What is Breast Cancer ?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass or lump called a tumor.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, after skin cancer. Although breast cancer is much rarer in men, it can still occur.
Early detection and advances in treatment have significantly improved the survival rates for breast cancer. Regular screenings, self-examinations, and awareness of risk factors can help in the early detection of the disease
What are the Early Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Early signs and symptoms of breast cancer can vary, but some common ones to be aware of include:
- 1.Lump in the Breast or Underarm:
These lumps are often painless, hard, and have uneven edges, but some can be tender, soft, or round.
- 2. Persistent Itchiness or Warmth
Some women experience persistent itchiness, warmth, or a burning sensation in the breast, which may be linked to inflammatory breast cancer.
- 3. Changes in Breast Shape or Size
Any unusual change in the size or shape of the breast, such as swelling or distortion, can be a warning sign.
- 4. Unexplained Weight Loss or Fatigue
Unexplained weight loss or persistent fatigue can be associated with breast cancer, particularly in more advanced stages.
- 5. Swelling or Lumps Around the Collarbone or Underarm
Swelling of the lymph nodes in these areas can occur before a tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt.
- 6. Nipple Changes
A change in the look or feel of your skin on your breast or nipple. Your skin may look dimpled, puckered, scaly or inflamed. It may look red, purple or darker than other parts of your breast.
What causes Breast Cancer?
- 1. Increasing age: The risk of breast cancer goes up as you get older.
- 2. Family history of breast Cancer: If your parents, siblings, children or other close relatives have breast cancer, you’re at risk of developing the disease.
- 3. Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, and certain dietary choices can contribute to risk.
- 4. Personal history of breast cancer: If you've had cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of getting cancer in the other breast.
- 5. Drinking beverages containing alcohol: Drinking beverages containing alcohol may increase breast cancer risk.
- 6. Radiation exposure: If you received radiation therapy- especially to your head, neck or chest — you’re more likely to develop breast cancer.
How is Breast Cancer diagnosed ?
Breast cancer is diagnosed through a combination of methods, including:
- Mammograms
- Ultrasound
- Breast Biopsy
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan)
How is Breast Cancer treated?
- 1. Surgery: To remove the tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy).
- 2. Radiation Therapy: To target and kill cancer cells in the breast area.
- 3. Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- 4. Hormone Therapy: For cancers that are hormone receptor-positive.
- 5. Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as HER2.
- 6. Immunotherapy: Uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Can Breast Cncer be prevented?
While it’s not possible to completely prevent breast cancer,but you can reduce your risk of developing it.
Being overweight or obese, particularly after menopause, increases the risk of breast cancer.
Engaging in regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer.
Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day can reduce this risk.
Smoking, particularly long-term, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and reduce cancer risk.