Preface

Breast reconstruction is a common problem for women with breast disease or disorder. Early diagnosis of breast cancer is always important for women of any age. Decreasing the morbidity and mortality rate is of utmost importance.

Nowadays, conservation surgery for breast cancer followed by post-operative radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy may help decrease the physical and psychological impact on the afflicted patient.

Restoration of the breast form for the sense of being a woman is always anticipated. Various kinds of reconstruction have been developed for patients to select whatever they need. A strategic approach to achieving a satisfactory outcome without being physically handicapped is encouraged.

The contents of this book include the importance of breast screening with an overview of breast disease, new advances in breast cancer treatment, with current surgical and medical treatments. Contributors of chapters are specialists from countries all over the world. Their endeavors in working on the chapters and sharing their precious experiences are deeply appreciated.

> **Yueh-Bih Tang** National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan

**1**

**Chapter 1**

**Abstract**

**1. Introduction**

protruding (see **Table 1**) [1].

hormones, and its function(s) [1].

**2. Breast anatomy**

Screening

*Tammy Walker-Smith*

Breast Health and Preventive

approaches are being taken to prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer.

breast cancer, next-generation sequencing, MammaPrint, adjuvant therapy

Breast health and its importance in every stage of a woman's life is discussed from adolescence, across the life span, and addressing the aging process. The importance of self-breast exams, clinical breast exam, and screening mammograms play an integral part of ensuring early detection of breast cancer. The risk factors, genetic mutations, and how breast cancer is triggered is discussed. The advancements in screening recommendations, genetic testing, and treatments is explored and what innovative

**Keywords:** mammary glands, mammogram, breast cancer screening, BRCA1 & 2 gene,

The breasts for male and female are similar through childhood where they both have undeveloped breast tissue. This similarity changes for females between ages 8–10 years of age when the breasts begin to develop prior to menarche (start of menses) and continues through puberty [1]. Menarche usually begins around age 12 when the Tanner stage has reached stage 3 or 4. The breasts begin to respond to hormonal changes of increased estrogen during puberty where other changes become evident as well such as pubic hair and hair growth in the axillary region occurs. The breast development process is one that can be described through tanner stages 1–5 in progression until the female breasts are fully developed and rounded with the nipples

Males have breasts that remain basic in function throughout life that is not as complex as the female breast, nor does it have the capability to produce breast milk to breast feed an infant. The obvious breast differences between the two genders provides a platform for discussing the breast anatomy of the female, the response to

The breast is comprised of mammary ducts, lobules, fatty tissue, blood vessels, connective tissue, areola, nipples, and lymph nodes. The picture below provides a

visual of what a fully developed breast looks like (**Figure 1**) [4].
