male breast cancer thesis topics

A narrative study of the online personal narratives of men with breast cancer

• Mark Cabling
• Medical Education

Student thesis : Doctoral Thesis › Doctor of Philosophy

Original Research: Men's awareness and knowledge of male breast cancer

Affiliation.

• 1 College of Nursing, University of Colorado Denver, in Aurora, USA. [email protected]
• PMID: 20885124
• DOI: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000389672.93605.2f

Objective: This article reports on the findings of a qualitative study that explored the awareness and knowledge of male breast cancer among English-speaking men. The primary goal was to elicit information to guide both clinical practice and the development of gender-specific educational interventions.

Methods: Interviews with 28 adult men, all of whom had no history of breast cancer themselves but had at least one maternal blood relative with the disease, were conducted and analyzed, using qualitative methods, to describe participants' awareness of male breast cancer, their knowledge of the disease, and how they thought awareness of male breast cancer could be increased in health care providers and the lay public.

Results: Nearly 80% of participants weren't aware that men can get breast cancer; and although all were at higher risk given their positive family history, all reported that their providers had never discussed the disease with them. A majority couldn't identify any symptoms other than a lump in the breast. About 43% voiced concerns that a diagnosis of breast cancer would cause them to question their masculinity. Participants also suggested ways that men, as well as providers and the lay public, could be better made aware of and educated about their risk for this disease.

Conclusion: This study provides much-needed insight into men's awareness and knowledge of male breast cancer. While further research with larger samples is needed, these findings offer a starting point for the development of evidence-based, gender-specific, health promotion and disease prevention interventions for men.

Keywords: male breast cancer; breast cancer, male; breast neoplasms, male; men's health; patient education; qualitative research.

• Breast Neoplasms, Male*
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
• Interviews as Topic
• Patient Education as Topic
• United States

Cochrane Breast Cancer

Top 10 breast cancer topics needing a cochrane systematic review.

Deciding which research topics to focus on in medicine and health depends on many factors. These factors can include the currency of a topic, feedback from people providing or receiving care, and the priorities of funders.

In late 2019, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group (part of Cochrane’s Cancer Network) conducted a formal priority-setting exercise to help decide which review topics were most needed in the Cochrane Library. The Group did this by circulating a survey listing 25 new or existing review topics to a diverse group of individuals who are part of the international breast cancer community. The survey asked individuals to rank their top 10 topics from the list. Read details about the aims and methods used for this priority-setting exercise, which adhered to the standards outlined in Cochrane’s priority setting guidance note .

What were the top 10 review topics?

Read about the ranking of the 25 new or existing review topics .

What is next?

Support to author teams For the top 10 topics, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group will prioritise these topics during the editorial and peer-review process.

For all breast cancer review topics registered with Cochrane, the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group continues to work on these topics with author teams as these remain important topics. There will be no noticeable change in the support provided to author teams.

Future topics The Cochrane Breast Cancer Group is open to receiving new topic ideas. If you have suggestions for new topics that are not currently covered in the Cochrane Library, please send your idea to [email protected] .

Repeating this priority-setting exercise The priority-setting exercise may be repeated every 3 years, depending on resources.

Who responded to the survey?

The survey was circulated to over 800 individuals. Of the 199 people who responded, 90 people (45%) provided complete responses. The respondents were doctors (59%), researchers (18%) and people who had received treatment or currently receiving treatment for breast cancer (14%). Most respondents were from the UK, followed by the USA, Argentina, and India.

How did we calculate the ranking for each review topic?

The average ranking was calculated for each topic. This method is commonly used to determine ranking scores from surveys. This approach considers the number of counts for each ranking on a topic, the weighting of each rank (where a ranking of 1 gets the most weight) and the total number of counts. 

[Cover image: foliage of the Yew tree. Taxanes, a class of chemotherapy drugs, were originally derived from the Yew tree]

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Male breast cancer: a report of 25 cases

Majdouline el fouhi.

1 Laboratory of Genetic, Neuro-Endocrinology and Biotechnology, Ibn Tofail University, Kenitra, Morocco,

Abdelhalim Mesfioui

Abdellatif benider.

2 Oncology-Radiotherapy, Mohammed VI Cancer Treatment Center, Ibn Rochd University Hospital, Casablanca, Morocco

Male breast cancer is a rare disease accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancer diagnoses worldwide to our knowledge. The aim of this retrospective study is to analyse the epidemiologic, clinical, therapeutic and evolutive profiles of this disease and to compare some cancer aspects between male and female in 25 cases collected at Mohamed VI Oncology Center at the University Hospital of Casablanca between 2012 and 2018. Of all breast cancers, men with breast cancer make up a minority. Male compared to female breast cancers occurred later in life with higher stage and more estrogen receptor-positive tumors. The median age was 67.7 years. The average diagnosis delay was 15.7 month. Cancer was discovered through self examination in 76.1% of cases. The mean diameter was 3.5 cm and range from 1-6 cm. According to the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) classification, tumors were classified as T1-T2 (40%) and T3-T4 (60%). Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was the most frequent (92%) and 1 case of lobular carcinoma. Axillary nodal involvement was present in 82.4% of cases. Hormonal receptors were positive in 83% of cases. 86.6% of our cases present metastasis. Bone was the most representative site. Surgery was usually mastectomy with axillary clearance. It was possible to follow 21 of the patients. The median of follow-up was 12 months. The evolution has been characterized by local recurrence in 6 cases. There was 9 cases of death. Death was usually due to comorbid disease and to the advanced age. The 5 years overall survival rates were 57%.

Introduction

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare type of cancer in the breast cancer series and in the male population. MBC incidence is generally low compared with the female breast cancer (FBC), the highest rates adjusted for age occur in Israel (0.08 per 100,000 person-years), while the rates are the lowest in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand (0.14 per 100000 person-years) [ 1 ]. In the region of Casablanca and according to cancer regestry, it has been count 45 cases of MBC versus 4794 cases of FBC between 2008 and 2012. The reason of the low incidence rate in men is the relatively low amount of breast tissue along with the difference in their hormonal environment. During the last few years, there has been an increase in the incidence of this disease, along with the increase in female breast cancer [ 2 ]. The genetic susceptibility for the population is the reason for this variability, genetic studies in males however, have shown that germline mutations in BRCA2 alone account for the majority of hereditary breast cancer [ 3 , 4 ]. Common factors of breast cancer risk, such as hormonal and environmental factors, are also involved in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Male compared with female breast cancers occurred later in life with higher stage, and more estrogen receptor-positive tumors [ 5 ]. The management of breast cancer among men is generalized from the management of breast cancer in women [ 6 , 7 ]. Data usually interest female breast cancer (FBC) studies, limited information is available about the epidemiology, prognosis, quality of life and other data about MBC. In this review, we aim to report informations about the clinico-pathological characteristics, treatment and prognostic factors and the survival outcome of patients treated over six years in the university hospital of Casablanca-Morocco.

A total of 25 cases of MBC were identified, study data were obtained from cancer registry of Casablanca, all males with pathologically confirmed invasive breast carcinoma diagnosed from 2012 to 2018 were included. Inclusion criteria were male patients with localized breast cancer, locally advanced or metastatic. We excluded from the study patients who had no follow-up after initial diagnosis. All the diagnosis of breast cancer had preoperative histological confirmation. Patients were evaluated for demographical characteristics, surgery type, clinicopathological characteristics. Demographic and tumor characteristics included : age at diagnosis, tumor size in centimeters, axillary lymph node status, stage, the average diagnosis delay, grade, histology, and estrogen receptor (ER) expression, treatement and evolution. An operating sheet was used to collect data, data analysis was performed using SPSS (21), and survival was calculated using the Kaplan Meier method.

Twenty five patients at the oncology center of the university Hospital “Ibn rochd” in Casablanca, Morocco, with a diagnosis of breast cancer between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and evaluated in terms of epidemiological and histological characteristics and survival. The average age at time of diagnosis was 67.7 years (range: 36-87) which is more 10 years older than that noticed in women ( Figure 1 ). Family history of breast cancer was observed in one case. The average diagnosis delay was 15.7 month. According to the TNM classification, tumors were classified as T1: 2 cases (8%), T2: 8 (32%), T3 and T4, 6 and 9 cases, respectively, 24% and 36%. The mean diameter was 3.5 cm and range from 1cm to 6cm. In 7 patients (28%), locally advanced disease was classified as N1, while in 10 of cases (40%) was classified as N2 and 8 (32%) was classified as N3. 86.6% of cases was presented with metastatic disease already, the most representative site of metastasis was the bone. According to the classification Scarff-Bloom-Richardson; 71.4% was classified grade II and 28.6% was classified grade III. Axillary nodal involvement was present in 82.4% of cases and lympho-vascular emboli was seen in 68.8%. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma was the most common subtype (92% of cases). One case of lobular carcinoma was seen. Less common subtypes included apocrine and papillary was observed. In addition, hormonal receptors were evaluated in 18 cases. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were positive in 83% of cases (15 patients). Treatment was usually surgical. Complementary treatment included radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonotherapy. Surgery was usually mastectomy with axillary clearance or sentinel node biopsy. Radiotherapy (RT) was performed in 60% of our cases. Hormonal treatment (HT) was delivered in 66% of the cases. 83% of the patients have received chemotherapy (CT). We have followed 21 of the patients. The median of follow-up was 12 months. The evolution has been characterized by local recurrence in six cases. There were nine cases of death. Death was usually due to comorbid disease and to the advanced age. The 5 years overall survival rates were 57%.

specific incidence rate (age/gender) of breast cancer, cancer registry of Casablanca 2008-2012

