Genetic Disorders: 7th Grade
 
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Breast Cancer - Dylan

By: Lauren Clark
 Description
Breast Cancer is a genetic disease that is caused by a cancer tumor.  It can begin in many different areas of the breast. Such as the ducts, the lobules, or the tissue in between. Also, the five  most common  types of Breast Cancer are non-invasive, invasive, recurrent, metastatic, and male. No matter which one, they still cause the same health problems and pain to the victim.

Some of the symptoms to breast cancer may include:
  • "A change in how the breast or nipple feels
  • A lump or thickening in or near the breast or the underarm area 
  • Nipple tenderness
  • A change in how the breast or nipple looks
  • A change in the size or the shape of the breast
  • A nipple turned inward into the breast 
  • The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen
  • Nipple discharge
  • Dimpling of skin" [1]

The picture to the left shows one of the symptoms to Breast Cancer. As you can see, the skin is dimpling, caused by the distortion of the lobule. [2]

 People diagnosed with breast cancer act the same as any other person, but may have a different physical appearance. It depends on what type of breast cancer they have. One physical characteristic a victim could obtain is hair loss. Although some women may be sad that they have no hair, there are some advantages to it. 45% of women are glad because they don't have to worry about taking up their time to shave, or waste money on the gel and the razors. In addition, they could try out different wigs that they never imagined would look good on them!
   
Women with breast cancer may have one breast, or none at all. If the cancer tumor in the breast is likely to spread the the bones, the victim could decide to get it amputated. If the cancer spread to the bones, it would make a more serious problem. 
Although Lung Cancer is the first most common type of cancer, Breast Cancer is the second most common. It is the fifth most common cause of death. Sadly in 2007, breast cancer caused almost 8 million people to lose their lives! 
    
Because the breast is made up of identical tissues in males and females, breast cancer can also occur for males. Despite the fact that the events of breast cancer in men are 100 times less common than in women, men with breast cancer still have the same survival rates as women.

"27% of Breast Cancer cases were caused by genetics. But the other 73% were caused by environmental and behavioral factors. Scientists are still wondering why some women develop breast cancer while others do not, but they have identified some risk factors, other than the genetic possibilities.

Some of those factors include:
  • Age
  • Delayed childbirth (having first child after the age of thirty)
  • Not having children
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Diet
  • Weight
While further research may examine which environmental factors cause the majority of sporadic cancer, this list  shows that lifestyle choices can greatly increase or decrease the likelihood of cancer." [3]

Treatment

There are many types of methods that are used to treat Breast Cancer. Although some may have side effects or be painful, they help they help victims fight against the dreadful disease to live a better life. A lot of treatments exist to banish Breast Cancer, but according to Wikipedia, breast removal and chemotherapy are the most popular.

Listed below are the five different types of breast removal surgeries:

  • "Lumpectomy, also known as breast-conserving surgery, is the removal of only the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue.
  • Mastectomy is the removal of all of the breast tissue. Mastectomy is more refined  than it used to be, because the muscles under the breast are no longer removed.
  • Lymph node removal, or axillary lymph node dissection, can take place during lumpectomy and mastectomy if the biopsy shows that breast cancer has spread outside the milk duct. 
  • Prophylactic mastectomy is preventive removal of the breast to lower the risk of breast cancer in high-risk people.
  • Prophylactic ovary removal is a preventive surgery that lowers the amount of estrogen in the body, making it harder for estrogen to start the development of breast cancer." [4]
People who decide to undergo breast removal may have:

  • "Arm may be stiff on the surgery side
  • Pins and needles sensations in the arm
  • Temporary swelling in the arm and hand
  • Mood swings
  • Physical changes to the breast area" [5]



This picture to the right is of a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. [6]

Chemotherapy uses drugs to cure the cancer. Before the surgery, chemotherapy it reduces the size of the breast tumor and to destroys all of the cancer cells. After the surgery, chemotherapy works throughout your system to kill cancer cells that may have spread throughout your body. 
    
Even though chemotherapy is the second most common treatment for breast cancer, it may cause some of these side effects:

  • "Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Hair loss
  • Infection
  • Mouth sores
  • Taste and smell changes
  • Menopause or menopausal symptoms
  • Memory loss
  • Neuropathy" [7]
Research
Since 1979, the United States has used over 30 billion dollars into finding a cure for breast cancer. Although we have not made any discoveries, scientists and doctors found ways to prevent it. 

