Breast Cancer

Although there is no known cure for breast cancer, knowledge of the disease is sure to save many lives. For many women, breasts are a very visible symbol of femininity, " a focal point of sexuality or fashion as well as a proud source of nurturing new life. For others, the breast is a body part shrouded by custom and religious taboos". Breasts are made up of several kinds of cells: adipose (fatty tissue), stroma (connective tissue), and the epithelium that forms milk-producing glands. Breast size depends on heredity and body weight. A common misconception is that the larger the breast the greater the risk for breast cancer. This kind of misconception is very misleading and untrue.

There is not just one contributing factor to the existence of breast cancer. There are numerous causes and by studying these factors we can see who is at high risk. Women between the ages of 25-29 who have used or are using oral contraceptives are 16% more likely to develop breast cancer. As a woman's age increases so does her risk. For example an 80 year old woman has a 1 in 10 chance of getting breast cancer, while a 25 year old woman has a 1 in 19,608 chance of getting the disease. Only 5-10% of women who develop breast cancer has a family history of the disease. The delivery of a child before the age of 20 causes hormonal changes in the breast tissue which provides modest protection against breast cancer. Delaying the first child until after the age of 30 or not having any children at all increases the risk of breast cancer 2 to 4 times. It could be said that having children might save your life as it has also been proven that breast-feeding may decrease the chance of getting breast cancer by a small amount. There has been research as to whether or not diet is a factor in the formation of breast cancer. "Some authorities believe that up to 30% of breast cancers may be attributed to dietary influences." It is not known which dietary factors are important here although dietary fat seems to be a culprit. Alcohol consumption has been associated with a weak increase in the risk of developing breast cancer. "Obesity during the postmenopausal years has been associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk. Interestingly, being markedly underweight in the pre-menopausal years also increases the risk while postmenopausal obesity does not." The use of x-rays in young women has been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. "However, the usual does of radiation from a mammogram (x-ray of the breast) is very small. Most health authorities agree that the risk of inducing a breast cancer is extremely small compared to the benefit that a mammogram may find breast cancer when it is smaller and treatment is more effective." Routine mammograms are mainly used for women who are over the age of 40 and more resistant to the effect so radiation than younger women. Contrary to what most believe, smoking does not appear to either increase or decrease the risk of developing breast cancer.

"Historically, in the United States, black have had a lower incidence of breast cancer than whites, but unfortunately the survival rate for blacks is lower than the survival rate for whites." This is said to be because of the great difference in access to medical care. "In Canada the age adjusted risk among First Nations women seems to be lower than that among Caucasians." "Since ethnic groups who migrate to North America form areas of lower risk (Japan, Southeast Asia) adopt the higher risk of the 'average' woman in North America within 1-2 generations. This strongly suggests that the influences of race, ethnic background and genetics have little, if any role compared to diet, lifestyle or other environmental factors."

It is very frustrating to know that the major risk