Breast Cancer TreatmentMarlton, NJ

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

Although there are no proven causes of breast cancer, there are certain factors that can increase one’s risk of acquiring the disease. Among these risk factors, there are some that are in one’s control and others that are outside of our control. The CDC lists factors for both of these:

Risk Factors Outside of Control

• Getting older
• Genetic mutations
• Reproductive history
• Having dense breasts
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Previous treatment using radiation therapy
• Women who took the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES), given to some pregnant women in the United States between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage.

Risk Factors in One’s Control

• Not being physically active
• Being overweight or obese after menopause
• Taking hormones
• Reproductive history (first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy)
• Drinking alcohol

Regardless of risk factors, all women should get regular screenings at least once a year. Screenings typically involve a physical exam, in which we feel the breasts for any noticeable signs. Patients who show signs may require imaging tests, including film mammograms, digital mammograms, and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Upon officially diagnosing a patient with breast cancer, we will put together a treatment plan. Treatment will largely depend on the patient’s age, cancer stage, severity, speed of cell growth, risk factors, and, sometimes, preference. There are a plethora of treatment options for breast cancer today.

Surgery

Surgery may be the most common treatment for breast cancer to completely attack the tumor cells and prevent growth or spread. Surgeries for breast cancer include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue), mastectomy (removal of all breast tissue), axillary lymph node dissection (removal of lymph nodes), breast reconstruction, prophylactic mastectomy (preventive removal of the breast for high-risk patients) prophylactic ovary removal (preventive surgery lowers the amount of estrogen in the body), and cryotherapy (uses extreme cold to freeze and kill cancer cells).

Therapies

Various types of therapies are available to destroy breast cancer cells. Chemotherapy is an administered medicine used to kill cancer cells by going through the bloodstream. Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to shrink tumor cells. Hormonal therapy treats hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer by lowering the amount of the hormone estrogen in the body and blocking the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells. Targeted therapy targets specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as a protein that allows the cancer cells to grow in a rapid or abnormal way. Immunotherapy uses the power of the body’s immune system to attack cancer cells.

Medical and Holistic Medicines

Various medicines are used to treat cancer, including pain relievers, medications to lower one’s risk of development, and medicines to treat side effects of treatment. Holistic medicines include techniques that complement other treatments, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Treatment

How common is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the world as of 2021, according to the Breast Cancer Organization, with 30% of diagnosed cancers in the United States and 12% worldwide. Other statistics show that the death rate has been decreasing each year since 2007, likely from advancements in technology.

How can I prevent getting breast cancer?

Although you cannot completely prevent getting breast cancer, there are ways to lower your risk. For example, pregnancy and breastfeeding largely reduce one’s risk. Also, limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and limiting postmenopausal hormone therapy can help reduce the risk.

How often should I get checked for breast cancer?

Breast cancer checks, or mammograms, are suggested for women 45 and older every year. Women who are younger should do self-checks often and be aware of the telltale signs of breast cancer. Any woman of any age should contact her doctor and schedule an appointment as soon as she feels anything odd in the breast or is experiencing any symptoms.

Do mammograms hurt?

During a mammogram, the breasts are compressed which can cause slight discomfort. However, this tends to last for only a few minutes. Patients with sensitivity should schedule mammograms a week after their period as the breasts are less tender then.

Can men get breast cancer too, and how common is it?

Men can get breast cancer, although it is rare. According to the CDC, about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man. Though it is rare, men should be aware of the risk factors and get checked if they are experiencing any symptoms.