"Female hormones change the way cells in the breast grow and divide. Scientists think that the longer you have higher estrogen, the more risk you have for breast cancer. If someone may be at risk of this fact they should:
  •  Maintain a healthy weight. Extra fat cells make extra estrogen, which raises your breast cancer risk. Getting regular exercise and watching what you eat can help.
  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. A low-fat diet with limited red meat may lower your breast cancer risk.
  • Be active. Getting 30-45 minutes of exercise five days a week will  lower your breast cancer risk.
  • Drink no more than one alcoholic drink a day." [8]
If a person is at high risk for breast cancer, they they should receive medicine that helps prevent it. That is called hormone therapy for breast cancer. It blocks the effects of hormones on breast cancer cells. Although there are many types of hormone therapy, I listed the two most common below: 
  • "Tamoxifen is a medicine that blocks the effect of estrogen on breast cancer cells and normal breast cells. It lowers the risk of breast cancer about the same as raloxifene does. But this medicine may also increase other risks, such as endometrial cancer, stroke, and blood clots in veins and in the lungs.
  • Raloxifene is widely used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. It works like an anti-estrogen on breast tissue. Among high-risk women, raloxifene lowers their breast cancer risk about the same as tamoxifen does. Compared to tamoxifen, raloxifene's endometrial cancer risk is lower." [10]







Above is a picture of Raloxifene. [15]   


Current Events

Many scientists have been trying to find a cure to breast cancer, and cancer itself. Still, through many years of studying and researching, nothing was discovered. Despite the fact that there is no cure or late discoveries, many articles are interesting to read, that could even lead us to finding the cure.

To the left is a picture of Dr. Lasanti. [16]

An article published on www.brightsurf.com, was about how chemotherapy and tamoxifen reduce the risk of second breast cancer. Made on December 26, 2007, this article helped scientists rethink how effective their medications were. If you would like to read more about this exciting topic, click this link: http://www.brightsurf.com

Another article found was about how breast-feeding could help prevent Breast Cancer. Dr Lasanti and his research group worked really hard to finding another prevention to Breast Cancer, and luckily their hard work paid off.  If you would like to read more on how it works, click this link: http://www.sciencedaily.com

Genetics

Most people inherit Breast Cancer because of two genes. The first one is BRCA1  (BReast CAncer gene one), and the second one is BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two). These two genes keep breast cells growing and to prevent cancer  growth. But when they contain mutations, they increase breast cancer risk. Sadly, abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes make up 10% of all breast cancers. "Women diagnosed with breast cancer who have an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene often have a family  history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both. Identifying BRCA1 and BRCA2 has led to new techniques for lowering and treating Breast Cancer and lowering the risk for the disease." [17]

This diagram displays what the probability of a woman developing 

Breast Cancer by age 75. As you can see, it compares which races

are more likely to inherit it. [20]

Nearly 2,000 mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 have already been discovered by scientists. Also, one in 400-800 people may carry a  mutation in their BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The mutations that have increased risk of Breast Cancer result in missing or nonfunctional proteins. While a small number of these mutations have been found in unrelated families, most have not been reported in more than a few families. [18]

                            This picture shows how many women will get diagnosed                           

with Breast Cancer if they had a family record of it, 

compared to if they did not have it  passed through

their family. As you can see, if your family history had a 

record of Breast Cancer, you are more likely to inherit it. [21]


A Day In The Life

People with Breast Cancer not only suffer from the physical pain, but also from emotional distress. There are a couple of reasons for this. First of all, they spend a lot of money on medication and surgery. Taking all the time out of their day to have that medical attention would be very frustrating. Plus, if the cancer is still lurking around their body when the surgery or medication is complete, it would be even more hard to deal with. 

Secondly, is death. Hearing about how many people die of Breast Cancer would not motivate the present survivors. Being told by your own doctor that you have a limited amount of time to live would be even worse. The overall idea of "Breast Cancer kills" would destroy a victim's confidence of fighting back to the disease.         