Although breast cancer in men is far less common than breast cancer in women, it is associated with less favorable prognosis because diagnosis is usually made at an advanced stage. The average age of diagnosis in males is 60 years, which is ten years older than that noticed in female patients with the disease [ 8 , 9 ]. The average age of our patients (67.7 years) which is slightly higher than that seen in other series, we have noticed that the difference of the mean age at the diagnosis between males and females is superior to 10 years mentioned in the literature [ 8 , 9 ]. The most common clinical sign of breast cancer onset in men is a painless palpable swelling sub areolar. Other symptoms may include involvement nipple, with retraction and/or ulceration and/or bleeding [ 1 ]. 76.1% of our patients had descovered cancer trough self palpation. Collective reviews have shown predilection for the left side in a ratio of 1.07: 1. In our series we report also 52% of left desease side. Bilateral MBC has been reported in 1.9% patients [ 10 ]. We have seen one case of bilateral MBC in our series. About 90% of all male breast tumors have proved to be invasive ductal carcinomas, expressing high levels of hormone receptors with evident therapeutic returns. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma is the most predominant subtype with an incidence ranging from 64-93% [ 11 , 12 ]. Since the lobular system is not well developed in men, lobular carcinoma is uncommon, although, some cases have been reported in literature [ 13 ]. Our results match with this previous studies; 92% of our cases had an infiltrating ductal carcinoma and one case of lobular carcinoma. Axillary lymph node involvement is very common and clinically suspicious adenopathy has been seen in 40-55% patients. We report a rate of 82% of axillary nodal involvement, concerning females, several local studies have mentioned a rate between 50% and 65% of axillary lymph involvment [ 14 - 16 ]. The high rate in male is explained on the basis of lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis in males compared to females [ 17 ]. Breast cancer in males should be treated with the same strategy in women. The most common surgical procedure is modified radical mastectomy with axillary node dissection [ 18 , 19 ].

In our series, mastectomy with axillary clearance was the common surgical procedure combined with radiotherapy in men treated with mastectomy. Adjuvant radiation therapy has been shown to decrease local recurrence [ 20 ]. In a retrospective study of therapy in MBC, it was mentioned that the median survival of patients who underwent surgery alone was 33 months. However, for patients who received additional adjuvant therapy (chemotherapy) also radiation/hormones, either alone or in combination, the median survival rose to 86 months. Adjuvant therapy was most effective in large size, node positive and poorly differentiated tumours [ 21 ]. Frequently used chemotherapy regimens were cyclophosphamide methotrexate fluorouracil (CMF), fluorouracil epirubicin hydrochloride cyclophosphamide (FEC) and epirubicin cyclophosphamide (EC) [ 22 ]. The majority of our patients have recieved EC and FEC as adjuvant therapy. Due to the high positivity of ER/PR in MBC (83%). Most cases have recieved hormonotherapy (tamoxifen). Tamoxifen has been shown to lead to increased survival rates in women with hormone-sensitive disease and today is generally considered the standard adjuvant treatment for male breast cancer hormone-dependent [ 23 ]. Also hormonal therapy has been proven to help in metastatic disease in females and males [ 2 , 24 , 25 ]. The survival rate at 5 overall patient with male breast cancer is about 60% [ 26 ]. In our series, we report a five years overall survival rate of 57% which is less than seen in females. Some local previous studies interesting females have mentioned an overall survival rate at 3 years greater than 65% [ 14 , 27 , 28 ]. The number of histologically positive axillary lymph nodes and tumor size were significant prognostic factors. Another negative prognostic factor in our series is the advanced age at the time of diagnosis, as the increased presence of comorbidities may limit the possibility of treatment.

Concerted efforts must be made to educate both the public and health professionals, in order to make earlier diagnosis and thereby improve prognosis. Earlier diagnosis and wide use of adjuvant treatments (RT/HT/CT) widely decreased local recurrences and increased survival rates in MBC, reaching female ones. Prognostic factors were also very similar to female ones.

What is known about this topic

• The male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare and represents less than 1% of all malignancies in men and only 1% of all breast cancers incident;
• MBC occur later in life with higher stage and more estrogen receptor-positive tumors;
• The major problem is that breast cancer in men is often diagnosed later Survival rate in females is higher than seen in males.

What this study adds

• Male breast cancer is rare, less data about this cancer is available, this study is a contribution;
• This study comes to determine the various epidemiological characteristics and survival outcome of male breast tumors in the university hospital in Casablanca;
• In this review, we provide some data about epidemiological characteristics of phyllodes that can serve clinicians.

Cite this article: Majdouline El Fouhi et al. Male breast cancer: a report of 25 cases. Pan African Medical Journal. 2020;37(343). 10.11604/pamj.2020.37.343.23004

Competing interests

The authors declare no competing interests.

Authors' contributions

Majdouline El fouhi contributed at all stages of the research: data collection, data analysis and writing of the article. Abdelhalim Mesfioui contributed to defining the methods. Abdellatif Benider contributed to data collection and the analysis of data. The results were discussed by Majdouline El fouhi and Abdelhalim Mesfioui and Abdellatif Benider. All the authors have read and agreed to the final manuscript.

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• Published: 18 May 2024

Disparities in quality of life among patients with breast cancer based on surgical methods: a cross-sectional prospective study

• Yi Wang 1 ,
• Yibo He 1 ,
• Shiyan Wu 1 &
• Shangnao Xie 1  

Scientific Reports volume  14 , Article number:  11364 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

Metrics details

• Breast cancer
• Quality of life

To determine the impact of breast conservation on quality of life and identify treatment-related and other demographic factors associated with post-breast cancer treatment quality of life. A prospective study was conducted on 392 women who underwent breast cancer surgery at Hangzhou Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022. Operable breast cancer patients who had completed all treatments except endocrine therapy were included. Patients with tumor recurrence/metastasis, bilateral or male breast cancer, and other primary malignancies were excluded. After enrollment, patients were asked to complete the BREAST-Q scale, and their pathological and medical records were reviewed. Analysis of variance was used to compare the quality of life scores among the groups. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to identify independent factors associated with quality of life scores in different domains. Participants completed the BREAST-Q scale at a median of 4.6 years after surgery. Quality of life scores varied based on the therapeutic strategy. Breast conservation has significant advantages over mastectomy in terms of breast satisfaction, psychosocial, and sexual well-being. Compared to oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy was independently associated with decreased breast satisfaction, psychosocial, and sexual well-being, while conventional breast-conserving surgery showed comparable outcomes to oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery in terms of these factors. Breast conservation leads to an improvement in quality of life compared to mastectomy. Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery does not lead to a decrease in quality of life compared to conventional breast-conserving surgery and offers better outcomes compared to mastectomy.

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Introduction.

Breast cancer is a prevalent global malignancy 1 , and breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is a well-established treatment for early-stage breast cancer 2 , 3 . However, up to 30% of BCS recipients express dissatisfaction with their postoperative appearance, necessitating corrective interventions 4 . In the 1980s, European surgeons introduced "oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery" (OBCS), which incorporates plastic surgery techniques for post-BCS breast defect reconstruction 5 .

While OBCS offers satisfactory long-term oncological results and broadens treatment possibilities for patients who would typically undergo mastectomies 6 , it involves more extensive incisions, additional tissue manipulation, and potential flap reconstruction in comparison to conventional breast-conserving surgery (cBCS) 7 , 8 . The procedures involved in OBCS are more complex, time-consuming, and costly. Given these complexities, is it still worthwhile to pursue breast conservation by OBCS? Some researchers have proposed whether the use of OBCS should be reduced 9 .

Understanding the impact on the quality of life of breast cancer survivors is crucial given its significant influence on medical decision-making 10 , 11 . Despite the widespread utilization of OBCS to conserve the breast and enhance its aesthetics, research on its impact on quality of life is limited and complicated due to the variability of surgical approaches. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the effect of breast conservation by OBCS on the quality of life of patients with operable breast cancer treated at Hangzhou Cancer Hospital from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2022, and to elucidate the treatment and demographic factors associated with postoperative quality of life.

Materials and methods

This prospective, cross-sectional, case–control study was conducted at a single center. The inclusion criteria were operable breast cancer patients treated at Hangzhou Cancer Hospital between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2022, who had completed all treatments except endocrine therapy and provided participation consent. The exclusion criteria were patients with tumor recurrence/metastasis, bilateral or male breast cancer, or other primary malignancies. Participants were categorized into two groups: BCS group (cBCS with RT subgroup and OBCS with RT subgroup), and unilateral MAST group (MAST with RT subgroup and MAST without RT subgroup). This study utilized the BREAST-Q scale 12 , which includes separate modules for BCS and MAST without reconstruction. The BCS module was used for the OBCS with RT subgroup because OBCS in this study predominantly referred to oncoplastic lumpectomy/glandular remodeling. BREAST-Q assesses six distinct domains: satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being, physical well-being, sexual well-being, satisfaction with overall outcome, and satisfaction with care. Due to the elapsed time between surgery and questionnaire completion in this study, the domains of satisfaction with the overall outcome and satisfaction with care were excluded. Each domain was scored on a scale from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating an enhanced quality of life. Differences in BREAST-Q scores were categorized as small (2–3 points), moderate (4–7 points), and large (8–10 points) 13 . Patient characteristics, collected using the questionnaire, included employment status, educational level, marital status, and economic status. Patients’ medical and pathological records were reviewed to determine the disease tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging 14 , erythroblastic oncogene B (ERBB2; formerly HER2/neu or HER2) status, hormone receptor status, and body mass index (BMI). Information on surgery, chemotherapy (yes/no), RT, and endocrine therapy (yes/no) was obtained using a questionnaire in conjunction with medical records. The lymphedema status (yes/no) was assessed using the questionnaire's question regarding arm swelling. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Hangzhou Cancer Hospital, and all participants provided written informed consent. The study was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and followed the guidelines of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) reporting guidelines.

