Saturday, August 27 2005 17:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Part 2: Breast Cancer and women

Breast cancer is the one of the most common malignancies afflicting women. In some parts, it is the most common malignancy. It is currently estimated that one in 14 of all female children born will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. An estimated 1,600 males are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. The cause of breast cancer is not known and most likely involves many factors.

Geographical

It is much more common in the western world.

Genetic

A family history of breast cancer will increase the risk of developing breast cancer in a woman by three to five times. Recently, a breast cancer gene (BR CA 1) has been identified. If a woman has this gene present in her chromosomes, there is an 85% chance of developing either breast or ovarian cancer or both in her lifetime.

Hormonal

It appears to be more common in women who did not bear children. It is also less common in women who have their first child at early age.

Women who started their menstrual periods before age 12, those who delayed menopause until after age 55 and those who had their first pregnancy after age 30 have a mildly increased risk of developing breast cancer (less than two times the normal risk).

Part 1: Cancer- a general description