What causes breast cancer?
It is not known exactly what causes breast cancer, but there are certain risk factors that seem to increase a person's chance of getting the disease. It's estimated that about 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary (run in the family). In many of these cases, a person has inherited a gene from his or her parents that has mutated (changed from its normal form). This mutated gene makes it more likely for a person to get breast cancer.
What genes can cause breast cancer to be inherited?
Everyone has two genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Normally, these genes help to prevent cancer tumors from growing. But sometimes a person inherits an abnormal (mutated) form of BRCA1 or BRCA2 from his or her family. This person's chance of getting breast cancer increases. Women from Ashkenazi Jewish families are more likely than other women to carry abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2. Mutations in these genes have also been linked to ovarian cancer.
Besides BRCA1 and BRCA2, there are other mutated genes that may make it more likely for a person to get breast cancer. Scientists know about some of these genes, and they are working to identify others.
What clues in my family history might show I've inherited a risk of breast cancer?
Breast cancer in 2 or more first-degree relatives is a sign that the mutated form of BRCA1 or BRCA2 might run in your family. First-degree relatives include your parents, siblings and children. Another sign of a risk of inherited breast cancer is a first-degree relative who got breast cancer before the age of 50. If you have a first-degree relative with ovarian cancer for example, that might also mean that you risk carrying one of the mutated genes.
Does everyone who has family members with breast cancer have these mutated genes?
No. The chances of inheriting breast cancer aren't high, even if someone in your family has had the disease. Many people have parents, siblings or children who have had breast cancer without carrying a mutated form of BRCA1 or BRCA2. Although anyone with first-degree relatives who have had breast cancer is at increased risk, most people don't get the inherited kind of breast cancer.
Breast cancer seems to run in my family. What should I do?
Talk with your doctor about your family history. For example, your doctor will want to know how you are related to any family members who have had breast cancer. Your doctor will also want to know how old your relatives were when their breast cancer was diagnosed.
Should I have a test to find out if I carry the breast cancer gene?
The choice is up to you and your doctor. Your doctor can help you decide if a gene test might be useful to you. He or she can also discuss the pros and cons of taking the test. Talking with a genetic counselor might also be helpful.
Think about how you would feel if the test results show that you carry an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene and are at greater risk of getting breast cancer. Some people want to know if they have one of the mutated genes. Knowing, instead of wondering, helps them deal with the risk of breast cancer. It allows them and their doctors to watch more closely for early signs of cancer. But other people would rather not know they have the abnormal gene because it would be too hard to cope with. Talk with your doctor about your feelings. It's important to note that even if you have a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your chances of developing breast cancer are still very low.
Showing posts with label Breast Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breast Health. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Breast Problems in Men
Although many people only associate breast problems with women, men can also be affected. If you have noticed changes in your breasts or nipples, follow this chart for more information.
SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS SELF-CARE
1. Are you between the ages of 10 and 25, and do you have swelling under and/or around one or both nipples? Hormone changes in puberty may cause GYNECOMASTIA, a benign (not cancerous) swelling of the male breast. In most cases gynecomastia will go away on its own within 2 or 3 years. See your doctor if you're concerned, if breast tenderness is a problem or if the breast tissue keeps growing.
2. Are you taking any hormones or new medicines, and do you have swelling under and/or around one or both nipples? Hormones and some types of medicine may cause GYNECOMASTIA, a benign (not cancerous) swelling of the male breast. Discuss this with your doctor.
3. Is your nipple red, sore, cracked or blistered, and do you run or wear loose gym clothing? You may have RUNNER'S NIPPLE, an irritation caused by clothes that rub against the skin. Wear soft, loose clothes and use an antibiotic ointment and adhesive bandage strips on your nipples when you run. Petroleum jelly may work just as well. If a growth occurs, have it checked by your doctor.
4. Do you have a tender breast lump that feels like a soft grape? You may have a cyst. Cysts are usually benign (not cancerous). See your doctor. He or she will determine if you need any additional tests. If your cyst is painful, your doctor may use a small needle to drain fluid from it.
5. Do you have a painless lump that feels rubbery and is easily moveable within the breast tissue? Although more common in women, FIBROADENOMAS, benign (not cancerous) lumps, may also occur in men. Make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will determine if you need additional tests.