Statistical analysis

The experimental data were statistically analyzed using SPSS (version 29.0) software, and categorical covariates were expressed as numbers (percentages). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare quality of life scores among the different groups. Univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine the independent factors associated with the quality of life scores in each domain. Variables with two-tailed P  ≤ 0.15 in the univariate analysis were included in the multivariate analysis model using a stepwise method to establish the final multivariate model. Differences with P  < 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Ethics approval and consent to participate

This study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of Hangzhou Cancer Hospital (approval number: [hzch-2023] HS no.007). Written informed consent was obtained from every patient.

Patient enrollment

After screening, 623 eligible patients were invited, 456 provided written informed consent and completed the survey, but three were found to not meet the inclusion criteria after enrollment. After excluding 61 participants who only completed a brief questionnaire, a total of 392 patients’ data were included in the statistical analysis.

Patient, disease, and treatment characteristics

The interval between surgery and scale completion averaged 4.6 years (range: 0.33 to 9.83 years). Patient characteristics are detailed in Table 1 . Majority were married, employed, had moderate economic status (income ¥30,000–200,000 per year), and high school or higher education. At surgery, 324 (82.7%) patients had a body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) within the normal range (18.5 to 23.9 kg/m 2 ), and 56 (14.3%) patients had a BMI of 24 kg/m 2 or above. Among the patients, 39 (9.9%) had stage 0 breast cancer, 154 (39.3%) had stage I breast cancer, 158 (40.3%) had stage II breast cancer, and 41 (10.5%) had stage III breast cancer. The lesions on imaging before surgery of 253 (64.5%) patients measured two centimeters or less, 134 (34.2%) two to five centimeters, and 5 (1.3%) more than five centimeters. Chemotherapy was administered to 293 (74.7%) patients, with 121(30.9%) receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and 273 (69.6%) patients received hormone therapy.

Treatment details including surgery, RT, and lymphedema are presented in Table 1 . Among the patients, 88 (22.4%) underwent OBCS, 51 (13.0%) underwent cBCS, and 253 (64.5%) underwent unilateral MAST, among which 100 (25.5%) patients who underwent unilateral MAST received postoperative RT. All patients underwent axillary surgery, with 255 (65.1%) patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy only and 137 (34.9%) patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection. 61 (15.6%) patients reported having lymphedema.

BREAST-Q results by breast surgery strategy

Figure  1 illustrates unadjusted mean BREAST-Q scores by breast surgery strategy. Satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being and sexual well-being were significantly different among the groups ( P  < 0.001). BCS group showed higher scores in satisfaction with breasts (61.70), psychosocial well-being (76.01), physical well-being (83.52) and sexual well-being (55.06), while the scores for MAST group is lower (satisfaction with breasts: 57.30, psychosocial well-being: 70.83, physical well-being: 82.40 and sexual well-being: 49.21).

Unadjusted BREAST-Q mean scores by breast surgery strategy. BCS: breast-conserving surgery; MAST: mastectomy.

Satisfaction with breasts

Higher scores in satisfaction with breasts correlated independently with age ≥ 60 (β = 4.662; 95% CI = 2.345 to 6.979; P  < 0.001) and patient-reported income ≥ 200,000 (β = 5.068; 95% CI = 2.781 to 7.356; P  < 0.001). Lower scores were associated with BMI ≥ 24 (β = − 2.528; 95% CI = − 4.977 to − 0.079; P  = 0.043), axillary dissection (β = − 4.875; 95% CI = − 6.704 to − 3.046; P  < 0.001) and MAST (β = − 3.927; 95% CI = − 5.741 to − 2.113; P  < 0.001) (Fig.  2 A). Patient-reported income < 30,000 and lymphedema showed significance only in univariate analysis. Other factors exhibited no significant association.

Patient and treatment factors associated with breast satisfaction ( A ), psychosocial well-being ( B ), physical well-being ( C ) and sexual well-being ( D ) scores by breast surgery strategy. MAST: mastectomy; BCS: breast-conserving surgery; BMI: body mass index; CI: confidence interval.

Psychosocial well-being

Better psychosocial well-being correlated with age ≥ 60 (β = 2.564; 95% CI = 0.163 to 4.965; P  = 0.036), patient-reported income ≥ 200,000 (β = 4.820; 95% CI = 2.496 to 7.144; P  < 0.001), and ≥ 5y from surgery (β = 2.419; 95% CI = 0.523 to 4.315; P  = 0.013). Poor psychosocial well-being was linked to age < 35 (β = − 3.892; 95% CI = − 7.715 to − 0.069; P  = 0.046), BMI ≥ 24 (β = − 3.352; 95% CI = − 5.845 to − 0.859; P  = 0.009), patient-reported income < 30,000 (β = − 4.489; 95% CI = − 7.317 to − 1.660; P  = 0.002), axillary dissection (β = − 5.898; 95% CI = − 7.739 to − 4.058; P  < 0.001) and MAST (β = − 5.157; 95% CI = − 7.032 to − 3.283; P  < 0.001) (Fig.  2 B). Chemotherapy was only significant in univariate analysis. Other variables showed no significant association.

Physical well-being

Factors associated with better physical well-being were age ≥ 60 (β = 3.594; 95% CI = 1.554 to 5.634; P  = 0.001), patient-reported income ≥ 200,000 (β = 4.541; 95% CI = 2.559 to 6.524; P  < 0.001), and ≥ 5y from surgery (β = 2.311; 95% CI = 0.714 to 3.907; P  = 0.005). Conversely, patient-reported income < 30,000 (β = − 5.924; 95% CI = − 8.351 to − 3.497; P  < 0.001), axillary dissection (β = − 2.486; 95% CI = − 4.057 to − 0.914; P  = 0.002) and lymphedema (β = − 2.185; 95% CI = − 4.275 to − 0.094; P  = 0.041) were associated with poorer physical well-being (Fig.  2 C). < 1y from surgery was only significant in univariate analysis. Other factors lacked significant association.

Sexual well-being

Multivariate analysis indicated lower sexual well-being scores with BMI ≥ 24 (β = − 2.887; 95% CI = − 4.831 to − 0.943; P  = 0.004), < 1y from surgery (β = − 3.482; 95% CI = − 5.887 to − 1.077; P  = 0.005), axillary dissection (β = − 3.002; 95% CI = − 4.437 to − 1.567; P  < 0.001), and MAST (β = − 5.650; 95% CI = − 7.114 to − 4.187; P  < 0.001). Patient-reported income ≥ 200,000 (β = 2.272; 95% CI = 0.441 to 4.104; P  = 0.015) correlated with elevated sexual well-being (Fig.  2 D). Lymphedema was significant in univariate analysis. Other variables exhibited no significant correlation.

BREAST-Q results by local therapy strategy

To assess if there were enhancements in quality of life among women who underwent OBCS, we performed similar analyses among the subgroups. Figure  3 illustrates unadjusted mean BREAST-Q scores by local therapy strategy. All four domains were significantly different ( P  < 0.05). OBCS with RT group showed highest scores in satisfaction with breasts (61.99), psychosocial well-being (76.27) and sexual well-being (55.53). cBCS with RT group yielded the highest physical well-being score (84.10). The lowest domain scores were in MAST with RT group (satisfaction with breasts: 53.11, psychosocial well-being: 65.49, physical well-being: 79.89 and sexual well-being: 46.24).

Unadjusted BREAST-Q mean scores by local therapy strategy. RT: radiotherapy; cBCS: conventional breast-conserving surgery; OBCS: oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery; MAST: mastectomy.

Multivariate analysis indicated that MAST with RT was associated with poor breast satisfaction (β = − 8.381; 95% CI = − 10.858 to − 5.905; P  < 0.001), psychosocial well-being (β = − 11.491; 95% CI = − 14.039 to − 8.943; P  < 0.001), physical well-being (β = − 3.607; 95% CI = − 5.782 to − 1.432; P  = 0.001) and sexual well-being (β = − 9.493; 95% CI = − 11.454 to − 7.533; P  < 0.001). MAST without RT was associated with decreased breast satisfaction (β = − 2.536; 95% CI = − 4.817 to − 0.255; P  = 0.029), psychosocial well-being (β = − 3.171; 95% CI = − 5.487 to − 0.855; P  = 0.007) and sexual well-being (β = − 4.739; 95% CI = − 6.530 to − 2.947; P  < 0.001). cBCS with RT was not associated with BREAST-Q scores on univariate or multivariate analysis. The statistically significant factors correlated with BREAST-Q scores were mostly consistent with the outcomes of the breast surgery models (Fig.  4 ).

Patient and treatment factors associated with breast satisfaction ( A ), psychosocial well-being ( B ), physical well-being ( C ) and sexual well-being ( D ) scores by local therapy strategy. cBCS: conventional breast-conserving surgery; OBCS: oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery; MAST: mastectomy; RT: radiotherapy; BMI: body mass index; CI: confidence interval.

The rates of BCS and breast reconstruction after mastectomy are significantly lower in China than in Western countries 15 . One contributing factor is that Chinese women typically have smaller breast sizes than women in Western countries, while presenting with larger breast tumor volumes at the time of initial diagnosis, making BCS challenging. Additionally, some Chinese patients adhere to outdated beliefs and have concerns about potential impacts on treatment outcomes or cancer recurrence associated with BCS. OBCS provides acceptable long-term oncological outcomes and has extended treatment options for patients who would traditionally be candidates for mastectomies 6 . In recent years, there has been a clear change in the emphasis of surgical oncology in China, with a growing emphasis on utilizing modern oncoplastic surgical techniques to perform more breast conserving surgeries. Given the increasing prevalence of OBCS, it is essential to examine its impact on quality of life.

