October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Introduction

This year, an estimated 182,460 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women today (after lung cancer) and is the most common cancer among women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers.

In an effort to increase public awareness about breast cancer, the UPMC Cancer Centers joins other organizations nationwide to promote National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. UPMC developed these pages as a resource for learning more about breast cancer.

Breast cancer risk factors

Anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease is called a risk factor. Studies have found that race, social status, income, education and access to screening and treatment services may affect a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Some of these risk factors for breast cancer are as follows:

• Age – Breast cancer is more likely to develop as one grows older.
• Menstruation onset – A woman's risk of developing breast cancer may be higher if her first period began when she was under the age of 12.
• Delay of first pregnancy – A woman who delays starting a family until she is in her mid-30's or older is at an increased risk.
• History of breast cancer – A previous case of having breast cancer may increase chances for it to return (a recurrence).
• Family history – The likelihood of developing breast cancer increases if your mother or sister had breast cancer, especially if at an early age.
• Radiation therapy – Radiation therapy to the chest, given more than 10 years ago, especially in women younger than 30 years old, may increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
• Other breast diseases – A previous breast biopsy specimen showing certain types of benign breast conditions may indicate a higher risk of developing breast cancer. For most women, ordinary "lumpiness" of the breast tissues does not increase their risk.

Breast cancer facts

• The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells of the breast ducts. Cancer that begins in the lobes or lobules of the breast is called lobular carcinoma and is more often found in both breasts than other types of breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer symptoms include a warm, red and swollen breast, though this type of cancer is uncommon.
• A yearly mammogram after age 40 is recommended and monthly breast self exams should be done starting at age 18.
• Scientists are looking for drugs that may prevent the development of breast cancer in high-risk women. One study, called STAR (Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene), is the largest ongoing clinical trial of its kind comparing two drugs to determine which one may lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Sources: American Cancer Society; National Cancer Institute

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