6. Do you have a hard, painless lump under your nipple, and have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge? This may be a sign of something serious, like CANCER. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS SELF-CARE
1. Are you between the ages of 10 and 25, and do you have swelling under and/or around one or both nipples? Hormone changes in puberty may cause GYNECOMASTIA, a benign (not cancerous) swelling of the male breast. In most cases gynecomastia will go away on its own within 2 or 3 years. See your doctor if you're concerned, if breast tenderness is a problem or if the breast tissue keeps growing.
2. Are you taking any hormones or new medicines, and do you have swelling under and/or around one or both nipples? Hormones and some types of medicine may cause GYNECOMASTIA, a benign (not cancerous) swelling of the male breast. Discuss this with your doctor.
3. Is your nipple red, sore, cracked or blistered, and do you run or wear loose gym clothing? You may have RUNNER'S NIPPLE, an irritation caused by clothes that rub against the skin. Wear soft, loose clothes and use an antibiotic ointment and adhesive bandage strips on your nipples when you run. Petroleum jelly may work just as well. If a growth occurs, have it checked by your doctor.
4. Do you have a tender breast lump that feels like a soft grape? You may have a cyst. Cysts are usually benign (not cancerous). See your doctor. He or she will determine if you need any additional tests. If your cyst is painful, your doctor may use a small needle to drain fluid from it.
5. Do you have a painless lump that feels rubbery and is easily moveable within the breast tissue? Although more common in women, FIBROADENOMAS, benign (not cancerous) lumps, may also occur in men. Make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will determine if you need additional tests.
6. Do you have a hard, painless lump under your nipple, and have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge? This may be a sign of something serious, like CANCER. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
Breast Problems in Women
Breast lumps, pain, discharge or skin problems can be a sign of a minor problem or something more serious, so it's important to pay attention to any changes. Follow this chart for more information about breast problems.
SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS SELF-CARE
1. Do you have swelling and tenderness in one or both breasts? Go to Question 6.*
2. Have you given birth recently?
Soon after giving birth, your breasts could become engorged with milk, causing swelling and tenderness.
Breast pain along with redness, nipple discharge, itching or a fever, could be a sign of MASTITIS, an infection of a milk duct.
If your breasts are engorged, applying warm compresses to the breast and gently expressing some milk may help.
If you have an infection, talk to your doctor. He or she may give you an antibiotic.
3. Did the tenderness start recently, and do your breasts feel fuller and heavier? You may be PREGNANT. Changes in the way your breasts feel, fatigue, nausea and frequent urination are some of the early signs of pregnancy Take an at-home pregnancy test. If it's positive, see your doctor.
4. Do the swelling and tenderness seem to occur at about the same time during every menstrual cycle? Go to Question 6.*
5. Do you feel thickened, bumpy areas throughout your breast? Your symptoms may be a result of HORMONAL CHANGES during your menstrual cycle. If you also have irritability, trouble sleeping and mood changes, you may have PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS).
Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve bloating and tenderness. Ibuprofen or naproxen may be helpful for painful periods. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and excess salt. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to relieve them.
Your symptoms may be caused by FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE. See your doctor. He or she may recommend that you avoid fatty foods and caffeine.
*6. Do you feel a tender lump, smaller than a penny, that wasn't there last month? This lump may be a noncancerous GROWTH or CYST. Carefully check this lump for a month. If it doesn't go away or it changes, see your doctor.
7. Do you feel a painless lump that is deep in your breast, possibly attached to your ribs? A painless, firm lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER. See your doctor as soon as possible.
8. Are you breastfeeding and having pain and cracking of the nipple? Persistent pain and cracking in the nipple with breastfeeding could mean INFECTION, or it could mean that your baby is not latching properly. Try a lanolin ointment on your nipple. If it doesn't help, see your doctor or a lactation consultant.
9. Have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge? These changes may be a sign of a serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER See your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Do you have a sore on your breast that won't heal? A nonhealing sore on the breast could be a sign of a serious problem. See your doctor.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
SYMPTOMS DIAGNOSIS SELF-CARE
1. Do you have swelling and tenderness in one or both breasts? Go to Question 6.*
2. Have you given birth recently?
Soon after giving birth, your breasts could become engorged with milk, causing swelling and tenderness.