In this single-center prospective study, discernible disparities in quality of life surfaced among patients with breast cancer undergoing various local treatment strategies within ten years of surgery. Patients opting for more extensive surgery, particularly when combined with RT, experienced diminished quality of life; satisfaction with breasts; and psychosocial, physical, and sexual well-being. This aligns with findings from prior studies. Engel et al.’s study 16 has shown that patients undergoing BCS reports a higher quality of life compared to those opting for mastectomy. This improvement is often linked to the conservation of the breast and the associated psychological advantages. BCS enables breast conservation, leading to enhanced body image and self-esteem. Patients undergoing BCS may experience less psychological distress and enjoy better psychosocial well-being due to breast conservation. Additionally, BCS has a lesser impact on sexual well-being in comparison to mastectomy, as it retains natural breast tissue.

This study’s findings concur with those of Otsuka et al.’s study 17 in that oncoplastic surgery improved satisfaction with breasts. However, in Otsuka et al.’s study, the quality of life score was not elevated by OBCS (major breast surgery: 154.5 ± 24.6; minor breast surgery: 159.0 ± 20.8; OBCS: 158.7 ± 14.0). Although differences exist between major breast surgery and OBCS, the difference is not pronounced. In the present study, psychosocial and sexual well-being scores were elevated compared to MAST. Additionally, patients who underwent OBCS had better physical well-being scores than those who underwent MAST with RT and equal physical well-being scores than those who underwent MAST without RT. This may be attributable to the omission of RT, reduced chemotherapy and lymphedema in the MAST without RT group. Previous studies 18 , 19 have highlighted RT, chemotherapy, and lymphedema as adverse determinants of quality of life.

Rose et al. 20 suggested that patients who underwent OBCS showed significant improvement in the “psychosocial well-being” module compared to cBCS, while no significant differences were observed between the two groups in the “physical health,” “breast satisfaction,” and “sexual health” modules. Furthermore, a meta-analysis 21 indicated improved quality of life with OBCS compared with cBCS in patients with early-stage breast cancer, with better physical and psychological well-being, higher self-esteem, and a more stable body image, leading to improved social and emotional functioning. However, the clinical studies included in the meta-analysis were predominantly small- sample studies from single centers, and the surgical approaches varied. This study identified no significant differences in any of the quality of life modules between the patients who underwent OBCS and those who underwent cBCS, which is consistent with the findings of de Oliveira-Junior et al 22 . This may be because the present study’s follow-up time was longer, and several aspects of OBCS will decline over time 23 . In our study, the tumor lesion on imaging before surgery averaged 2.11 ± 0.67 cm in OBCS subgroup, and 1.62 ± 0.52 cm in cBCS subgroup. Smaller lesions are more likely to undergo cBCS, resulting in comparable cosmetic outcomes between the two surgical groups. Moreover, the limited number of BCS patients in our study is a significant factor that limits the ability to detect differences in quality of life between OBCS and cBCS subgroups.

In addition to the type of surgery, other clinical factors such as BMI (≥ 24), income (< 30,000), < 1y from surgery, axillary dissection, and lymphedema were negatively correlated with quality of life. Identifying these risk factors can facilitate early postoperative intervention and ultimately improve the postoperative quality of life of patients with breast cancer. Age (≥ 60) and ≥ 5y from surgery were associated with enhanced quality of life. Breast cancer patients can experience significant effects from the disease itself and the ongoing adjuvant therapies, both after diagnosis and during the treatment process 24 . These are all factors that lead to decreased quality of life within 5 years, especially within 1 year, rather than ≥ 5y after surgery. Moreover, good economic status was associated with better satisfaction with breasts, and psychosocial, physical, and sexual well-being. Patients with improved financial circumstances can access higher-quality healthcare services, opt for more expensive treatment options that may improve aesthetic outcomes. The financial advantage also affords patients more opportunities for supportive care, counseling, and resources to manage the challenges of breast cancer treatment and recovery, resulting in a decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression. These enhancements can have a positive impact on patients’ self-perception, confidence, and overall satisfaction with their breast appearance, all of which are closely connected to sexual health and intimacy. Notably, other studies 25 , 26 found an association between economic status and quality of life.

This study has some limitations. It was a cross-sectional, single-time, survey-based prospective study; therefore, the baseline quality of life of patients before surgery was not recorded, which may have influenced their choice of surgical approach and postoperative quality of life. Additionally, this study did not identify patients who chose MAST due to refusal of BCS; patients who selected MAST based on personal preferences may have different quality-of-life scores. Furthermore, this study did not include patients with postmastectomy breast reconstructions, which may improve quality of life of postmastectomy patients. Finally, given that this was a single-center small-sample study, studies with larger sample sizes are required to further confirm the findings of this study. Nevertheless, patient-reported questionnaires can provide basic information on quality of life and assist in identifying potential areas requiring intervention during the patient’s survival period.

OBCS is an acceptable option for patients with larger tumors who are not suitable for cBCS because it allows them to conserve their breasts 6 . This study demonstrated that patients who had their breast conserved reported a higher quality of life compared to mastectomy patients. Despite extensive incisions, additional tissue manipulation, and potential flap reconstruction, patients who underwent OBCS did not report a lower quality of life than those who underwent cBCS. Furthermore, they experienced significantly enhanced quality of life compared with patients who underwent MAST, particularly in the domains of satisfaction with breasts, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being. Quality of life data should be incorporated into decision support tools to assist patients with breast cancer in selecting the surgical approach, and discussions with patients should include information regarding quality of life to ensure that they understand the long-term impacts of different surgical approaches. This is particularly crucial because most patients with breast cancer have an extended postoperative survival period. Our data can support further improvements in Chinese breast surgical care for better survival and quality of life.

Data availability

The datasets generated and/or analyzed during the current study are not publicly available due to Chinese law but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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The interpretation and reporting of these data are the sole responsibility of the authors, and no endorsement by the Hangzhou Cancer Hospital is intended nor should be inferred.

This research was financed by the Medical and Health Research Project of Zhejiang Province, China (No. 2023KY964).

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Yi Wang, Yibo He, Shiyan Wu & Shangnao Xie

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Wang, Y., He, Y., Wu, S. et al. Disparities in quality of life among patients with breast cancer based on surgical methods: a cross-sectional prospective study. Sci Rep 14 , 11364 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-62105-z

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• Risk Factors
• Breast Cancer Resources to Share
• What CDC Is Doing About Breast Cancer
• Advisory Committee on Breast Cancer in Young Women
• MMWR Appendix
• National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
• Bring Your Brave Campaign

About Breast Cancer in Men

• Although it is rare, men can get breast cancer.
• Several factors can increase a man’s chance of getting breast cancer.

© 2011 Terese Winslow LLC. US government has certain rights. Used with permission. Contact artist at www.teresewinslow.com for licensing.

Breast cancer is most often found in women, but men can get breast cancer too. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.

The most common kinds of breast cancer in men are:

• Invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer cells begin in the ducts and then grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a breast disease that may lead to invasive breast cancer. The cancer cells are only in the lining of the ducts, and have not spread to other tissues in the breast.

The most common symptoms of breast cancer in men are:

• A lump or swelling in the breast.
• Redness or flaky skin in the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Nipple discharge.
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

These symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any symptoms or changes, see your doctor right away.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase a man's chance of getting breast cancer.

• Getting older. The risk for breast cancer increases with age. Most breast cancers are found after age 50.
• Genetic mutations. Inherited changes (mutations) in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase breast cancer risk.
• Family history of breast cancer. A man's risk for breast cancer is higher if a close family member has had breast cancer.
• Radiation therapy treatment. Men who had radiation therapy to the chest have a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Hormone therapy treatment. Drugs containing estrogen (a hormone that helps develop and maintain female sex characteristics), which were used to treat prostate cancer in the past, increase men's breast cancer risk.
• Klinefelter syndrome. Klinefelter syndrome is a rare genetic condition in which a male has an extra X chromosome. This can lead to the body making higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of androgens (hormones that help develop and maintain male sex characteristics).
• Certain conditions that affect the testicles can increase breast cancer risk.
• Liver disease. Cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver can lower androgen levels and raise estrogen levels in men, increasing the risk of breast cancer.
• Overweight and obesity. Older men who are overweight or have obesity have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than men at a normal weight.

How to reduce your risk

If several members of your family have had breast or ovarian cancer, or one of your family members has a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, share this information with your doctor. Your doctor may refer you for genetic counseling. In men, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of breast cancer, high-grade prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

If genetic testing shows that you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, your doctor will explain what you should do to find cancer early, if you get it.

Don’s Family History of Breast Cancer: Taking Responsibility

As a neurosurgeon, Don knew everything in life and in surgery is all risk versus benefit. After discovering his family history of breast cancer, he took responsibility for his own health by getting tested and later having an elective mastectomy.

As in women, treatment for breast cancer in men depends on how big the tumor is and how far it has spread. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. For more information, see the National Cancer Institute's Male Breast Cancer Treatment.

Survivor stories

Kenneth’s family history of breast cancer: finding strength through connection.

At 34 years old, Kenneth discovered he had breast cancer. It took an emotional toll on him, but he found strength by connecting with others.

Arnaldo and Vanessa’s Family History: Facing Breast Cancer Together

While most fathers and daughters bond over things like dancing or fishing or basketball, Vanessa and her father Arnaldo grew closer when they faced breast cancer treatment together.

• BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing (National Cancer Institute)
• What Is Breast Cancer in Men? (American Cancer Society)

Breast Cancer

Talk to your doctor about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

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144 Breast Cancer Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on breast cancer, ✍️ breast cancer essay topics for college, 👍 good breast cancer research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting breast cancer research titles, 💡 simple breast cancer essay ideas, ❓ research questions on breast cancer.