The picture above shows many Breast Cancer supporters and survivors participating in the yearly Avon Walk. [19]

The information below gives advice to people diagnosed with the disease:

  • "Ask for help with any emotional distress or depression. Sometimes it can be hard to tell the difference between depression and fatigue caused by treatment. Talk to your doctor or nurse about how you're feeling and ask them to help you find ways to feel better. A counselor who works with people affected by breast cancer can be a big help.
  • Join a support group or ask to be matched with another survivor. It may be easier to stay on track if you can talk with other people who are further along in their treatment for breast cancer. Your doctor or nurse may be able to refer you to a support group or match you with another breast cancer survivor." [11]

Below is a schedule of what a common person with Breast Cancer would probably do:

  • 7:30: Wake up and take pain reducing medicine to heal the pain in your breast
  • 7:30-8:00: Eat breakfast and get dressed
  • 8:00-9:00: Go to the doctor and receive chemotherapy
  • 9:00-12:00: Get breast removal surgery
  • 12:00-2:00: Take a nap to reduce the pain in your armpits
  • 2:00-4:00: Take a long walk to get your body moving
  • 4:00-5:00: Go to the doctor to see if you need anymore prescription
  • 5:00-6:00: Eat dinner and change into your pajamas 
  • 6:00-8:00: Read inspiring stories about Breast Cancer survivors
  • 8:00: Take pain reducing medication since your armpit aches from the surgery
  • 8:00-Tomorrow: Have a great night of sleep to prepare for the busy day ahead

                                                                  

The video above is about a woman named Michele Hyra. She is a mom to two little girls, wife to Matt, and fighting breast cancer every day. In July 2007, she was told she had 11 months to live. But luckily she's still living. Hear her amazing story, and how she still fights the disease to this day . [9] 


Above is a Picassa Slideshow with pictures, descriptions, and  information about Breast Cancer. Watch it, and enjoy! [14]


Word Search [12]

Have fun trying to find all of the words listed below in this word search!

E  T  V  H  S  I  Y  R  E  G  R  U  S  O  U  F  O
W  O  Q  E  C  J  N  N  E  Y  P  R  N  Z  E  K  C
I  K  C  T  T  D  N  K  V  P  X  M  O  R  W  A  P
L  Q  C  R  M  U  O  N  E  A  N  D  T  M  U  Q  H
O  W  I  Y  X  A  I  S  S  R  A  D  Y  V  U  L  X
B  R  T  U  L  T  T  T  A  E  E  E  Y  W  I  T  L
U  E  E  L  P  G  N  C  E  H  Y  S  T  I  U  N  P
L  B  N  R  H  G  E  E  S  T  J  O  I  F  G  I  C
E  U  E  P  R  K  V  F  I  O  C  N  S  E  S  N  S
U  N  G  M  E  H  E  F  D  M  A  G  S  L  M  F  V
Z  E  I  D  N  O  R  E  P  E  N  A  U  P  S  E  Z
U  G  G  P  H  R  P  E  B  H  C  I  E  P  X  C  W
Q  O  P  F  E  M  Z  D  R  C  E  D  L  I  M  T  T
T  R  G  R  M  O  J  I  E  I  R  Y  B  N  M  I  T
Y  T  O  Z  P  N  L  S  A  I  I  S  N  F  K  O  H
M  S  Y  X  J  E  P  M  S  W  S  N  V  G  Z  N  N
X  E  X  Q  H  S  B  V  T  D  I  S  O  R  D  E  R
1. Breast2. Infection
3. Cancer4. Lobule
5. Chemotherapy6. Nipple
7. Diagnosed8. Prevention
9. Disease10. Side Effects
11. Disorder12. Surgery
13. Estrogen14. Tissue
15. Genetic16. Tumor
17. Hormones 


As another part of my bonus section, I made my own Breast Cancer search engine. If you are interested in learning more about this topic, click this link: http://www.google.com



This is the pink Breast Cancer Ribbon. The purpose of it is to inform patients, specialist, families, and friends about the disease. From being used as an accessory to raising money, this pink ribbon has a very meaningful image. [22]

Vocabulary [13]

