Breast Care and Cancer

Screen tests for breast cancer are the greatest way for women to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. These tests can find breast cancer early—when it is treatable. It is important to understand some basics of breast cancer if you or a loved one has been diagnosed. You can learn some signs and symptoms to watch for and how to manage any fears you may have about breast cancer.

Breast cancer is an uncharacteristic expansion of breast cells and can increase as a result of mutations, or irregular changes in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. Breast cancer generally refers to a malignant tumor that may have developed from the cells in the breast. Generally, breast cancer begins to develop in the lobules, which are the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. On occasion breast cancer may form in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty, fibrous connective tissues of the breast. Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality, but sometimes cancer may be inherited.

There are usually steps a person may take to help the body stay healthy such as:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Regular exercise
• Not smoking
• Limiting alcohol

Scheduling an appointment with an OB/GYN is an important step in discovering if you may have breast cancer. You can also do self exams if you are unable to schedule an appointment. However if you do meet with your health care provider, some questions you should ask are:

• What do my tests show?
• What kind of personality can breast cancer have?
• How will this information help in deciding what type of treatment or further tests is necessary?
• What did the hormone receptor test show?