• Breast Cancer: The Story of One Patient
• Breast Cancer: Research Review Paper
• Breast Cancer: Literature Review
• Breast Cancer: Analysis and Data Collection
• Disease Research: Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer and Effective Medical Treatment
• BRCA Gene Mutation and Breast Cancer
• Understanding Epigenetic Mechanisms in Breast Cancer Human cells become cancerous when they undergo genetic modifications that make them acquire growth and multiplication advantages.
• Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in UK As of 2011, the incidences of breast cancer have been increasing continuously over forty years. Also, there was a general reduction in the rate of mortality caused by breast cancer.
• Bilateral Mastectomy for Breast Cancer Prevention One of the options for preventing the development of breast cancer is a bilateral mastectomy. But it may not be a good preventive choice for genetic markers of breast cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Pathophysiology, Types and Treatment Breast cancer is a common malignant neoplastic disease in women and mostly develops in the stage of women postmenopausal.
• Postmenopausal Women with Breast Cancer This research discusses, Experience of adjuvant treatment among postmenopausal women with breast cancer: health-related quality of life, symptom experience, stressful events and coping strategies.
• Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment Recent efforts from medical professionals and interest groups like Breast Cancer Awareness Month facilitate open discussion around breast cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Diagnostic and Treatment Breast cancer is one of the most common oncology disorders among females. It has a complicated chain of immune reactions and various structures identified histologically.
• Health-Related Misconceptions Regarding Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer There is a myth about the use of antiperspirants, especially aluminum-containing ones, as a risk factor for breast cancer.
• Naturalistic Observation of Couples Coping With Breast Cancer Couples who are suffering with cancer and their spouses’ psychological well-being were explored in study, which focused on the natural setting and substance of dialogues.
• Breast Cancer: Preventive Measures and Support Methods One of the most common types of cancer that women encounter worldwide is breast cancer. This disease was the cause of approximately 570,000 deaths in 2015.
• Health & Medicine: Breast Cancer in XIX Century The disease of breast cancer was a disease of women, which began to be actively noticed from the beginning of the nineteenth century.
• Breast Cancer: Threat to the Patients Cancer is developed from mutations, namely from atypical changes in genes that regulate cell growth and keep them healthy.
• Post-operative Breast Cancer Patients With Depression: Annotated Bibliography This paper is an annotated bibliography about risk reduction strategies at the point of care: Post-operative breast cancer patients who are experiencing depression.
• Herceptin and Breast Cancer Treatment Cancer growth is a series of processes that are driven by alterations of genes that bring about the progressive conversion of usual body cells into extremely malignant imitation.
• Postoperative Breast Cancer Care The chosen for the paper articles support the implementation of risk reduction strategies for depression in post-operative breast cancer patients.
• Breast Cancer and Exercise. Article Summary The research study focused on breast cancer survivors in the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute (RMCRI) who had already been treated.
• The Risk Factors of Breast Cancer This paper will throw light upon what breast cancer is all about, the risk factors, the distribution, and determinants of the same.
• Multicausality: Reserpine, Breast Cancer, and Obesity All the factors are not significant in the context of the liability to breast cancer development, though their minor influence is undeniable.
• Breast Cancer: Etiology, Signs and Symptoms Breast cancer is believed to have claimed many human lives in the last four decades, but its prevalence rate has decreased significantly due to improved disease awareness.
• The Epidemiology of Breast Cancer in Young Women The researcher has clearly outlined the essence of the referenced study as aimed at reviewing the epidemiology of breast cancer in young women.
• The Relationship Between Breast Cancer and Genes Cancer, in general, is a disease caused by genes that have mutated or adapted in a different way than was intended.
• Breast Cancer Development and Progression: Understanding Epigenetic Mechanisms The development and progression of breast cancer have been attributed to a series of cellular and molecular events, most of which are not well understood.
• Impact of Alcohol Abuse on Breast Cancer Risk in Women This paper will examine the effects of alcohol abuse on the development of breast cancer in women to uncover its devastating consequences.
• Prophylaxis Breast Cancer This paper examines the majority of the parts in detail and considers every risk linked to the development of this dangerous disease.
• The Disease of Breast Cancer: Definition and Treatment Breast cancer is a serious disease during which the breast cells experience abnormal growth. Females usually have a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Care of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphoedema The lymphoedema’s clinical manifestations include swelling of the upper or lower extremities, violation of skin nutrition, and subcutaneous fat tissue.
• Women’s Disease: Breast Cancer and Its Consequence Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide amounting to 25-30% of all cancer cases detected yearly among women.
• Racism in Breast Cancer Treatment Cancer treatment is the least studied field that arises numerous ambiguities and requires a more sophisticated approach in studying.
• Breast Cancer: Discussion of the Problems and Way of Treatment An analytical and evaluative case that is intended to recover fully the problem of breast cancer and explain the ways of its treatment in the context of nursing.
• Breast Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention This paper aims to discuss breast cancer epidemiology and socioeconomic factors with regard to the young, middle, and older adults to identify risks, prevention, and opportunities.
• Miami Breast Cancer Conference: Scholarly Activity Breast cancer is a prominent variation of the condition, as the body part is generally considered to be among the most common targets for the illness.
• Recommendations for Breast Cancer Screening: USPSTF Guidelines This paper aims to give a proper recommendation for breast cancer screening under USPSTF guidelines while considering the differences in patients’ epidemiology.
• Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Screening in Low-Income African Americans in Tennessee This article focuses on understanding the factors that are associated with the decision and obstacles to breast cancer screening in African-American women living in Tennessee.
• “A Culturally Tailored Internet Cancer Support Group for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors”: Article Analysis Medicine, as a holistic science, recognizes the individual cultural uniqueness of every patient in order to deliver a better quality of care.
• Breast Cancer and Stress Heightening This paper aims to discuss three educational interventions that can help patients to manage their stressful experiences.
• Prevention of Breast Cancer The problem of the study is a major one because it is connected to one of the critical health concerns that affect women worldwide: breast cancer.
• Anthem Blue Cross: Breast Cancer Screenings This paper aims to present a detailed economic report regarding the implementation of breast cancer screenings that Anthem Blue Cross will provide free of charge.
• Women’s Healthcare: Breast Cancer Prevention & Treatment Preventive services for patients who are at risk of breast cancer include medications for risk reduction of the disease and screening for breast cancer using film mammography.
• Breast Cancer Inheritance Biophysical Factors The biophysical factors operating in this situation are the age of the patient and the possible inheritance of breast cancer. The psychological factors are her mental health records.
• Breast Cancer Screening Promotion The article begins with a brief description of the North Carolina Breast Cancer Screening Program. The program included social-ecological and community organizing approaches to health promotion.
• Mammary Cancer: Health Screening Initiative Breast cancer is one of the dangerous conditions, which might lead to lethal consequences. This type of cancer is a malignant tumor of the glandular tissue of the breast.
• Mammography Screening and Breast Cancer Mortality The study has been designed to measure the effectiveness of breast cancer decision aids (DAs) in improving mammography screening intentions in African-American women 65 years and older.
• Breast Cancer Studies: Evaluation and Analysis of Scientific Papers This paper assesses the level of effectiveness and reliability of studies, as well as offer a separate intervention that can help at least partially solve the problem of breast cancer.
• Music Therapy Effects for Breast Cancer Patients The research question for this study is whether mindfulness-based music therapy influences attention and mood in women who receive adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer.
• Breast Cancer: Disease Screening and Diagnosis The paper studies the medical case of a female patient with the risk of breast cancer increased by the fact that cancers were recently diagnosed in her family.
• From Breast Cancer to Zika Virus – Nursing Issues The paper studies relations between diabetes type II and oral hygiene, treatment of cardiovascular diseases, vision loss, breast cancer, and preventing Zika virus.
• A Research of Breast Cancer Survival We know the cancer of breast tissue as Breast cancer. It has reported too that breast cancer affects woman ageing of any age at least in the western world.
• Breast Cancer and Its Effects on Society
• The Anatomy and Physiology of Breast Cancer
• Gated Dibh for Left-Sided Breast Cancer Patients
• Nursing Care For the Terminal Breast Cancer Patient Community
• African American Women, Environmental Impacts, and Breast Cancer
• African American Women and Breast Cancer
• New Breast Cancer Screening Guidelines
• Genetic Changes for Breast Cancer
• Early Preterm Delivery and Breast Cancer
• Elderly Lesbians and Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer Prevention Strategies
• Breast Cancer Awareness and Walks for Leukemia Flood Media
• Hyaluronan, Inflammation, and Breast Cancer Progression
• Breast Cancer Among Women in the United States
• Modified Radical Mastectomy for Contralateral Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer and the Use of Exercise as Medicine
• Obesity and Breast Cancer: Role of Leptin
• Breast Cancer Causes and Prevention Methods
• Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer Prevention
• Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Can’t Control
• Chemotherapy and Breast Cancer
• Postoperative Patients With Breast Cancer and Self Image
• Diagnostic Imaging for Breast Cancer Symptoms
• Breast Cancer: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
• Oral Treatments for Breast Cancer and Health Promotion
• Breast Cancer and Early Detection of Low-Income Minority
• Breast Cancer and Diet
• NFL and Breast Cancer Awareness
• Antiperspirants and Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer and Pregnancy
• Cervical and Breast Cancer and Nutrition’s Effects
• Breast Cancer and Early Detection
• 2000 Treatment Program for Cervical and Breast Cancer Prevention
• Hormone Replacement Therapy and Breast Cancer
• Coping Strategies and Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer and Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Abortion and Breast Cancer (ABC) In the United States of America
• Breast Cancer and Its Effects on Women
• Health Concerns Involving Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer Characteristics and Survival Differences
• Breast Cancer Information and Support
• Applying Medical Procedures for Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer and Its Effects on the United States
• Breast Cancer Treatment and Therapy With Nanomedicine
• The Second Leading Cause of Death Is the Breast Cancer
• Romania’s Breast Cancer and Healthcare Education
• Cardiovascular Toxicities From Systemic Breast Cancer Therapy
• Moderate Drinking Can Still Lead To Breast Cancer
• Treatments for Hormone Sensitive Breast Cancer
• Intraoperative Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer
• Postmenopausal Women, Breast Cancer Risk, and Raloxifene
• Breast Cancer and the Environment
• Breast Cancer and Cancer Cell Lines
• Group Therapy, Family Options, and Breast Cancer
• Issues Involving Breast Cancer
• Breast Cancer Survivorship, Quality of Life, and Late Toxicities
• Breast Cancer Age Risk Women
• Relationship Between Meat Intake and Breast Cancer Risks
• Breast Cancer Develops From the Breast Tissue
• Breast Cancer and the Medication Tamoxifen
• Which Branch of Science Is Used in Testing Breast Cancer?
• How Does Breast Cancer Affect a Patient’s Health?
• Which of the Lifestyle Choices Reduces the Chances of Developing Breast Cancer?
• What Is the Survival Rate for Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
• How Does Breast Cancer Affect Homeostasis?
• How to Check for Breast Cancer Using Nursing Assessment Techniques?
• Can Breast Cancer Spread to Your Kidneys?
• Why Does Breastfeeding Reduce Breast Cancer Risk?
• How Rare Is Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
• Is Fibrocystic Mastopathy Associated With an Increased Risk of Breast Cancer?
• What Is Papillary Breast Cancer?
• How Fast Does Metastatic Breast Cancer Spread?
• Who Founded the National Breast Cancer Foundation?
• Are Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer Linked?
• What Body Systems and Organs Are Affected by Breast Cancer?
• How Many Breast Cancer Deaths Occur per Year?
• How Do They Test for Breast Cancer?
• How Is Group Behavior Influenced Through Breast Cancer Treatment?
• Can Breast Cancer Cause Numbness in Fingers?
• What Are the Primary and Secondary Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
• What Causes Inflammatory Breast Cancer?
• What Side Effects Are Possible From Radiotherapy for Breast Cancer?
• Are Prostate Cancer and Breast Cancer Related?
• What Percentage of Breast Cancer Is Detected by Mammogram?
• What Information Does a Doctor Need to Assess a Patient’s Breast Cancer Risk?
• Is Abortion Linked to Breast Cancer?
• What Is the Risk of Metastasis for Breast Cancer?
• What Is the Primary Level of Prevention for Breast Cancer?
• What Genes Are Responsible for Autosomal Dominant Breast Cancer?
• What Is the At-Risk Population Regarding Breast Cancer?

