Breast cancer is a malignant tumor
that develops from breast cells. Most start in glandular tissues. Breast
cancer commonly begins as "ductal carcinoma in situ', or DCIS.
That's when cancer cells have formed
inside the breast ducts (milk passages connecting milk-producing glands
to the nipples) but haven't spread to the surrounding fatty tissue.
Once the cancer has broken through the
duct wall and into the surrounding fatty tissue, the disease can
"metastasize", or spread, to other parts of the body via the
lymphatic system or the bloodstream. Lymphatic vessels are like veins,
but instead of flowing with blood, they carry tissue waste products and
immune system cells away from the infected areas of the body.
In the breasts, these
lymphatic vessels lead to lymph nodes in the underarm area, where lumps
can form.
Advice From the American Cancer
Society --
Mammography--When
it comes to breast cancer, the American Cancer Society says
its "most important recommendation" is that women
age 40 and over get a mammogram annually.
"Regular mammograms
save lives," a spokesperson for the society says.
"Mammography is safe
and effective. It's the best way to find breast cancers
early, when they're most treatable."
Clinical
Breast Examination--Get a clinical breast examination by a doctor
or nurse every year if you are 40 or over. For the best
results, schedule a clinical breast examination close to the time of
your mammogram.
If you are between 20 and
39, get a clinical breast examination every three years.
Breast
Self-Examination. All women 20 and over should perform breast
self-examination every month. If you have questions about the correct way
to perform a self-exam, ask your doctor or nurse or contact the American
Cancer Society.
By examining your breasts
regularly, you and your doctor can be aware of changes in your breasts
that are not normal.
Most lumps are not cancer,
but all lumps should be checked out by a doctor. If you
notice any change in your breast, call your doctor immediately. Even after
you begin having regular mammograms, clinical breast
examinations and self-examinations are important because mammography may
miss a small number of cancers.
Breast
Cancer Resources -- The American Cancer Society runs a 24-hour
hotline staffed by oncology nurses. Call (800) ACS-2345.
The American Cancer Society
also offers two key books that answer questions about breast cancer:
"Women and Cancer" by Carolyn D. Runowicz, M.D., Jeanne A.
Petrek, M.D., and Ted S. Gansler, M.D., and "Informed Decisions: The
Complete Book of Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and
Recovery" by Gerald P. Murphy, M.D., Lois B. Morris and
Dianne Lange.
The books can be obtained
by calling (888) ACS-5552.
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