Breast cancer impacts all ages
KAYLEA HUTSON GateHouse Plus

With the exception of skin cancer, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.

In fact, the American Cancer Society estimates 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women before the end of 2007. This is in addition to the anticipated discovery of 62,030 cases of non-invasive breast cancer.

Because of the prevalence of breast cancer diagnosis, the American Cancer Society places special emphasis on breast cancer awareness in October.

"When they catch it early, it's always better," explained Ashley Hill, a regional communications director with the cancer society. "Many women are not getting their yearly mammograms like they should."

If detected early, the ACS estimates the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 98 percent - if the cancer has not spread beyond the breast at the time of diagnosis.

"Women, like a lot of people, don't think they are going to get cancer," said ACS representative Brian Llewellyn. "They just think, 'It's not going to happen to me.'"

Hill agreed.

"People don't take the time for tests. They think its uncomfortable, and they don't get the test," she said.

Factors which lead

to a diagnosis

Aside from gender, age plays a main role in women receiving a diagnosis of breast cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, women's risk factors for breast cancer increases with age. Three out of every four women diagnosed with the disease are at least 50 years old. Family history and genetics also contribute to woman's chance for being diagnosed with the disease.

Additional risk factors include postmenopausal obesity, weight gain and a variety of hormone-related factors.

Getting tested

A mammogram, or a lowdose x-ray procedure, enables doctors to see the internal structure of the breast. It allows for the detection of cancers which cannot be felt during monthly self-exams.

The ACS recommends women begin receiving a yearly mammogram at least by the time they are 40. It also suggests women begin receiving clinical breast exams in their 20s and 30s.

Women who have a family history of breast cancer may also choose to have an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or a PET (positron emission tomography) for additional screenings.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer can be detected by the appearance of irregular images on a mammogram, by an individual conducting a self-exam at home or by changes in the breast tissue. Those changes include a lump, thickening, swelling, dimpling, skin irritation, distortion, retraction, ulceration, pain and tenderness of the nipple or spontaneous nipple discharge.

During a clinical exam, lymph nodes under the armpit and above the collarbone may be felt for enlargement or firmness - both signs that breast cancer may be present.

Treatment

Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type and stage of the illness. It can include surgery (a lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or hormone therapy.