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Shatley, Joseph Andrew, and L. Lee Glenn. "Sexuality and Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Patients Post Mastectomy." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2011. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/7510.

Neuling, Sandra J. "Psychosocial needs and responses in breast cancer recovery /." Title page, contents and abstract only, 1989. http://web4.library.adelaide.edu.au/theses/09PH/09phn487.pdf.

Yackzan, Susan G. "FACTORS INFLUENCING PREFERENCE FOR SURGICAL CHOICE AMONG WOMEN WITH EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER." UKnowledge, 2017. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/nursing_etds/34.

Ariche, Haifa, and Jelena Trifkovic. "Leva livet efter mastektomi : Kvinnornas upplevelser efter mastektomi." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Sektionen för Hälsa och Samhälle, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-8294.

Banfors, Ida, and Maja Högdahl. "Kvinnor med bröstcancer och deras upplevelser efter mastektomi : en litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke högskola, Institutionen för vårdvetenskap, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-8198.

Loritsch, Mary Brewer. "Do surgeons influence the treatment rates for T1 breast cancer patients at the local level of health care?" Diss., This resource online, 1995. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-11182008-063136/.

Kirshbaum, Marilyn. "Disseminating research evidence to breast care nurses : the case of exercise for breast cancer patients." Thesis, University of Manchester, 2004. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/10717/.

Topping, Annie. "Being there for women : the work of breast care nurses." Thesis, University of Huddersfield, 2001. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/4754/.

Williams, Anne. "A qualitative study of supported self-care in women with lymphoedema associated with breast cancer." Thesis, Edinburgh Napier University, 2011. http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/4705.

Björnemalm, Victoria, and Elin Grip. "Kvinnor med bröstcancer och deras erfarenheter av omvårdnad efter genomförd mastektomi : En litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Omvårdnad, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-29429.

Sundin, Ida, and Ida Koplik. "Kvinnors upplevelser av mastektomi till följd av en bröstcancerdiagnos." Thesis, Högskolan i Gävle, Medicin- och vårdvetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-29538.

Andersson, Julia, and Lina Jonsson. "Kvinnors erfarenheter av mastektomi till följd av bröstcancer: : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för omvårdnad, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-177856.

Dahl, Ebba, and Ulrika Nilsson. "Kvinnors upplevelser av bröstrekonstruktion i samband med bröstcancer eller vid risk för bröstcancer : en litteraturstudie." Thesis, Röda Korsets Högskola, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:rkh:diva-107.

Nilsson, Sara, and Sofi Svensson. "Kvinnors erfarenheter av att få en bröstrekonstruktion efter mastektomi : En allmän litteraturstudie." Thesis, Högskolan i Halmstad, Akademin för hälsa och välfärd, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-42021.

Paterson, Lesley Alison. "Factors influencing communication between the patient diagnosed with cancer of the breast and the professional nurse." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/4071.

Larsson, Hanna, and Nilsson Felicia Unga. "Kvinnors erfarenheter av att leva med bröstcancer efter genomgången mastektomi : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för omvårdnad, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-183639.

Bawati, Sundos, and Mona Abdi. "Kvinnors upplevelser av sjuksköterskans stöd innan en mastektomi : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Malmö universitet, Fakulteten för hälsa och samhälle (HS), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-40311.

Cruickshank, Susanne. "The effectiveness of an intervention by specialist breast care nurses to address the perceived needs and enhance the quality of life of women with breast cancer receiving follow-up care : a randomised controlled trial." Thesis, Edinburgh Napier University, 2014. http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/7557.

Tomtin, Therese, and Julia Saveman. "Kvinnors upplevelse av att drabbas av bröstcancer och genomgå en kirurgisk behandling : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för omvårdnad, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-178128.

Kreulen, Grace Joanne 1947. "Self-care, utilization, cost, quality and health status outcomes of a psychobehavioral nursing intervention: women experiencing treatment for breast cancer." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1994. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/565541.

Tailor, Bharti. "The experiences of South Asian women with breast cancer and the complexities of whole person care." Thesis, University of Southampton, 2008. https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/71891/.

Hjerpe, Sandra, and Sara Larsson. "Inte bara förlust av ett bröst : Kvinnors upplevelser efter en mastektomi." Thesis, Röda Korsets Högskola, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:rkh:diva-1982.

Crafoord, Anja, and Pamela Francis. "Kvinnors kroppsuppfattning efter mastektomi till följd av bröstcancer : en litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Sophiahemmet Högskola, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:shh:diva-3689.

Olsson, Elin, and Almström Frida Rönnberg. "Bröstcancerdrabbade kvinnors erfarenheter av mastektomi, med fokus på kroppsuppfattning : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Institutionen för omvårdnad, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-178713.

Mohamud, Ali Khadijo, and Panit Åkerman. "Kvinnors upplevelser av kroppen efter mastektomi vid bröstcancer : En litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke högskola, Institutionen för vårdvetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-7572.

Granli, Johanna, and Elin Hedén. "Kvinnors upplevelser av mastektomi vid bröstcancer : En analys av bloggar." Thesis, Högskolan i Skövde, Institutionen för hälsovetenskaper, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-19587.

Saldén, Mirja, and Daniel Pejer. "Kvinnnors kroppsuppfattning efter mastektomi på grund av bröstcancer : En litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke högskola, Institutionen för vårdvetenskap, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-8418.

Oliveira, Mariza Silva de. "Self care of the woman in the whitewashing of the mastectomy: study of appearance validation and content of the educative technology." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2006. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=362.

Rockström, Monica, and Isaura Rodriguez. "Sjuksköterskans stödjande roll i omvårdnaden av patienter med bröstcancer : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Röda Korsets Högskola, 2015. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:rkh:diva-1859.

Carter, Sue A. "A Description of BMI and the Incidence of Breast Cancer in the Premenopausal Woman." Walsh University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=walsh1429279507.

Ödling, Gunvor. "Professional caregivers' experiences of caring for women with breast cancer on a surgical ward /." Umeå : Univ, 2004. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-371.

Törnquist, Julia, and Tove Wessman. "Kroppsuppfattning och livskvalitet i relation till sexualitet hos kvinnor efter mastektomi." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för folkhälso- och vårdvetenskap, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-432429.

Ingelsson, Veronicka, and Evastina Noltorp. "Kvinnan, bröstet och kroppen : En litteraturstudie om kvinnors upplevelser kring sin kropp efter en mastektomi." Thesis, Kristianstad University, School of Health and Society, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-6907.

