Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
A program of the
UAMS College of Pharmacy
Alcohol
Genetics
BRCA-1
BRCA-2
P53, Rb-1
Her-2/neu, c-erB2,
c-myc
Staging of Breast Cancer
The American Joint Committee on
Cancer (AJCC) has designated staging by
TNM
T= tumor size
N = lymph node involvement
M = metastasis
Stage 1
Tumor < 2.0 cm in
greatest dimension
No nodal
involvement (N0)
No metastases (M0)
Stage II
Tumor > 2.0 < 5 cm
or
Ipsilateral axillary
lymph node (N1)
No Metastasis (M0)
Stage III
Tumor > 5 cm (T3)
or ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes fixed
to each other or other structures (N2)
involvement of ipsilateral internal
mammary nodes (N3)
Inflammatory carcinoma (T4d)
Stage IV (Metastatic breast
cancer)
Any T
Any N
Metastasis (M1)
Types of breast cancer
In situ
Intraductal (DCIS)
Intralobular (LCIS)
Invasive
Infiltrating ductal carcinoma
Tubular carcinoma
Medullary carcinoma
Mucinous carcinoma
Symptoms and Screening
Normal breast physiology and
anatomy
Symmetry and balance
Symmetry and balance
Size
weight
menstrual cycle
pregnancy and lactation
Texture
Shape
age
Abnormal signs and symptoms
Puckering
Dimpling
Retraction
Nipple discharge
Thickening of skin or lump or “knot”
Retracted nipple
Abnormal signs and symptoms
Change in breast size
Pain or tenderness
Redness
Change in nipple position
Scaling around nipples
Sore on breast that does not heal
Methods of Detection
Clinical exam by MD or nurse
Mammography
Monthly breast self-exam
(BSE)
Clinical examination
Performed by doctor or
trained nurse practitioner
Annually for women over 40
At least every 3 years for
women between 20 and 40
More frequent examination
for high risk patients
Mammography
X-ray of the breast
Has been shown to save
lives in patients 50-69
Data mixed on
usefulness for patients
40-49
Normal mammogram
does not rule out
possibility of cancer
completely
Mammography
American Cancer Society recommends:
OR
Between 40 and 49 and
A breast cancer survivor or have a mother,
daughter, or sister who has breast cancer and
At or below 200 percent poverty
Breast Self Examination
Opportunity for woman to
become familiar with her
breasts
Monthly exam of the
breasts and underarm area
May discover any changes
early
Begin at age 20, continue
monthly
When to do BSE
Menstruating women- 5 to 7 days after
the beginning of
their period
Menopausal women -
same date each month
Pregnant women –
same date each month
Takes about 20 minutes
Perform BSE at least
once a month
Examine all breast tissue
Why don’t more women
practice BSE?
Fear
Embarrassment
Youth
Lack of knowledge
Too busy,
forgetfulness
Conclusion
Pharmacists have a
responsibility as
patient advocates
for breast cancer
awareness