guide to breast cancer Brought to you by Alliance Health.

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1 guide to breast cancer Brought to you by Alliance Health. The content in this guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the AllianceHealth.com website or The Guide to Breast Cancer.

2 Get the Facts About Breast Cancer Breast cancer is a common disease that affects millions of women each year. In fact, the National Cancer Institute estimates that approximately 2.4 million women had a history of cancer as of 2004 and about 178,000 new cases are expected to be diagnosed this year. Whether you are diagnosed with breast cancer or you re seeking information for a loved one, this guide is designed to give you information about breast cancer its causes, its symptoms, and the treatments available so assist you in conversations with your health professional. 1 AllianceHealth.com

3 What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue, which is made up of glands for milk production and the ducts that connect these glands to the nipple. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women after cancers of the skin, and it accounts for more than 1 in 4 cancers diagnosed in women. However, there have been many significant advances in early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Although there is still no cure for breast cancer, the number of breast cancer survivors is greater now than ever before. Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer It is not known exactly why a normal breast cell becomes a cancerous one. Most scientists believe there is not one single cause. It is thought, however, that breast cancer results from a combination of risk factors. The risk factors for breast cancer can be grouped into four categories: Behavioral Risk Factors. These are risk factors that you can control or change, such as the amount you exercise. Studies show that active women are less likely to develop breast cancer than sedentary women. While there are no clear links between diet and breast cancer, women who consume alcohol are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Hereditary Risk Factors. It s not new information that women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease. However, new research has uncovered the existence of a breast cancer susceptibility gene passed to women by one of their parents. It is important to note that 85 to 90 percent of all breast cancer cases are not hereditary, so it is vital that all women get regular screenings, even if they do not carry this gene. Biological Risk Factors. This type of risk factor are physical characteristics, such as race, age, and gender. Although all women are at risk to develop breast cancer, the risk increases with age. Women are most commonly diagnosed with breast cancer, but about 12,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men each year. Hormonal Risk Factors. The female hormones estrogen and progesterone are associated with the development of breast cancer. Women who begin menstruation early or enter menopause late are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Hormone replacement therapy has also been linked with breast cancer. 2 AllianceHealth.com

4 Breast Cancer SYMPTOMS Early-stage breast cancer often has no symptoms, which is why regular screenings are so important. Early detection is still the most effective way to fight breast cancer. Once the cancer has grown to a size that can be felt, the most common symptom is a painless mass. Less common symptoms include breast pain, heaviness, or changes to the breast such as thickening, swelling, redness, and nipple abnormalities. How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed? Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed by biopsy, in which a portion of the breast tissue is removed for analysis. In order to determine whether a biopsy is needed, doctors use three common types of screening methods: Mammogram. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that is effective in finding tumors that are too small to feel through a regular breast exam. Clinical breast exam. An exam of the breast by a doctor or other health professional in which the breast is palpated to determine abnormalities. New Screening Tests Being Studied in Clinical Trials Test Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Tissue Sampling Information A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of the breast. Examining breast tissue cells under a microscope. Breast self-exam. This is an examination of the breast that you perform on yourself to check for lumps or other abnormalities. 3 AllianceHealth.com

5 Treating Breast Cancer Although there is still no cure for breast cancer, there are several treatments available today. The treatment for your cancer depends on the severity and stage of your cancer. Some of the most common treatments for breast cancer include: Breast cancer is most commonly diagnosed by biopsy, in which a portion of the breast tissue is removed for analysis. In order to determine whether a biopsy is needed, doctors use three common types of screening methods: Surgery. Most patients with breast cancer undergo surgery to remove cancerous tissues from the breast. In addition, lymph nodes are often removed from under the arm so they can be assessed for cancer as well. Different types of surgery available for breast cancer include partial and total mastectomy and lumpectomy. Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It works by stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Depending how advanced your breast cancer is, chemotherapy can cure, control, or ease your cancer symptoms. Chemotherapy is common and often effective, but it does cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, mouth sores, and body pain. Radiation Therapy. Radiation therapy is the use of energy called ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and/or shrink tumors. While the side effects of radiation therapy are often less severe than those associated with chemotherapy, they do still exist. You may experience changes to your skin such as dryness, peeling, itching, or blistering. Fatigue is also common. In addition, you may also experience hair loss in the treatment area, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, swelling, and trouble swallowing. Hormone Therapy. Hormone therapy is a treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. Hormone therapy is often given to patients with early stages of breast cancer and those with metastatic breast cancer. There are other treatment options available, depending on the stage of breast cancer you have been diagnosed with. Your doctor or health care provider should work with you to explore treatments including alternative treatments to find the best treatment for you and your family. 4 AllianceHealth.com

6 Emotional Support for Breast Cancer Patients and Their Loved Ones Individuals diagnosed with breast cancer as well as their families and loved ones face many challenges that may leave them feeling overwhelmed, afraid, and alone. It is just as important to address the emotional challenges involved with a cancer diagnosis as it is to treat the cancer itself. A number of resources are available to help breast cancer patients and their families deal with the fear and anger associated with cancer: Support groups. Talking with other patients and families is often beneficial in helping people affected by breast cancer feel less alone and assist with improving their ability to deal with the uncertainties and challenges that breast cancer brings. To find a support group near you, call the Cancer Information Service at CANCER. National organizations. A number of organizations exist to help people affected by breast cancer with the emotional as well as practical aspects of dealing with the disease: American Cancer Society (ACS) a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization. Call them at or visit their website at Reach to Recovery an American Cancer Society program designed to help women and men to copy with breast cancer. Call them at or visit their website at Susan G. Komen for the Cure a foundation with the mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, and treatment. Call them at or visit their website at National Breast Cancer Coalition the nation s largest cancer advocacy group. Call them at or visit their website at Cancer Hope Network provides individual support to cancer patients and their families by matching them with trained volunteers who have battled and recovered from a similar cancer. Call them at or visit their website at CancerCare a national, non-profit organization that provides free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer. Call them at or visit their website at 5 AllianceHealth.com