Syftet: Syftet med studien var att belysa kvinors upplevelser av kroppen efter en cancerrelaterad mastektmoi. Bakgrund: Allt fler kvinnor drabbas av bröstcancer i dagsläget. Detta har gjort att behandlingen har utvecklats och fler kvinnor överlever sin bröstcancer. Den kirurgiska metoden mastektomi är ett alternativ till att avlägsna bröstcancern vilket kan påverka kvinnans upplevelse av kroppen både fysiskt och psykiskt.Sjuksköterskan har en betydande roll kring kvinnorna. Metod: Detta är en litteraturstudie som bygger på artiklar med kvantitativa samt kvalitativa metoder. Resultat: Resultatet visar att flertalet kvinnor som har genomgått en mastektomi får en förändrad uppfattning om kroppen. Även upplevelser som påverkar den psykiska hälsan är identifierade såsom upplevelsen av förlust och känslan av att vara oattraktiv. Slutsats: Det som framkom var att hänsyn bör tas till att försöka förbättra kvinnornas acceptans av den kroppsliga förändringen. Då flertalet kvinnor har uttryckt en negativ påverkan på den. Ytterligare aspekt att ta hänsyn till är kvinnans relation med eventuell partner. Sjuksköterskan bör integrera honom i omvårdnaden och även ge honom den stöttning han är i behov av. Det är inte bara en förändring för kvinnan utan också för mannen.

Silva, Anna Paula Sousa da. "Basic actions for early detection and risk factors for breast cancer in women at a primary care center in Fortaleza-CearÃ." Universidade Federal do CearÃ, 2008. http://www.teses.ufc.br/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=2512.

Nordqvist, Annelie, and Sjöman Kristoffer Turesson. "Vad händer efter avslutandet av primär behandling för bröstcancer? : En litteraturöversikt om kvinnors upplevelser av uppföljningsvården." Thesis, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke högskola, Institutionen för vårdvetenskap, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-7248.

Frison, Fernanda Sucasas 1986. "Dança circular e qualidade de vida em mulheres mastectomizadas = um estudo piloto." [s.n.], 2011. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/308264.

Fransson, Ariana, Malin Bergman, and Olivia Tollesson. "Kvinnors upplevelser av sexuell hälsa relaterat till mastektomi vid bröstcancer." Thesis, Jönköping University, Hälsohögskolan, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-52688.

Dingley, Catherine E. "Inner strength as a predictor of quality of life and self-management in women with cancer /." Connect to full text via ProQuest. Limited to UCD Anschutz Medical Campus, 2008.

Arving, Cecilia. "Individual psychosocial support for breast cancer patients : Quality of life, psychological effects, patient satisfaction, health care utilization and costs." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala : Acta Universitatis Upsaliensis : Univ.-bibl. [distributör], 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-7929.

Hellström, Tina, and Kallnäs Karolina Holmén. "Fysisk aktivitet som omvårdnadsåtgärd till personer med bröstcancer: en litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Omvårdnad, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-33804.

Egnell, Tilda, and Johanna Ragnarsson. "Kvinnors kroppsuppfattning efter bröstcancerbehandling – En litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Högskolan Dalarna, Omvårdnad, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:du-27783.

Nicolau, Sandra Regina Terra Campos. "Cuidados sensíveis de enfermagem a mulheres submetidas a mastectomia: subsídios para uma ação educativa com enfoque na dimensão ética e estética." Universidade Federal Fluminense, 2015. https://app.uff.br/riuff/handle/1/3059.

Kelley, Marjorie M. "Engaging with mHealth to Improve Self-regulation: A Grounded Theory for Breast Cancer Survivors." The Ohio State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu157365193302496.

Hansson, Sara, and Pia Malmgren. "Bröstcancer. En litteraturstudie om hur bröstcancerdrabbade kvinnor och män upplever och hanterar sin sjukdom." Thesis, Malmö högskola, Fakulteten för hälsa och samhälle (HS), 2006. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-26537.

Brorsson, Lisa, and Sofia Hasselquist. "Kvinnors upplevelser efter genomgången mastektomi : En litteraturöversikt." Thesis, Hälsohögskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, HHJ, Avd. för omvårdnad, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-39796.

Lindström, Graff Louise, and Martina Giernalczyk. "Kvinnors upplevelser efter mastektomi : En allmän litteraturstudie." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för folkhälso- och vårdvetenskap, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-397820.

Bexhorn, Hanna, and Lovisa Furegård. "Vilka former av stöd främjar den psykiska hälsan hos kvinnor med bröstcancer : En litteraturstudie." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för folkhälso- och vårdvetenskap, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-347448.

Birk, Noeli Maria. "A espiritualidade de mulheres com câncer de mama: um estudo na ótica da teoria do cuidado transpessoal." Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 2016. http://repositorio.ufsm.br/handle/1/7485.

Fjelner, Maria, and Elinor Lundahl. "Bröstcancerdiagnostiserade kvinnors upplevelse av emotionellt stöd från vårdpersonal." Thesis, Ersta Sköndal högskola, Institutionen för vårdvetenskap, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:esh:diva-1566.

Freitas, Sandra Carvalho de. "Proposta de uma tecnologia de cuidado de enfermagem solidário no controle do câncer do colo do útero e mama." Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF), 2013. https://repositorio.ufjf.br/jspui/handle/ufjf/4561.

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Breast Cancer: Introduction

ON THIS PAGE: You will find some basic information about this disease and the parts of the body it may affect. This is the first page of Cancer.Net’s Guide to Breast Cancer. Use the menu to see other pages. Think of that menu as a roadmap for this entire guide.

Anyone can develop breast cancer. In the United States, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (excluding skin cancer). Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all breast cancers. Learn more about male breast cancer in a separate guide on this website .

About the breast

The breast is made up of different tissues, ranging from very fatty tissue to very dense tissue. Within this tissue is a network of lobes. Each lobe is made up of small, tube-like structures called lobules that contain milk glands. Small ducts connect the glands, lobules, and lobes, carrying milk from the lobes to the nipple. The nipple is located in the middle of the areola, which is the darker area that surrounds the nipple. Blood and lymph vessels also run throughout the breast. Blood vessels nourish the cells by delivering oxygen and nutrients and also removing waste and carbon dioxide. Lymph vessels, unlike blood vessels, only carry fluid away from tissues. They connect to lymph nodes and the lymphatic system, which drains bodily waste products. Lymph nodes are the small, bean-shaped organs that are part of the body's immune system and help fight infection. Groups of lymph nodes are located in different areas throughout the body, such as in the neck, groin, and abdomen. Regional lymph nodes of the breast are those nearby the breast, such as the lymph nodes under the arm, which are called axillary lymph nodes.

About breast cancer

Cancer begins when healthy cells in the breast change and grow out of control, forming a mass or sheet of cells called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or noncancerous, also called benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but has not spread.

This guide covers both non-invasive (stage 0) as well as early-stage and locally advanced invasive breast cancer, which includes stages I, II, and III. The stage of breast cancer describes how much the cancer has grown, and if or where it has spread.

Although breast cancer most commonly spreads to nearby lymph nodes, in which case the breast cancer is still considered a local or regional disease, it can also spread further through the body through the blood vessels and/or lymph nodes to areas such as the bones, lungs, liver, and brain. This is called metastatic or stage IV breast cancer and is the most advanced stage of the disease. However, the involvement of nearby lymph nodes alone is generally not stage IV breast cancer. Learn more about metastatic breast cancer in a separate guide on this website.

If breast cancer comes back after initial treatment, it can recur locally, meaning in the same breast and/or regional lymph nodes. It can also recur elsewhere in the body, called a distant recurrence or metastatic recurrence .

Types of breast cancer

Breast cancer can be invasive or non-invasive. Invasive breast cancer is cancer that spreads into surrounding tissues and/or distant organs. Non-invasive breast cancer does not go beyond the milk ducts or lobules in the breast. About 80% of breast cancer is invasive cancer, and about 20% is non-invasive cancer. There are multiple types of breast cancers, which are classified based on how they look under a microscope.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). This is a non-invasive cancer (stage 0) that is located only in the duct and has not spread outside the duct.

Invasive or infiltrating ductal carcinoma. This is cancer that has spread outside of the ducts. It is the most common type of invasive breast cancer.

Invasive lobular carcinoma. This is a type of breast cancer that has spread outside of the lobules.

Less common types of invasive breast cancer include:

Metaplastic

Micropapillary

Inflammatory breast cancer , which is an aggressive type of cancer that accounts for about 1% to 5% of all invasive breast cancers.

Paget’s disease is a rare type of cancer in the skin of the nipple or in the skin closely surrounding the nipple. It begins in the ducts of the nipple, then spreads to the nipple surface and the areola (dark circle of skin around the nipple). The nipple and areola often become scaly, red, itchy, and irritated. Often, Paget's disease is mistaken for eczema or an infection before the correct diagnosis is made. Although it is usually non-invasive, it can also be an invasive cancer. It is usually found with an underlying breast cancer.

Breast cancer subtypes

There are 3 main subtypes of breast cancer that are determined by doing specific tests on a sample of the tumor to determine its characteristics. These tests will help your doctor learn more about your cancer and recommend the most effective treatment plan .

Testing the tumor sample can find out if the cancer is:

Hormone receptor positive. Breast cancers expressing estrogen receptors (ER) and/or progesterone receptors (PR) are called “hormone receptor positive.” These receptors are proteins found in cells. Tumors that have estrogen receptors are called “ER positive.” Tumors that have progesterone receptors are called “PR positive.” Only 1 of these receptors needs to be positive for a cancer to be called hormone receptor positive. This type of cancer may depend on the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone to grow. Hormone receptor-positive cancers can occur at any age, but they are more common after menopause. About two-thirds of breast cancers have estrogen and/or progesterone receptors. Cancers without these receptors are called “hormone receptor negative.” Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers are commonly treated using hormone therapy (see Types of Treatment ).

