Erika's+Science+Page

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the disease that I picked. I picked breast cancer because it seemed like an interesting thing to learn about. Sometimes when people think of breast cancer, they just think it's just another common disease. I used to think that, too. But after learning about this, I think of it as an important disease that effects many lives.

Causes
Scientists aren't sure what causes breast cancer. Most people and scientists think that breast cancer is inherited. But according to the book "Cancer", by Alvin and Virginia Silverstein, researchers have identified a number of abnormal genes that are linked to breast cancer. But, these genes are only found in 5 to 10% of women with breast cancer.

Symptoms
Breast cancer has no symptoms in it's earliest stages. But one of the symptoms of breast cancer is a bloody, watery, or yellowish discharges, according to "Diseases and Disorders", by Rebecca J. Frey.

Treatments
The treatment for breast cancer is more than just one treatment. There are many treatments for it. The treatment can be staging or surgery. Treatment can also be lumpectomy, partial mastectomy, simple mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and many more. The cure for breast cancer today is unknown.

Interesting Facts

 * Breast cancer has many foundations to raise money for it including Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Pink Ribbon, Avon Walk for Breast cancer, and more.
 * It is the most common type of cancer that effects women besides skin cancer.
 * Mainly women get Breast cancer, but it can also occur in men.
 * Around 1,500 men get breast cancer in the US each year

Sources: Cancer Copyright 2006 Lerner Publishing Group Minneapolis, Minnesota Silverstien, Alvin and Virginia Pages 25, 26, and 31 Diseases & Disorders Copyright 2009 Cengage Learning Detroit, New York Frey, J. Rebbeca Pages 117-127 Mayo Clinic Visited April 7, 2011 Mayo Clinic Staff