Breast pain along with redness, nipple discharge, itching or a fever, could be a sign of MASTITIS, an infection of a milk duct.
If your breasts are engorged, applying warm compresses to the breast and gently expressing some milk may help.
If you have an infection, talk to your doctor. He or she may give you an antibiotic.
3. Did the tenderness start recently, and do your breasts feel fuller and heavier? You may be PREGNANT. Changes in the way your breasts feel, fatigue, nausea and frequent urination are some of the early signs of pregnancy Take an at-home pregnancy test. If it's positive, see your doctor.
4. Do the swelling and tenderness seem to occur at about the same time during every menstrual cycle? Go to Question 6.*
5. Do you feel thickened, bumpy areas throughout your breast? Your symptoms may be a result of HORMONAL CHANGES during your menstrual cycle. If you also have irritability, trouble sleeping and mood changes, you may have PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS).
Over-the-counter medicines may help relieve bloating and tenderness. Ibuprofen or naproxen may be helpful for painful periods. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugary foods and excess salt. If your symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe a medicine to relieve them.
Your symptoms may be caused by FIBROCYSTIC DISEASE. See your doctor. He or she may recommend that you avoid fatty foods and caffeine.
*6. Do you feel a tender lump, smaller than a penny, that wasn't there last month? This lump may be a noncancerous GROWTH or CYST. Carefully check this lump for a month. If it doesn't go away or it changes, see your doctor.
7. Do you feel a painless lump that is deep in your breast, possibly attached to your ribs? A painless, firm lump may be a sign of a more serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER. See your doctor as soon as possible.
8. Are you breastfeeding and having pain and cracking of the nipple? Persistent pain and cracking in the nipple with breastfeeding could mean INFECTION, or it could mean that your baby is not latching properly. Try a lanolin ointment on your nipple. If it doesn't help, see your doctor or a lactation consultant.
9. Have you noticed any breast changes such as skin dimpling or puckering, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, or have you had any nipple discharge? These changes may be a sign of a serious problem, such as BREAST CANCER See your doctor as soon as possible.
10. Do you have a sore on your breast that won't heal? A nonhealing sore on the breast could be a sign of a serious problem. See your doctor.
For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think your problem is serious, call right away.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
BREAST HEALTH (Bra fit basics)
As girls reach puberty, they closely monitor the amazing and mystifying ways their bodies shift toward adulthood. Of all the changes, though, none is more closely watched and wondered about than breast changes. Girls watch the silhouettes of friends for hints, look to their moms and to movie stars and wonder: What will mine look like? How big will they be? When will I need a bra - and what size will it be?
For some women, their first bra wasn't really for support. Those training bras - simple, bandage-like pieces of fabric with basic clasps and, often, a tiny, delicate bow sewn between the cups - were probably bought to provide coverage during gym class. For others, that first bra was an absolute necessity for support and coverage.
No matter what her size, a woman's breasts need support. That's because a woman's breasts have no natural support system. The breasts contain no muscles to hold them up, instead relying on the skin and a network of underlying connective tissue called the "Cooper's ligaments" for minimal support.
As a woman moves, so do her breasts - vertically, horizontally, and in an overall figure-8 like motion. If not properly supported, breasts can move too much and cause pain and discomfort - especially during exercise. A bra can reduce excessive motion and prop up the breasts to help slow sagging that comes with age and movement.
Unfortunately, it's estimated that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. A woman chooses a bra size based on two components - the cup size, noted by letters, and the band size, noted in inches. Cup size is measured at the fullest point of the breasts, and the band size is determined by measuring the distance around a woman's back right beneath her breasts.
There are lots of reasons why women calculate this bra equation incorrectly, like not switching sizes when weight fluctuates. In many cases, women pay more attention to cup size than to band size, often choosing a cup size that is too small and a back size that is too large. A lot of cultural emphasis is put on cup size. Stuck in an A-cup, a woman may feel less feminine, while going beyond D cup can seem like crossing into forbidden "fat" territory.