HER2 positive. About 15% to 20% of breast cancers depend on the gene called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 ( HER2 ) to grow. These cancers are called “HER2 positive” and have many copies of the HER2 gene or high levels of the HER2 protein. These proteins are also called “receptors.” The HER2 gene makes the HER2 protein, which is found on the cancer cells and is important for tumor cell growth. HER2-positive breast cancers grow more quickly. They can also be either hormone receptor positive or hormone receptor negative. HER2-positive early stage breast cancers are commonly treated using HER2-targeted therapies (see Types of Treatment ). Cancers that have no HER2 protein are called “HER2 negative." Cancers that have low levels of the HER2 protein and/or few copies of the HER2 gene are sometimes now called “HER2 low."

Triple negative. If a tumor does not express ER, PR, and HER2, the tumor is called “triple negative.” Triple-negative breast cancer makes up about 10% to 20% of invasive breast cancers. Triple-negative breast cancer seems to be more common among younger women, particularly younger Black women and Hispanic women. Triple-negative breast cancer is also more common in women with a mutation in the BRCA1  gene. Experts often recommend that people with triple-negative breast cancer be tested for BRCA gene mutations. See the Risk Factors and Prevention section for more information on these genetic mutations.

Looking for More of an Introduction?

If you would like more of an introduction, explore these related items. Please note that these links will take you to other sections on Cancer.Net:

ASCO Answers Fact Sheet: Read a 1-page fact sheet that offers an introduction to breast cancer. This free fact sheet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

ASCO Answers Guide : Get this 52-page booklet that helps you better understand breast cancer and its treatment options. This free booklet is available as a PDF, so it is easy to print.

Cancer.Net Blog: Read an ASCO expert’s opinion about what newly diagnosed patients should know about breast cancer.

Cancer.Net En Español: Read about breast cancer in Spanish . Infórmase sobre cáncer de mama en español .

The next section in this guide is Statistics . It helps explain the number of people who are diagnosed with breast cancer and general survival rates. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.

Breast Cancer Guide

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Breast Cancer - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from breast tissue. Essays on this topic could explore the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer. Additionally, discussions might delve into the psychological and social impact of breast cancer on patients and their families, the ongoing research towards finding a cure, and the broader societal awareness and support systems available for those affected. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Breast Cancer you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Micro Needle Thermocouple for Detection of Breast Cancer

Hundreds and thousands of people are affected by cancer each year; it is one of the most fatal diseases and a leading cause of death and disability for humans (Iranifam 2014). There are several types of cancer than can affect different areas of the body, some being less life-threatening than others. A vast amount of patients suffer from late diagnosis or recurrence of their disease in spite of all the advances in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Modern cancer […]

The Role of Histology in the Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cell that can be benign, not dangerous, but it can also metastasize and invade different and distant tissues in our body. Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in female of any age and although the risk increases, as you get older, many different factors affect the chance of a woman to get breast cancer. I chose this specific topic because breast cancer is something that I’ve dealt with in my personal […]

Corporate Social Responsibility against Cancer

Abstract As an assistant manager at Kenta Law Firm, based in Monroe, I intend to collaborate with the Susan B. Komen Foundation a non-organization corporation that is interested in reducing issues of breast cancer among women. Kenta law firm has noted that a significant populace of Monroe’s youth especially women and young children specifically those who are homeless are suffering from breast cancer. In this CSR partnership, our law firm will collaborate with the Susan B. Komen Foundation in addressing […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

Why is Screening for Breast Cancer Important

The impact this disease has, on not only the individual but the people around them, is powerful. Even though the tests show cancer, I am thankful that I had the annual test. It is true that stress, anxiety, and money can be saved by waiting until the age of 50 years old because of misinterpretation and overdiagnosis. However, early detection is the key to success in the battle against breast cancer. There are many different options for detection scans that […]

Breast Cancer: Casuses and Treatment

Cancer is defined as “when the body’s cells begin to divide without stopping and spread into surrounding tissues.” (“What is cancer?”, 2017), caused by mutations that lead to the cell cycle to proceed, regardless if the cell is qualified to. The mutations block the use of the G1, G2, and M checkpoints in the cell cycle. These checkpoints are important in “sensing defects that occur during essential processes, and induce a cell cycle arrest in response until the defects are […]

Breast Reconstruction after Mastectomy

Breast cancer is always personal. As a physician who counsels women at different steps during the healing process, I am acutely aware of this undeniable fact. Every decision she makes from the point at which she is diagnosed with breast cancer will require her focused engagement and a physician who is central to understanding her need for clarity of options. It is an intimate relationship where trust is a requirement and every woman faced with the many unknowns ahead will […]

Breast Cancer History Research Paper

Breast cancer is a disease in which most commonly occurs in all women no matter their size, shape, race, or ethnicity. About one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every year, a fatal disease if not discovered early. Early detection of breast cancer is key so that cancerous cells found in the breast do not spread through other parts of the body. With an increasing prevalence in breast cancer today, the evolution of technology has been improved […]

New Healthcare Inventions on Breast Cancer

Abstract Background: The Ki67 labeling index (LI) for breast carcinoma is essential for therapy. It is determined by visual assessment under a microscope which is subjective, thus has limitations due to inter-observer variability. A standardized method for evaluating Ki67 LI is necessary to reduce subjectivity and improve precision. Therefore, automated Digital Image Analysis (DIA) has been attempted as a potential method for evaluating the Ki67 index. Materials and Method: We included 48 cases of invasive breast carcinoma in this study. […]

Understanding Breast Cancer

This paper will clarify what Breast Cancer is. It will explain the symptoms, treatment options, and other useful information regarding this disease. The first thing to know about Breast Cancer is understanding what it is. According to the Cancer.org website, breast cancer begins when cells in the bosom begin to spread out of control. The tumor that is formed from these cells may be detected on an x-ray or can be felt as a lump. Malignancy can advance into neighboring […]

Breast Cancer in African American Women

Summary Despite the fact that Caucasian women in the United States have a higher incidence rate of breast cancer than any other racial group, African-Americans succumb notably worse to the disease and record the highest mortality rate. To comprehend the barriers and challenges that predispose African-American women to these disparities, this research was conducted to get a better understanding from the perspective of oncologists. With diverse ethnicity and gender representation, the participation of seven medical, surgical and radiation oncologists that […]

Essential Breast Cancer Screening Techniques and their Complements

It is with great distress that each year a large number of females suffer and die from breast cancer. Medicine practitioners and researchers have been striving to save lives from breast cancer, and how they manage to do this includes two major parts—diagnosis and treatment. What comes first on the stage of diagnosis is the detection of tumor. Thus, the development of breast imaging techniques is at the highest priority for diagnosing breast cancer, and individuals’ focus is on earlier […]

Breast Cancer Prevention and Treatment

The human body is made up of cells. When a cell dies the body automatically replaces it with a new healthy cell, but sometimes the cell is not healthy and grows out of control. These cells group together and form a lump that can be seen on an x-ray. Breast cancer is a tumor in the cells of person’s breast. It can spread throughout the breast to the person’s lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Sometimes it occurs […]

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

I. Executive Summary Breast cancer is concerning a large number of female individuals worldwide. This disease comes from abnormally developed breast tissue, which usually begins in either lobules or ducts of the breast. Generally speaking, breast cancer is divided into two types—non-invasive and invasive. The core criteria to distinguish in between these two types of breast cancers is the location of cancer cells. Cancer cells remain on their initial positions for a non-invasive breast cancer, whereas they grow, or “invade”, […]

Understanding a Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer is often known as an aggressive cancer. It forms when cells grow uncontrollably in the tissues of the breast, leading to a tumor. Over 190,000 individuals are diagnosed yearly (Cancer Center). Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death, and the rate increases every year in women, and occasionally in men. Over 12 percent of women in the United States of America will face breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the most common cause of death […]

Breast Cancer in the Era of Precision Medicine

Introduction: Precision medicine is concerned with the diagnosis of patients according to their biological, genetic, and molecular status. As cancer is a genetic disease, its treatment comes among the first medical disciplines as an application of precision medicine. Breast cancer is a highly complex, heterogeneous, and multifactorial disease; it is also one of the most common diseases among women in the world. Usually, there are no clear symptoms, so regular screening is important for early detection. Scientists recently started using […]

Exome Sequencing to Identify Rare Mutations Associated with Breast Cancer Susceptibility

Abstract Background - Breast cancer predisposition has been known to be caused by hereditary factors. New techniques particularly exome sequencing have allowed/ helped us to identify new and novel variants that exhibit a phenotype. Method - In this review we discuss the advantages of exome sequencing and how it could help in understanding the familial breast cancer. In particular, we will discuss about the studies by Noh et al.(1), Thompson et al.(2), and Kiiski et al.(3), on how they have […]

A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for HER2 Breast Cancer by Nanoparticles Combined with Macrophages

Abstract:In recent years, the cell membrane bionic nanoparticles as a new drug delivery system is widely used in small molecule drugs, vaccines and targeted delivery of macromolecular drugs, because of its inherited the specific receptors on the cell membrane and membrane proteins can be used to implement specific targeted delivery, and the tumor showed a good treatment effect on the disease such as model, this topic with a huge bite cell membrane of the role of tumor capture, chemical modification, […]

Essays About Breast Cancer Breast Cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and is a disease by which the cells in the breast area grow out of control. Breast cancer tends to begin in the ducts or lobules of a breast and there are different types of cancer. In the US alone 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some stage in their lives. In many academic fields; from science to medicine the study of breast cancer and essays about breast cancer are required as part of the curriculum. An essay on breast cancer can seem daunting due to the amount of research and several varying scientific approaches used to talk about the topic. We offer essay examples, or research paper guidance and free essay samples.  These can be used to gauge how to approach the topic and are an informative look at all factors that contribute to breast cancer and prevention. We also factor breast cancer awareness into our essay samples and ensure essays for both university and college build a strong foundation to understanding the disease, but also draw criticism when necessary and a strong conclusion on whatever element of breast cancer the focus of the essay is on.

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