Breast Cancer

Julia Levy
Period 4

What Happens to
the Cells?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally. The genes
are in each cells nucleus. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace
themselves through an process of cell growth. Which is when healthy new
cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can turn on
certain genes and turn off others in a cell. That changed cell gains the
ability to keep dividing without control, producing more cells just like it and
then forming a tumor.
The parts of the body affected are the breasts. Advanced breast cancer can
affect the bones, liver and brain.

ymptoms of Breast Canc

Skin changes, such as swelling, redness, or other
visible
differences in one or both breasts
An increase in size or change in shape of the breast(s)
Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
General pain in/on any part of the breast
Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast

Causes
Breast cancer can be inherited. But only 10% (1 in 10) of women
with breast cancer have inherited an abnormal breast cancer
gene.
Environmental factors that cause breast cancer can be chemicals,
mothballs toilet deodorizers, air fresheners, vinyl, tainted
mascara, air pollution, pesticides, canned food, certain driveway
sealants, and mold and mildew cleaners.

Prevention
Limit alcohol
Dont smoke
Control your weight
Be physically active
Avoid exposure to radiation and
environmental pollution

Treatments
Surgery
Radiation
therapy
Chemotherapy
Nutrition
therapy
Eat healthy
Live an active
life

Diagnosis
Mammogram which is an x-ray of the breast
Breast ultrasound
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the
breast
Ductogram which helps determine the
cause of nipple discharge

Frequency in Population
Particular mutations in genes associated with breast cancer are more
common among certain geographic or ethnic groups, such as people of
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and people of Norwegian, Icelandic, or Dutch
ancestry.
White, non-Hispanic women have the highest overall rate for breast
cancer among U.S. racial/ethnic groups, while Korean-American women
have the lowest rate. Among women ages 40-50, African-American
women have a higher risk of breast cancer than white women and the
highest death rate from breast cancer. Chinese-American women have
the lowest death rate.