“Cancer is not just one disease but rather a group of diseases. All forms of cancer causes cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer cells form a lump or mass called a tumor. Cells from the tumor can break away and travel to other parts of the body where they can continue to grow,” (American Cancer Society, 1). When a woman gets breast cancer, it is a malignant t

Not all of the lifestyle related factors that are assumed to be linked to breast cancer are proven to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Oral contraceptives such as birth control pills have been linked to breast cancer in some cases. Women who don’t have children or don’t have children until after the age of 30 have a slightly higher risk. Alcohol and smoking have an effect on a woman’s overall health, which can bring on a higher risk of breast cancer. Alcohol increases the risk about 1.5 times in women who have 2 to 5 drinks a day, where cigarettes don’t have a specific link to this disease. Obesity has also had some connection in developing breast cancer. Research shows that the risk increases in women who have been overweight as an adult but not in those who have been overweight since childhood. More recent studies have indicated that strenuous exercise at a young age may provide protection against breast cancer and even the smallest amount of exercise as an adult can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Other environmental factors such as antiperspirants and under wire bras have had no proof of a link to breast cancer (Reach to Recovery, 9-11).

Having breast cancer can have a major emotional effect on a woman. Going through all of the treatment and even the thought of losing their life is frightening. The technological advancements of the world today have helped to save many lives and even prevent many for contracting the disease. Education, along with early detection and newer and greatly improved treatments can help to end this horrible epidemic known as breast cancer.

Once a tumor has been found to be malignant, the proper procedures and treatments are discussed. Depending on what stage a woman’s cancer is in, she may have a lumpectomy where they only surgically remove the lump or she may have a mastectomy, in which they remove the entire breast and the affected lymph nodes, if necessary. A woman will then need further treatment to help contain and fight the cancer. Radiation therapy can destroy the cancer cells that might be left behind in the breast, chest wall, or armpit after surgery. The treatments last 5 days a week for 6 to 8 weeks. The cancer can also be treated with chemotherapy, which is an anti-cancer drug injected intravenously or taken orally. It usually lasts about 3 to 6 months and has horrible side effects. It can cause nausea, loss of appetite, mouth sores, hair loss and changes in the menstrual cycle (Breast Cancer Treatment for

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