  • "Tumor: An uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells in any animal or plant tissue.
  • Ducts: A tube in the body for carrying a fluid secreted that is by a gland. 
  • Lobules: A subdivision of a body organ or part bounded by fissures, connective tissue, or other structural boundaries.
  • Tissue: A large mass of similar cells that make up a part of an organism and perform a specific function.
  • Discharge: Any of several bodily processes by which substances go out of the body.
  • Amputate: To cut off, all or part of a limb or digit of the body, as by surgery.
  • Genetic: Occurring among members of a family usually by heredity; an inherited disease; familial traits; genetically transmitted features.
  • Sporadic: Appearing singly or at widely scattered localities, as a plant or disease.
  • Estrogen: A general term for female steroid sex hormones that are secreted by the ovary and responsible for typical female sexual characteristics.
  • Biopsy: The removal for diagnostic study of a piece of tissue from a living body.
  • Lymph: A clear, colorless fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. Lymph fills the tissue spaces of the body.
  • Lumpectomy: Surgical excision of a tumor from the breast with the removal of a minimal amount of surrounding tissue.
  • Chemotherapy: The treatment of disease by means of chemicals that have a specific toxic effect upon the disease-producing microorganisms or that selectively destroy cancerous tissue.
  • Tamoxifen: An antineoplastic drug that blocks the estrogen receptors on cancer cells, used in the treatment of breast cancer.
  • Raloxifene: Raloxifene blocks the effects of the hormone estrogen in the breast and increases the amount of calcium in bone. 
  • Endometrial: The membrane that lines the uterus.
  • Menopause: The time in a woman's life in which the menstrual cycle ends.
  • Menstrual: The periodic discharge of blood and tissue from the uterus, occurring approximately monthly from puberty to menopause. 
    • Neuropathy: Any diseased condition of the nervous system.
  • Mastectomy: Surgical removal of all or part of a breast, sometimes including excision of the underlying pectoral muscles and regional lymph nodes, usually performed as a treatment for cancer.
  • Osteoporosis: A disorder in which the bones become increasingly porous, brittle, and subject to fracture.
  • Endometrial Cancer: Cancer of the uterine lining."

Citations
  • [1] "Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Awareness | National Breast Cancer Foundation." Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Awareness | National Breast Cancer Foundation. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.nationalbreastcancer>.
  • [2] "Pictures." Good For You. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.goodforyou.com>.
  • [3] "Factors." Cancer Information. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.commdocs.house.gov>.
  • [4] "Stanford Cancer Center."Stanford Cancer Center. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.cancer.stanfordhospital.com>.
  • [5] "National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information." National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.cancer.gov>.
  • [6]  "BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures." BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures. <http://www.breastcancer.org>.
  • [7] "Health.com: Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information." Health.com: Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.health.com>.
  • [8] "Latest Health Information."Latest Health Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.healthnewsflash.com>
  • [9] "Word wide Broadcast Yourself."Living with cancer at 40. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.youtube.com>.
  • [10] "Breast Cancer Facts." Overview. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.health.yahoo.com>.
  • [11] "BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures." BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures. <http://www.breastcancer.org>.
  • [12] "Free online puzzle maker." Free online puzzle maker. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.puzzle-maker.com>.
  • [13] "Definitions-Part Of Speech." All Words. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.dictionary.com>.
  • [14] "Photos." Albums. 9 Jan. 1923 <picasaweb.google.com>.
  • [15] "Latest news - Softpedia." Latest news - Softpedia. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://news.softpedia.com>.
  • [16] "Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson." Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.jci.tju.edu>.
  • [17] "BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures." BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures. <http://www.breastcancer.org>.
  • [18] "National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information." National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.cancer.gov>.
  • [19] "Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing." Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.flickr.com>.
  • [20] "San Antonio psychologists, San Antonio reading disabilities, mental health nurses." San Antonio psychologists, San Antonio reading disabilities, mental health nurses. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.thewellnessweb.com>
  • [21] "San Antonio psychologists, San Antonio reading disabilities, mental health nurses." San Antonio psychologists, San Antonio reading disabilities, mental health nurses. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.thewellnessweb.com>
  • [22] "Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket." Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.photobucket.com>.
Bibliography
  •  "American Cancer Society : Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Prostate, Lung and Other Forms." American Cancer Society : Information and Resources for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Prostate, Lung and Other Forms. <http://www.cancer.org>.
  •  "BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures." BreastCancer.org - Breast Cancer Treatment Information and Pictures. <http://www.breastcancer.org>.
  •  "Cancer Resources from OncoLink: Treatment, Research, Coping, Clinical Trials, Prevention." Cancer Resources from OncoLink Treatment, Research, Coping, Clinical Trials, Prevention. <http://www.oncolink.org>.
  • "Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Awareness | National Breast Cancer Foundation." Breast Cancer | Breast Cancer Awareness | National Breast Cancer Foundation. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.nationalbreastcancer>.
  • "Pictures." Good For You. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.goodforyou.com>.
  • "Factors." Cancer Information. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.commdocs.house.gov>.
  • "Stanford Cancer Center."Stanford Cancer Center. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.cancer.stanfordhospital.com>.
  • "National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information." National Cancer Institute - Comprehensive Cancer Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.cancer.gov>.
  • "Health.com: Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information." Health.com: Health News, Wellness, and Medical Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.health.com>.
  • "Latest Health Information."Latest Health Information. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.healthnewsflash.com>
  • "Breast Cancer Facts." Overview. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.health.yahoo.com>.
  • "Definitions-Part Of Speech." All Words. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.dictionary.com>.
  • "Word wide Broadcast Yourself."Living with cancer at 40. 9 Jan. 1921 <www.youtube.com>.
  • "Free online puzzle maker." Free online puzzle maker. 21 Jan. 2009 <http://www.puzzle-maker.com>.
  • "Photos." Albums. 9 Jan. 1923 <picasaweb.google.com>.
  • "Latest news - Softpedia." Latest news - Softpedia. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://news.softpedia.com>.
  • "Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson." Kimmel Cancer Center at Jefferson. 23 Jan. 2009 <http://www.jci.tju.edu>.
  • "Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing." Welcome to Flickr - Photo Sharing. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.flickr.com>.
  • "San Antonio psychologists, San Antonio reading disabilities, mental health nurses." San Antonio psychologists, San Antonio reading disabilities, mental health nurses. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.thewellnessweb.com>
  • "Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket." Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket. 24 Jan. 2009 <http://www.photobucket.com>.
For kids who would like to learn more about Breast Cancer, visit:

