The risk of breast cancer after irradiation of the thymus in infancy

Article Abstract:

Radiation exposure is known to cause breast cancer. Most studies have examined the effects of radiation that occur during adolescence and adulthood. One study found that women who had been exposed to radiation from the atomic bomb before age 10 have a higher incidence of breast cancer than women in the general population. Over 30 years ago an enlarged thymus gland during infancy was thought to be harmful and life- threatening, and radiation was routinely used to shrink the thymus gland tissue. Later research indicated that an enlarged thymus was not abnormal and the practice of irradiating the thymus gland was stopped. To determine whether women irradiated during infancy for enlarged thymus glands had an increased risk for developing breast cancer, 1,201 women who had received such treatment were compared with 2,469 who had not. The irradiated thymus group had 22 breast cancers compared with 12 cancers within the nonirradiated group when evaluated an average of 36 years afterwards. The first cancer was diagnosed at 28 years old. It is concluded that women exposed to radiation very early in life have an increased risk for developing breast cancer many years later. Breast cancer is rare in women under 28 and it is theorized that early radiation exposure makes the breast tissue more susceptible to the tumor- promoting effects of hormones. Therefore, it is assumed that the radiation damages the breast tissue as opposed to damaging the immune system directly. Physicians are urged to act cautiously when planning early exposure to high doses of ionizing (X-ray) radiation.

Research, Physiological aspects, Radiation, Carcinogenesis, Thymus, Thymus gland

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Assessing the risk of breast cancer

Article Abstract:

Doctors may want to know a woman's risk of breast cancer for several reasons. One is to determine at what age the woman should begin having regular mammograms. Women at high risk may choose tamoxifen treatment or mastectomy to prevent breast cancer. Postmenopausal hormone therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer so women with a high risk may decide not to take it. Four risk prediction models are discussed and evaluated.

Methods, Health risk assessment

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Management of an inherited predisposition to breast cancer

Article Abstract:

A case study of a healthy 33-year-old women wanting a breast cancer screening, as it is inherent in her family, has highlighted a common clinical problem. The case study has suggested that the patient should be made aware of the inherited nature of breast-cancer risks and should be encouraged to refer family members for considering genetic testing and of strategies for prevention and early detection.

Care and treatment, Diagnosis, Prevention, Cancer screening, Clinical report

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