ANSWERS/2025 SPRING
What is the 2nd most common malignancy in women and 2nd leading cause of
death in women?
Breast cancer
How does breast cancer start?
From the epithelial lining of the ducts or the epithelium of the lobules
99% of breast cancers occur in what gender?
women
breast cancer is slightly more common in what race of women?
white
breast cancer in men is similar across?
,all ethnic groups
Risk factors for breast cancer?
-post menopause (increasing in age after 60)
-Estrogen (HRT: hormone replacement therapy) (post menopause therapy) can be
with progesterone or alone.
- History or genetics (history of breast, colon, endometrial, &ovarian cancer, or
family history of breast cancer) (*Gene BRCA1 or BRCA2 hold a 5-10% genetic
risk)
-Alcohol
-Childbirth after age 30
-Obesity
-Smoking
-Breast cellular changes: hyperplasia, atypical appearance (increased risk)
Breast cancer signs and symptoms
-lump in breast
-swelling
-skin irritation
-dimpling
-breast pain
-nipple pain
,-nipple turning inward
-redness
-scaliness
-thickening of the nipple
-unusual discharge
-lump in the armpit
(more rare but can present itself as an orange peel)
Where is the most common location of breast cancer?
upper outer quadrant is the most glandular tissue, as a result it is the most common
location of a cancer
Breast cancer screening & diagnostics
-history
-physical assessment and examination
-mammogram (less effective in younger women due to denser breast tissue)
-ultrasound
-MRI (gives more details than a mammogram or ultrasound)
-Biopsy
-Labs
-Pathology
, Breast health large breast challenges
-Impaired comfort
-Back pain
-diffculty finding clothing that fits
-expensive bras
-fungal infections under breasts
-redness, chaffing or rash, under breasts.
Breast health small breast challenges
-some choose breast augmentation (important to avoid foods, medications, herbs
that increase bleeding before/after surgery)
-Can still perform self examination and have mammograms- but may not be as
sensitive
-some evidence of increased risk for non Hodgkins lymphoma Not breast cancer
Breast Cancer Types
-In situ (non-ivasive) breast cancer remains in the mammary
DCIS: ductal carcinoma in situate duct or lobules