Comments (21)

Annette Dolby - Dec 10, 2008 8:27 PM

awsome jod dylaaaannnnn

ronan collins - Dec 10, 2008 11:08 PM

good job

James Connor - Dec 11, 2008 6:02 PM

Good job Dylan keep up the good work

Kylie Viola - Dec 12, 2008 2:18 PM

This looks great! Cant wait to read more

Annette Dolby - Dec 13, 2008 10:58 AM

keep working
dont give up

jasper korican-barlay - Dec 17, 2008 10:59 AM

thanx 4 the advice

Lauren Clark - Jan 4, 2009 1:19 PM

Thank you everyone for the comments!!!

Kylie Viola - Jan 5, 2009 7:26 PM

Wow! Looking good!

Kylie Viola - Jan 5, 2009 7:31 PM

I like how you put the factors doctors believe why some people get breast cancer.

Maya L.I. - Jan 6, 2009 7:59 PM

Awesome job!!!!
I love the pink text!!!
Great information!!!

sarah Rubenstein - Jan 12, 2009 6:29 PM

Great work. I like how you incorporated pictures into the different sections. One suggestion is that it is a little hard to read with all the text centered. Play around with different formatting styles and see what is easiest to read.
Please make sure that you put things in your own words or cite them properly. Some of the text is directly from other websites.

Kylie Viola - Jan 16, 2009 2:48 PM

Looking Good!

Kylie Viola - Jan 16, 2009 2:49 PM

mr. calkins says to make it left alligned

Sophie V - Jan 17, 2009 3:43 PM

looks like you worked really hard on this. it looks really nice and it has a lot of good information.

Carinn C - Jan 20, 2009 6:04 PM

NICE, it looks way more clean and formally done. awesome additions and changes

Annette Dolby - Jan 21, 2009 11:05 AM

WOW nice work
yeah

Monica B. - Jan 21, 2009 10:46 PM

i hope u get A+

Annette Dolby - Jan 22, 2009 7:30 PM

this is really good, good content and information

Monica B. - Jan 23, 2009 7:26 PM

urs is really good

Lauren Clark - Jan 23, 2009 7:30 PM

Thank you everyone again...i really appreciate all of your input

Andrew Calkins - Jan 27, 2009 5:37 PM

Excellent - you put a lot of hard work into this and it shows! A+