Breast Cancer
Risk Factors, Sign & Symptoms, Tests
& Treatments
By Michelle Gregory
2013

Statistics
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their
lifetime
1 in 1000 men will be diagnosed in their
lifetime (Primarily after the age of 60)
Median age at DX = 61
Approx. 39,000 deaths annually in the US
Approx. 254,000 new cases annually in the US

Invasive/Non-Invasive Breast Cancer Cases
Reported 2011
300000
250000
200000
Total Cases
Invasive
Non-Invasive
150000
100000
50000
0
2011

Normal Female Breast

Normal / Cancer Cell Comparrison

Risk Factors
Age & Gender
Most advanced cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women over age 50
Family History
Family history of breast, ovarian, uterine or colon cancer indicates a 20-30% increased likelihood to
develop the disease
Menstrual Cycles
Women who have their first menstrual cycle before the age of 12, or begin menapause after the age
of 55, have been found to have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Genetics
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic defects increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer by up to
80%
Childbirth
Obesity

Signs & Symptoms
Early stage is often asymtomatic
Lump in the breast or armpit
Change in size, shape or feeling of the nipple
or surrounding breast tissue
Discharge from the nipple

Tests
Self Breast Exam or SBE
Clinical Breast Exam or CBE
Mammogram
Biopsy
BCRA 1 & BRCA 2 Genetic Testing

Treatments
Lumpectomy
Mastectomy
Chemotherapy
Radiation
HPT – Hormone Replacement Therapy

Prophylactic Mastectomy
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_