Breast Cancer

While it is not a normally hereditary occurrence, it seems that in my family, breast cancer is as common as brown eyes. I did a bit of research on the subject and while its a genetic mutation that only affects the breast cells, my family is predominantly female and three of the 8 main female members of my immediate family have either had cancer, had a benign lump, or are currently finding out which version they have. To be more specific, my mother has had breast cancer twice, I found a benign lump the size of a tangerine when I was 18 (I had to forfeit a month of school for the surgery), and my grandmother is currently undergoing a biopsy to determine the fate of her chest, medical bills and the family's general sanity.

Biopsy Facts:

• Most women who have a biopsy are not diagnosed with breast cancer
• There are three types of needle biopsies: Fine needle aspiration, core needle and vacuum assisted
• Sometimes a surgical biopsy is still required and sometimes the needle biopsy misses and gives a false reading.

Breast Cancer Facts:

• Its the second most common cancer in women in the US, according to the American Cancer Society
• There is an estimated 290,170 new cases of breast cancer cases in 2012 alone
• In a women's lifetime, there is a 1 in 8 chance she will have breast cancer