Oak Valley Health’s patient education pages share the skills, knowledge, and habits patients and families need to know to cope with a daily health issue. We hope this information can influence patient behaviour to improve health outcomes and provide you with a sense of control and autonomy.
Learn more about the risks, causes, and treatment of breast cancer
Breast cancer is a tumor that develops in the breast. Malignant tumors are cancerous and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. The two most common types of breast cancer begin in the milk ducts or the lobules of the breast where milk is produced. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women.
Genetic factors
Fifty years of age or older
Caucasian or African-American
Family history of breast cancer
You have had breast cancer in the past
You have the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes
You are obese
Exposure to radiation
Started menopause after 55
Started your menstrual periods before the age of 12
Have never been pregnant or had your first child after age 30
You have never breastfed
The use of hormone therapy
Birth control pills
You drink more than one alcoholic drink a day
A painless lump or thickening in your breast
Changes in size or shape of breast
Breast skin changes
Nipple abnormalities
Surgery (lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, or mastectomy)
