Breast Cancer

By Deidra Robinson

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the breast Cancer grows when certain genes do not function properly, causing a mutation (genetic error) It is considered a heterogeneous disease differing by individual, age group, and the type of cells inside of the tumor Being diagnosed with breast cancer does not mean an end to ones life

What is Breast Cancer?

Doing certain movements or activities may cause pain in the breast Changes in how the breast may feel Noticing a lump or thickening of the breast or underarm area An area that is darker or lighter from any other area on either breast

Symptoms

Most effective way is mammography One can also use self-exams at homefeeling for lumps while taking a shower is the easiest way (beginning as early as age 20) Even if a lump is found, most are benign and do not require further treatment

Diagnosis

Lumpectomy- surgical removal of the tumor Mastectomy- surgical removal of the entire breast Radiation therapy uses targeted, high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells Radiation therapy is used more with lumpectomies than mastectomies Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to treat cancer

Treatment

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"About Breast Cancer. www.nationalbreastcancer.org. National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2011. Web. 18 Oct 2011. "Post Chemo/Radiation Recovery Program." Photograph. Clearsprings Health Center. 2010. Web. 18 Oct 2011. "Surgery." www.breastcancer.org. Breastcancer.org Professional Advisory Board, 07 08 2011. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/>. "Understanding Breast Cancer." ww5.komen.org. Susan G. Komen, 2011. Web. 18 Oct 2011. "Understanding Breast Cancer--Symptoms." www.webmd.com. N.p., 2011. Web. 18 Oct 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/breastcancer/guide/understanding-breast-cancer-symptoms>.

Works Cited