The process of diagnosing breast cancer includes several stages. Self-examination is the first stage that helps to detect possible signs of cancer. Usually, this technique comprises evaluation of the shape of the breasts, the texture of skin and manual examination of the tissues. It is recommended to have such examinations regularly starting from age 20. The next stage of the diagnosis is clinical examination of the breasts which is done by a doctor. Finally, for more thorough evaluation women can have such diagnostic procedures as mammography, biopsy, ultrasound, staging test or other medical tests.

Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type and stage of the disease. Such types of surgery as lumpectomy (removing the cancerous tissues and small area of normal tissue around), simple or segmental mastectomy (removing the whole breast), followed by a type of reconstructive surgery, is an effective treatment for the first stages of breast cancer. For later stages such treatment options as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy (including Avastin, Tykerb, Herceptin and other medicines) or hormonal therapy (including Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators, etc.) are recommended.

Fortunately, medical experience and scientific developments of the last decades allow modern doctors to diagnose and treat the majority of breast cancer types rather effectively. Nevertheless, it is very important for every woman to do regular breast examinations in order to detect this disease on the earliest stages and receive medical help on time. Besides, in order to lower the risk of developing this disease, it is highly recommended to avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, as well as to lead a healthy life.

If some type of thickening, lumps or swelling, as well as changes in contour, size, or other changes in breasts were noticed, it is necessary to see the doctor for evaluation of the problem and making diagnosis. Certainly, some of these signs can be connected with pregnancy or menstrual cycle; therefore, they may not indicate breast cancer. However, various lumps and thickening remain the leading symptoms of this disease. Other signs include redness, retraction, indentation or other changes of the skin around the nipple, bloody or other types of discharges from the nipple, any changes of the skin texture over the breast, and so on.

Recently, medical specialists have been researching several possible causes that can possibly bring to breast cancer. The studies revealed that genetic factor has minimal influence on developing this disease. According to recent statistics publicized by Mayo Clinic, only 5-10% of women can inherit related genetic mutations that result in developing breast cancer. In addition, medical researches aimed on investigating the influence of environmental factor on the development of breast cancer still continue. However, it is scientifically proved that the women who were exposed to any chemical or radiation therapy have increased chances to develop breast cancer.