Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the number one health concern among women today, and with good reason.  Over 1.5 million women may be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and an estimated 400,000 women may die from the disease annually.  Breast cancer is currently of major concern among the lesbian community, as women who have been exclusively lesbian and so have never nursed or used birth control pills mistakenly believe they are not at risk and so never perform the self-examinations or get the annual mammograms which doctors recommend for all women.  As a result, their cancer is often detected too late for treatments to be effective.  The Mautner Project, a service organization for lesbians with cancer and their loved ones, works to correct this problem and also to provide care and assistance for lesbians with breast and other cancers.  Breast cancer is not unknown in men, but is rare.  Still, a large percentage of men diagnosed with breast cancer die from the disease, because they also may not seek treatment until it is too late.  Pre- and post-operative male-to-female transsexuals may also be at high risk for breast cancer because of their use of female hormones. The exact causes of breast cancer are unknown, though certain risk factors are known.  Exposure to estrogen over a lifetime poses the biggest risk to women, especially if they use birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, or hormone replacement to treat post menopausal symptoms.  A family history of cancer is certainly a risk to be considered, and giving birth at an early age or entering menopause at a late age can increase the chances of developing cancer later in life.  Studies indicate that smoking and heavy drinking can also be contributing factors.  The chances of developing breast cancer increases for a woman as she gets older, particularly after age 65.  Women of European ancestry are more likely to get breast cancer, though women of all ethnicities are at risk and women of African descent have a lower survival rate, most likely because detection and treatment often comes too late.  Women who are considered at high-risk, especially those who have been treated for cancer in the past, may be prescribed tamoxifen, a drug which suppresses the production of estrogen. Self-examinations are recommended for all women as the first line of defense against breast cancer.  Pamphlets giving easy-to-follow instructions on this procedure are available from doctors and women's health centers, and the exams can be conducted in the bath or shower.  Any lump detected should be referred to a doctor for a follow-up exam, since not all lumps are cancerous and many are in fact are a normal part of the menstrual cycle and are temporary.  Any lump which is persistent, however, is cause for concern.  Women (and men) should also see their doctors immediately if they encounter swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening in any area of the breasts, change in breast size or shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breasts, itchy or scaly sores or rashes on the nipples, discharges from the nipples, a "pulling in" of the nipples, or any persistent pain in one spot.  Second opinions should always be sought in such matters.  No physicians who truly care for their patients' health should object to this, and no persons who truly care about their health should be feel self-conscious about seeking one, or even asking for a biopsy to completely allay any fears they may have. While self-examinations are a good first defense, they are no substitute for regular mammograms, in which the breast is x-rayed.  While a cancer risk does exist with x-rays, doctors emphasize that the risk of developing cancer from ray exposure is far less than the risk of dying from an existing cancer which goes undetected.  Early detection and removal of a breast tumor can usually assure a five-year survival rate of 95%.  But the chances of survival decrease dramatically if detection and treatment are delayed.  Special programs exist to provide mammograms for women in low income areas. While there is no guaranteed method for preventing breast cancer, leading a healthy lifestyle, including proper diet and abstinence from smoking and heavy drinking, and staying informed on the latest breakthroughs in cancer research and applying that information to one's every day life are the best ways for reducing one's risk for the disease.  Developing an open and trusting relationship with one's doctor regarding one's concerns, and never being afraid to ask questions or seek second opinions is also one of the best strategies to pursue. Links: Breast Cancer Information The Breast Cancer Site The Mautner Project National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations National Breast Cancer Coalition FMF Breast Cancer Info Center Male Breast Cancer Resources Breast Cancer In Men KeywordTitleAuthor