Breast Cancer Research Paper Outline

Introduction

Breast cancer is a malignant growth of tissue (tumor) in the breast. Unlike noncancerous (benign) tumors, malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. The most common type of female breast cancer begins in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of female breast cancer is unknown.

What increases the risk?

The following factors may make you more likely to develop this condition:

Age older than 55 years.

Family history of breast cancer.

Having the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Personal history of radiation exposure.

Obesity.

Menopause that begins after age 55 years.

Menstrual periods that begin before age 12 years.

Being pregnant for the first time at the age of 35 years or older.
Using hormone therapy.
Drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms of this condition include:
A painless lump in your breast.
Changes in the size or shape of your breast.
Breast skin changes, such as puckering or dimpling.
Nipple abnormalities, such as scaling, crustiness, redness, or pulling in (retraction).
Nipple discharge that is bloody or clear.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed by:

Medical history.

A physical exam. This will involve feeling the tissue around the breast and under the arms.

Taking a sample of nipple discharge. The sample will be examined under a microscope.

Performing some imaging tests, such as breast X-rays (mammogram), breast ultrasound exams, or an MRI.

Taking a tissue sample (biopsy) from the breast. The sample will be examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Your cancer will be staged to determine its severity and extent. Staging is a careful attempt to find out the size of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body. You may need to have more tests to determine the stage of your cancer:

Stage 0—The tumor has not spread to other breast tissue.

Stage I—The cancer is only found in the breast. The tumor may be up to ¾ in (2 cm) wide.

Stage II—The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. The tumor may be up to 2 in (5 cm) wide.

Stage III—The cancer has spread to more distant lymph nodes. The tumor may be larger than 2 in (5 cm) wide.

Stage IV—The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, liver, or lungs.

How is this

treated?
Treatment for this condition depends on the type and stage of the breast cancer. It may be treated with:
Surgery to remove the tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy). Lymph nodes may also be removed.
Radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy, which is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy, which involves taking medicine to adjust the hormone levels in your body. You may take medicine to decrease your estrogen levels. This can help stop cancer cells from growing.
Follow these instructions at home:
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Maintain a healthy diet.
Consider joining a support group. This may help you learn to cope with the stress of having breast cancer.
Talk to your health care team about exercise and physical activity. The right exercise program can:
Help prevent or reduce symptoms such as fatigue or depression.
Improve overall health and survival rates.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
You have a sudden increase in pain.
You notice a new lump in either breast or under your arm.
You develop swelling in either arm or hand.
You lose weight without trying.
You have a fever.
You notice new fatigue or weakness.
Get help right away if:
You have chest pain or trouble breathing.
You faint.