Krystal Cluck Human Biology Disease Report Breast Cancer Breast cancer is the mutation of cells within the

breast, and the rapid reproduction of mutated cells which form a tumor. The tumor normally begins in the milk ducts or lobules (milk producing glands), and can spread to the surrounding tissues or lymphnodes. Symptoms of the disease can include lumps of various sizes, shapes, and consistency, though hard and rough lumps usually indicate cancerous cells. Also, unusual swelling of part or all of the breast, skin irritation, breast or nipple pain, or unusual discharge from the nipple can also signal cancerous cells. Generally, a woman has a 1-in 8 chance of developing breast cancer within her lifetime, though certain risk factors can increase her chances. These include aging, gender, exposure to certain chemicals or recreational drugs, hormone treatments, and a history of family members developing breast cancer. Early detection and treatment of the disease has helped to reduce deaths caused by breast cancer, and advancements in medical technology have helped to increase positive responses to treatments. Treatment begins with a biopsy to determine if the tumor is cancerous, which the biopsies have became less intrusive over the years. If the tumor is found to be cancerous, a series of tests are run to determine how far the cancer has spread, if at all. Once the tests are done, treatment options are discussed, which can include surgery to remove the tumor if it is still located only in the breast, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to reduce the chances of the cancer returning, as well as hormone therapy to reduce the growth rate and spread of the cancer. If the cancer has spread, chemotherapy and radiation can be used to kill the cancerous cells. Although death rates have been dropping since 1990, in 2010 around 39,840 women were expected to die from breast cancer in the U.S. Individual success rates depend largely on when the cancer was found, and at what age the woman was when the cancer developed. Other factors, such as cultural and religious views, can have an impact on how the individual views the cancer and if they will accept treatment, and natural, holistic, or preventive actions and lifestyle changes can greatly reduce the chances that an individual will develop breast cancer. http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/what_is_bc.jsp http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/risk/ http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/symptoms.jsp http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/ http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/understanding-breast-cancer-symptoms http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/what-causes-breast-cancer http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-detection http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-treatment