Breast Cancer Facts

♦ Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer.

♦ It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

♦ The chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is about one in eight (American Cancer Society).

City of Hope and Breast Cancer

♦ A growing number of lifesaving cancer therapies are based on research pioneered by City of Hope scientists, including the drug Herceptin. Herceptin is used in the treatment of breast cancer.

♦ City of Hope scientists are conducting research aimed at tumor cell markers that are present in various malignancies including breast cancer. Investigators have designed a class of cancer-seeking proteins called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which are being tested to detect and destroy cancer cells.

♦ The highly advanced TomoTherapy Hi-Art System represents the next generation of leading-edge radiation therapy technology and provides City of Hope oncologists with unprecedented ability to deliver radiation therapy with surgical precision. This means more effective treatment to the tumor, with reduced dose to normal organs, resulting in significantly reduced side effects. The TomoTherapy system has broad applicability to many forms of cancer, including breast cancer.

♦ Survival rates for women with inflammatory stage III breast cancer are usually less than 30 percent. However, research investigating a novel chemotherapy regimen is offering new hope. City of Hope researchers headed a study showing that high doses of chemotherapy followed by an infusion of blood stem cells can double a patient’s chances of survival.

♦ City of Hope researchers have discovered that women who have breast cancer before age 50 and who have few female relatives on one side of their family tree should be considered candidates for genetic testing for cancer genes. Genetic testing may be a valuable tool for women with early onset breast cancer to determine if a BRCA mutation contributed to their cancer. BRCA mutations are linked to various cancers, including breast cancer.

♦ City of Hope researchers are expanding their previous successful investigations of aromatase inhibitors. The chemicals, found in certain foods like grapes and mushrooms, have been shown to slow the production of the hormone estrogen, which can stimulate the growth of breast cancer. Having demonstrated in the laboratory that some edible mushrooms, as well as red grape juice and other grape products, can suppress aromatase activity in breast cancer tumors, the research team is now working to isolate and identify the aromatase inhibiting substance or substance(s) in mushrooms.

City of Hope is researching:

♦ The molecular origins of breast cancer to seek out what causes this cancer and find a way to stop it.

♦ The hereditary and genetic factors that increase an individual's risk of breast cancer.

♦ Anticancer drugs such as tamoxifen to prevent or slow the spread of cancer.

City of Hope recommends:

♦ Monthly breast self-exams.

♦ Periodic exams by a doctor.

♦ Mammograms every year beginning at age 40. It is very important to verify that the mammography facility you choose is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

Ways of decreasing risk through diet and exercise:

♦ Lose excess weight.

♦ Eat a balanced diet high in fiber and low in fat.

♦ Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables.

♦ Drink alcohol in moderation.

For more information on breast cancer and City of Hope's treatment options, visit our Breast Cancer Program page.