What is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer, as the name suggests, is the uncontrolled growth of malignant cancer cells in your breasts.
A simple self examination of the breast region
Breast tumors or breast lumps in early stages of cancer are typically “silent” and do not cause any discomforting symptoms .it is important that you learn from your doctor about how to examine your breasts your self – The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. More than 80% of breast cancer cases are discovered when the woman feels a lump.[15]
When you visit your doctor either with the suspicion of a lump during self examination or if the doctor discovers the lump during a routine annual check , they request for a mammogram – a special kind of X ray of the breast may be requested .The earliest breast cancers are detected by a mammogram
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer in its earlier stages manifests itself as small lumps in your breast region. Indications of breast cancer other than a lump may include thickening different from the other breast tissue, one breast becoming larger or lower, a nipple changing position or shape or becoming inverted, skin puckering or dimpling, a rash on or around a nipple, discharge from nipple/s, constant pain in part of the breast or armpit, and swelling beneath the armpit or around the collarbone.[17] Pain (“mastodynia”) is an unreliable tool in determining the presence or absence of breast cancer, but may be indicative of other breast health issues.
Most symptoms of breast disorders, including most lumps, do not turn out to represent underlying breast cancer. Fewer than 20% of lumps, for example, are cancerous,[23] and benign breast diseases such as mastitis and fibroadenoma of the breast are more common causes of breast disorder symptoms. Nevertheless, the appearance of a new symptom should be taken seriously by both patients and their doctors, because of the possibility of an underlying breast cancer
What causes breast cancer in women?
Genetics is believed to be the primary cause of 5–10% of all cases.[55]
In those with a first degree relative with the disease the risk of breast cancer between the age of 40 and 50 is double that of the general population.
In those who are long-term smokers, the risk is increased 35% to 50%.[32] A lack of physical activity has been linked to ~10% of cases
Treatment of Breast Cancer
Early diagnosis is a critical part when it comes to the treatment of breast cancer. In cases of unusual lumps or hardened areas in the breast region immediate medical attention should be sought.
After taking into account various factors like type and stage of cancer, treatments are prescribed by oncologists which include surgical procedures like lumpectomy, Masectomy, , if the doctor feels that the patient has a chance to contract the tumor again in the future, then chemotherapy will be recommended
