Breast cancer is the second deadliest form of cancer for women in the United States. Men can also contract breast cancer, yet it is not as common. According to the Mayo Clinic, it was predicted in 2007 that some 2000 men would come down with breast cancer, compared to 178,000 women.
Identification
Symptoms can include a change in the nipple or size and contour of the breast, breast lump or bloody discharge from the nipple, or a flattening of the skin on the breast.
Warning
Risk factors include family medical history, being a woman older than 50, genetic predisposition, exposure to radiation, obesity, those with early menstrual cycles or late menopause, and those who have had hormonal treatments.
Features
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally and overtake healthy cells.
Types
The types of common surgeries performed to treat breast cancer are a radical mastectomy and simple mastectomy or lumpectomy.
History
Radical mastectomies are not as common as they once were in treating breast cancer.
Prevention/Solution
Breast cancer is typically treated with surgery and treatment. Treatments will depend on the stage of the cancer. Treatments might include radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy.
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