Breast Cancer - Overview

A Better Understanding of Breast Cancer

The breast is simply defined as the skin and tissue covering the chest wall. It comprises fatty tissue, lymph tissue and glandular tissue as well as nerves, veins and arteries. Both women and men have breast tissue, which means both can develop breast cancer, but the disease is far more common in females.

Cancer begins when cells in the breast start to grow in an uncontrolled manner. The abnormal cells create a tumor, and the resulting lump often is the first sign that something is wrong. Some breast tumors are benign while others, those that have spread, are referred to as malignant.

There are multiple strategies in the treatment of breast cancer, each with varying results. Breast cancer is the second-most common cause of death for women – after lung cancer – but many women can survive the disease. Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center offers a full range of treatment options depending on the cancer stage when the disease is diagnosed.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

Many doctors, including those at the Phoenix cancer center, have worked to discover risk factors for breast cancer, but their nuances are not yet fully known. Hormone levels seem to be a key factor as women age, but the exact connection to breast cancer remains a mystery.

Abnormal cell growth, the root of breast cancer, stems from a mutation in the cell’s DNA. This mutation may result from heredity, exposure to carcinogens or other factors. Unfortunately, these parts of your life often are out of your control.

However, there are some lifestyle choices you can make to lessen your chances developing breast cancer. Our Phoenix breast cancer treatment center recommends:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular exercise
• Drinking fewer than two alcoholic beverages per day
• Skipping hormone therapy is possible
• Discontinuing oral contraceptives

Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you have questions about breast cancer risk factors or a recent diagnosis, our team at Phoenix CyberKnife and Radiation Oncology Center will be happy to help. Contact us today for assistance or more information.