
- having a family history of breast cancer,
particularly in mother or siblings.
- a past medical history of breast cancer,
ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, or colon cancer.
- early menarche (start of menstruation
before the age of 12) and/or late menopause (after the age of 55).
- no pregnancies or a first pregnancy after
the age of 30.
- radiation exposure.
- post-menopausal estrogen therapy and oral
contraceptive use (such as estrogens and progestin oral contraceptives) were considered
possible risk factors, but the majority of recent studies do not confirm such risks.
Research suggests that a person's diet
may affect the chances of getting some types of cancer. Breast cancer appears to be more
likely to develop in women whose diet is very high in fat. Older women who are overweight
also seem to have a greater risk. Some scientists believe that a low-fat diet, eating
well-balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and maintaining ideal weight can
lower a woman's risk. There are also studies that suggest a slightly higher risk of breast
cancer among women who drink alcohol. The risk appears to go up with the amount of alcohol
consumed. So women who drink should do so in moderation.
The possible link between diet and breast
cancer is still under study. |
