Women's Health

Breast Cancer

Written by Mark Abell

Breast Cancer is getting more attention in the media; it's becoming a topic of discussion amongst women more now than ever before. The medical community is promoting wellness in women, providing literature and discussion with women with regard to the detection as well as prevention of breast cancer. The fight is not over yet; this remains a significant issue in our society and more research and funding is needed to help women become more aware of the dangers of breast cancer as well as the treatment. As modern medicine looks for better ways to identify and treat the disease, women should do whatever is needed to keep the focus on research. More money funneled into research does not equate to better treatment, however. Education will still provide the best defense.

Breast cancer is the most common form of malignant disease among women in the Western Hemisphere and remains the most common cause of death among women between the age of 40 and 45. When a woman is informed that she has breast cancer, it sends ripples of ill-feelings toward themselves, their sexual well being, and their woman-hood through the very core of their existence. A popular novel, "Lightning", by Danille Steele (Dell Publishing, 1996) underscores the trauma experienced by one woman, who suffers a lifetime of losses because of breast cancer. Since the information era is upon us, the time for women to become educated with regard to breast cancer and ways to help prevent the disease has never seemed more appropriate.

One of the first and most important issues regarding women and breast cancer is knowing risk factors for the disease. Essentially, women who have first degree family relatives (mother or sister) with breast cancer, those who have had breast cancer, and women who are over the age of 30 should be aware of greater risk factors. Additionally, nulliparity (women who have never given birth) and women who entered either early menarche (development of periods) and late menopause, should also be concerned. Women who happen to fit into these categories should be examined earlier, more frequently, and discuss symptoms with the physicians. The key to any cancer treatment is early detection; cancer spreads rapidly and breast cancer is no exception.

Current recommendations for early detection of breast cancer is quite simple. If you are at the age of 35, you ought to have a baseline mammogram; then, at the age of 40, have mammograms at least every two years. If there are increased risk factors or a previous history of lumps (whether malignant or not), it might be a good idea to have a check up more often. A complete physical examination as well as a mammogram has been shown to identify about 96 percent of breast lesions; there is no substitute for being seen and checked.

Breast cancer, once identified, is usually staged according to its presentation. The staging of cancer is not new; the system of staging has helped the treatment of cancer. In breast cancer, the TNM staging process is used, and is rather complicated. However, for the interest of explanation and simplicity, the following is offered: "T" refers to Tumor; a number is then added to provide information as to the size (or presence of a tumor). "N" refers to Nodes and whether or not nodes (outside of the breast tissue) are involved (enlarged). The number used with the "N" also helps identify lymph nodes which are either "movable" (under the skin) or fixed to tissue, such as muscle or bone. Finally, "M" refers to Metastasis (spreading). For example, a woman with a tumor less than 2 cm in size, nodes in her neck or armpit (same side as affected breast) and no distant spreading, will be given the following classification: T(1) N (1) M (0). This information is then used to help the physician and the oncologist provide adequate treatment for the disease. In other words, some breast cancer lesions can be treated by simply removing the tissue; afterwards, there is no need for chemotherapy or radiation. The patient is then seen more often for exams. In more severe cases, as in the development of tumors greater than 5cm, lymph nodes which are not movable (fixed under the skin), and distant metastasis to the abdomen or pelvic area, the treatment may require extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. The removable of large nodes and metastasis almost always requires the removal of one or both breasts.

Again, early detection is the key. Breast cancer remains one of the most important issues in women's health. So, developing your own breast examination, once a month, would help you help your doctor detect any problems. Self examination is quite simple and can be done in the privacy and comfort of your own home. Check with your physician; he or she should have some pamphlets or booklets which you can read about performing your self-examination. Usually, most women see their physician for annual "female" check ups, which should include a thorough breast exam; but that, in itself, is not enough. Remember, education is the key, along with early detection. See your doctor.

For those who might want to surf the net for other Breast Cancer information, check out the following sites:

National Action Plan on Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer - CancerNet

NHMRC National Breast Cancer Centre Home Page

The Breast Cancer Network

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