Breast Cancer

Today's blog is focused on Breast Cancer because a fellow collegue was recently diagnosed with Stage 0 Breast Cancer (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ).

Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells in the body grow, change, and multiply out of control. Breast cancer refers to the unpredictable growth and proliferation of cells that originate in the breast tissue. A group of rapidly dividing cells may form a lump or mass of extra tissue. These masses are called tumors. Tumors can either be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). Malignant tumors penetrate and destroy healthy body tissues. These cells can spread from one region of the body into another and are called metastases.
The American Cancer Society estimates that each year nearly 175,000 American women and 1300 American men will be diagnosed with breast cancer. 43,300 women and 400 men will die from breast cancer this year. Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age and is the second overall cause of death among women (exceeded only by lung cancer). Fortunately, the mortality rate from breast cancer has decreased in recent years with an increased emphasis on early detection and more effective treatments.

It is important to spread the word about Mammogram and Breast Self examination. Lets encourage our mothers, sisters, friends to seek a mammogram if over the age of 35 and or if there is a family history of breast cancer.