But when a woman wears a bra in which the band size is too large, she depends on tightening the shoulder straps to keep the breasts propped up. Ill-fitted shoulder straps droop or dig into the skin and can cause muscle tightness that may trigger aches and pains. A properly-fitted band fits around the smallest part of a woman's back, midway between shoulders and elbows. At this position, a bra can provide adequate support, lift the breasts, and accentuate a woman's waistline. Consider going up a cup size and down a band inch.
So, forget the stigmas and go for fit. In fact, go for a fitting! A professional bra-fitting can help women find not only the perfect bra size but also the perfect bra type for her figure. A full-cup bra will cover much of the breast, while a balconette (A.K.A. shelf bra, demi-cup, half-cup) is cut horizontally across the breast. A plunge-style bra dips down into the cleavage.
Women should also invest in a well-fitted sports bra. All the up-and-down, side-to-side, and figure-8 movement during exercise can be a real pain, no matter what size of breasts a woman has. Luckily, the sports bra has come a long way since its beginnings as sewn-together jockstraps. Nowadays, a woman can choose the more traditional "compression" sports bra, which flattens the breasts against the chest. Or she can opt for a sports bra with moulded cups to support each breast separately. The compression sports bra is thought to be more effective to reduce movement for smaller breasts, while the moulded cup sports bra is thought to be more effective for larger breasts. However, some research has noted that these double-cupped sports bras more effectively reduce motion for both larger and smaller breasts. Women should try both types to see what is most comfortable for them.
For some women, their first bra wasn't really for support. Those training bras - simple, bandage-like pieces of fabric with basic clasps and, often, a tiny, delicate bow sewn between the cups - were probably bought to provide coverage during gym class. For others, that first bra was an absolute necessity for support and coverage.
No matter what her size, a woman's breasts need support. That's because a woman's breasts have no natural support system. The breasts contain no muscles to hold them up, instead relying on the skin and a network of underlying connective tissue called the "Cooper's ligaments" for minimal support.
As a woman moves, so do her breasts - vertically, horizontally, and in an overall figure-8 like motion. If not properly supported, breasts can move too much and cause pain and discomfort - especially during exercise. A bra can reduce excessive motion and prop up the breasts to help slow sagging that comes with age and movement.
Unfortunately, it's estimated that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong size bra. A woman chooses a bra size based on two components - the cup size, noted by letters, and the band size, noted in inches. Cup size is measured at the fullest point of the breasts, and the band size is determined by measuring the distance around a woman's back right beneath her breasts.
There are lots of reasons why women calculate this bra equation incorrectly, like not switching sizes when weight fluctuates. In many cases, women pay more attention to cup size than to band size, often choosing a cup size that is too small and a back size that is too large. A lot of cultural emphasis is put on cup size. Stuck in an A-cup, a woman may feel less feminine, while going beyond D cup can seem like crossing into forbidden "fat" territory.
But when a woman wears a bra in which the band size is too large, she depends on tightening the shoulder straps to keep the breasts propped up. Ill-fitted shoulder straps droop or dig into the skin and can cause muscle tightness that may trigger aches and pains. A properly-fitted band fits around the smallest part of a woman's back, midway between shoulders and elbows. At this position, a bra can provide adequate support, lift the breasts, and accentuate a woman's waistline. Consider going up a cup size and down a band inch.
So, forget the stigmas and go for fit. In fact, go for a fitting! A professional bra-fitting can help women find not only the perfect bra size but also the perfect bra type for her figure. A full-cup bra will cover much of the breast, while a balconette (A.K.A. shelf bra, demi-cup, half-cup) is cut horizontally across the breast. A plunge-style bra dips down into the cleavage.
Women should also invest in a well-fitted sports bra. All the up-and-down, side-to-side, and figure-8 movement during exercise can be a real pain, no matter what size of breasts a woman has. Luckily, the sports bra has come a long way since its beginnings as sewn-together jockstraps. Nowadays, a woman can choose the more traditional "compression" sports bra, which flattens the breasts against the chest. Or she can opt for a sports bra with moulded cups to support each breast separately. The compression sports bra is thought to be more effective to reduce movement for smaller breasts, while the moulded cup sports bra is thought to be more effective for larger breasts. However, some research has noted that these double-cupped sports bras more effectively reduce motion for both larger and smaller breasts. Women should try both types to see what is most comfortable for them.
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