Synonyms
Definition
Breast cancer is a disease that involves uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in breast tissues, typically the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). Several different forms of breast cancer exist, which have implications for distinct medical treatments. Breast cancer cells can spread through the blood and lymph systems to other parts of the body.
Description
In the United States, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and their second leading cause of cancer death (after lung cancer). It is estimated that more than 230,000 women and 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011, and nearly 40,000 adults will die of the disease (Siegel, Ward, Brawley, & Jemal, 2011). Approximately one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Incidence and mortality rates for breast cancer have decreased in the past decade. Health disparities exist,...
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Stanton, A.L., Yanez, B.R. (2013). Breast Cancer. In: Gellman, M.D., Turner, J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Behavioral Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_154
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1005-9_154
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
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