Age and health history can affect the risk of developing breast cancer.
Anything that increases your chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Having a risk factor does not mean that you will get cancer; not having risk factors doesn't mean that you will not get cancer. People who think they may be at risk should discuss this with their doctor. Risk factors for breast cancer include the following:
* Older age.
* Menstruating at an early age.
* Older age at first birth or never having given birth.
* A personal history of breast cancer or benign (noncancer) breast disease.
* A mother or sister with breast cancer.
* Treatment with radiation therapy to the breast/chest.
* Breast tissue that is dense on a mammogram.
* Taking hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.
* Drinking alcoholic beverages.
* Being white.
The best treatment options for breast cancer come with early diagnosis. One of the most vital elements of the treatment decision will depend on the stage of the breast cancer, which is an indication of whether or not the breast cancer has spread and, if so, how far and to what areas of the body. However, the proper treatment protocol will depend on a number of factors, including:
• Location of the tumor within the breast
• Size of the tumor
• Stage of the disease (information on the size of the tumor and on whether or not the disease has spread to the nearby lymph nodes or other areas of the body)
• Type of breast cancer
• Estrogen-receptor status and progesterone-receptor levels
• HER2/neu status. Protein that promotes growth.
• Patient’s age, general health and menopausal status
• Personal opinions and preferences of the patient
The kind of treatment for breast cancer varies with the location, type and severity of the tumor. Breast cancer is staged according to the information gotten in the biopsy and staging tests, including imaging, history, physical examination and blood tests. After staging, a treatment plan will be designed for the patient.
Therapy options for breast cancer include chemotherapy, breast cancer surgery, radiation therapy, biological therapy and hormonal therapy. Most breast cancers are treated with a combination of the options based on the stage and type of cancer.
More Information
source: canver.gov
No comments:
Post a Comment