Breast Cancer

 

What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. [National Cancer Institute definition, 2009]

Breast cancer in Asian Women
According to CDC USCS(United States Cancer Statistics, 2005), breast cancer incidence rate is higher in Caucasian women (410.1 out of 100,000) than Asian women (267.6 out of 100,000). However, breast cancer is still the leading cause of death among Asian women (78.8 out of 100,000) comparing to the second leading colon cancer (32.2 out of 100,000) and the third lung cancer (37.6 out of 100,000). 

Who are at risk?
Women with the following factors have higher risk of getting breast cancer:

  1. 1)Age – Most breast cancer occur in women who are over the age 60. Breast cancer is uncommon before menopause. 

  2. 2)Personal history of breast cancer - Women who have had breast cancer face an increased risk of getting breast cancer in their other breast.

  3. 3)Family history - Woman's risk for developing breast cancer increases if her mother, sister, or daughter had breast cancer, especially at a young age.

  4. 4)Certain breast changes - Having a diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) may increase a woman's risk for developing cancer.

  5. 5)Genetic alterations - Changes in certain genes (BRCA1, BRCA2, and others) increase the risk of breast cancer. In families in which many women have had the disease, gene testing can sometimes show the presence of specific genetic changes that increase the risk of breast cancer.


How do I get Breast Cancer? 
There is no exact cause of breast cancer. Most women who develop breast cancer have none of the risk factors listed above, other than the risk that comes with growing older. Scientists are conducting research into the causes of breast cancer to learn more about risk factors and ways of preventing this disease.

What are the symptoms?
In fact, when breast cancer first develops, there may be no symptoms at all. But as the cancer grows, it can cause changes that women should watch for:

•A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area

•A change in the size or shape of the breast

•Nipple discharge or tenderness, or the nipple pulled back (inverted) into the breast

•Ridges or pitting of the breast (the skin looks like the skin of an orange)

•A change in the way the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple looks or feels (for example, warm, swollen, red, or scaly)


How do I know if I have breast cancer?
A screening mammogram is the best tool available for finding breast cancer early, before symptoms appear. A mammogram is a special kind of x-ray. Screening mammograms are used to look for breast changes in women who have no signs of breast cancer. NCI (National Cancer Institute) recommend that the women in their forties and older have mammograms regularly, every 1 to 2 years.

Mammography
Mammogram often detects a breast lump before it can be felt. Also, a mammogram can show small deposits of calcium in the breast. Although most calcium deposits are benign, a cluster of very tiny specks of calcium (called microcalcifications) may be an early sign of cancer. If an area of the breast looks suspicious on the screening mammogram, additional (diagnostic) mammograms may be needed. Depending on the results, the doctor may decide that no further tests are needed and no treatment is necessary.

Self-Breast Exam
Some women perform monthly breast self-exams to check for any changes in their breasts. When doing a breast self-exam, it's important to remember that each woman's breasts are different, and that changes can occur because of aging, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills or other hormones. It is normal for the breasts to feel a little lumpy and uneven. Also, it is common for a woman's breasts to be swollen and tender right before or during her menstrual period. Women in their forties and older should be aware that a monthly breast self-exam is not a substitute for regularly scheduled screening mammograms and clinical breast exams by a health professional.


Source: National Cancer Institute

  1. • Asian American Liver Cancer Education Program (2008-2012)


  1. • Korean American Breast/Cervical Cancer Program (1999-2003)


  1. • Asian Indian Breast Cancer Program (2003-2005)


  1. • Educational Materials






*Find more information on: Liver Cancer/Hepatitis B

Breast Cancer

Cervical Cancer