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Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths among women in this country. According to the American Cancer Society, about 178,480 women in the United States will develop the deadly condition in 2007. Approximately 40,460 women will die from the disease this year. And although doctors still aren’t sure of the specific causes of breast cancer, studies show that environmental factors like pesticides, diet and various lifestyle choices are not causes. The American Medical Association states the most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which occurs in the ducts that move milk from the breast to the nipple. The second most common type, lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast’s lobules, where milk is produced.

Several factors increase a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer:

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as a woman ages, typically past the age of 50.

Alcohol consumption in excess of 1-2 glasses of alcohol a day contributes to risk.

Women with an immediate family member (i.e., mother, sister, grandmother) are at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Note: breast cancer is hereditary, not contagious.

Obese women produce more estrogen, which increases their chance of developing of breast cancer.

Women who have never had children or who gave birth after the age of 30 are also at higher risk.

Until recently, the traditional treatment for breast cancer has been radical surgery — a lumpectomy or mastectomy, with or without radiation therapy for women with primary breast cancer. Palliative endocrine therapy followed by chemotherapy is the prescribed course of action for patients with advanced disease or in cases where the cancer has returned.

Medical experts continue to stress the importance of women conducting breast self-examinations (BSE). It’s a simple examination women can perform at home on a monthly basis to identify any changes or abnormalities in the breasts or underarm tissue. BSEs are a critical part of the health regimen for African American women, especially. Although black women are less likely to develop breast cancer than their white counterparts, they are more likely to die from the dreaded disease. After conducting your BSE, it’s important to notify your doctor immediately if you discover any lumps or changes in size or color of your mammary tissue.

Tests your doctor can perform to determine the presence of cancer include mammograms, MRIs, breast ultrasounds and ductal lavages. In essence, educating one’s self about breast cancer allows a woman the security of increased awareness of her body, and ultimately a better chance at a longer, healthier life - adrienne gadling

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