Breast cancer
Breast cancer is diagnosed with self- and physician-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy. There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading to other body tissues (metastasis). Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type and location of the breast cancer, as well as the age and health of the patient. The American Cancer Society recommends that a woman should have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 years. Between 40 and 50 years of age mammograms are recommended every other year. After age 50 years, yearly mammograms are recommended.
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- Breast cancer gene
Breast cancer gene: One of the genes that contributes to breast cancer. See also: BRCA breast cancer gene.
- Breast cancer gene BRCA1
Breast cancer gene BRCA1: A gene that normally acts to restrain the growth of cells in the breast but, when mutated, predisposes to breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 were the first breast cancer genes to be identified. Mutated forms of these genes are believed to be responsible for about half the cases of inherited breast […]
- Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1)
Breast cancer metastasis suppressor 1 (BRMS1): A gene that plays a role in preventing the metastasis (spread) of breast cancer to other parts of the body and so may improve breast cancer survival. The BRMS1 gene is on chromosome 11.
- Breast cancer susceptibility genes
Breast cancer susceptibility genes: Inherited factors that predispose to breast cancer. Put otherwise, these genes make one more susceptible to the disease and so increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Two of these genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified (and prominently publicized). Several other genes (those for the Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden disease, Muir-Torre […]
- Breast cancer, familial
Breast cancer susceptibility genes; familial breast cancer, BRCA1; BRCA2.