But early detection and proper treatment of the disease increases the survival rate. Our article is awareness about this life-threatening disease, its treatment, and prevention. We have tried to poll all the necessary information about female breast cancer in this article.
What is Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a collection of cancer cells arising from the breast cells. It is a malignant tumour that can invade into the surrounding tissues and metastasise spread to the other distant body areas. This condition arises when the breast cells begin to grow uncontrollably. Breast cancers may start from different regions of the breast, but commonly it starts in the milk-carrying ducts. Also, sometimes breast cancer occurs in the milk-making glands of the breast and are known as lobular cancers. Other types of breast cancer are less common.
What are the Symptoms of the Breast Cancer
During the initial stages of breast cancer, there may not be any sign of the growth is so small that there may not be any recognisable or unusual breast changes and no mass may be felt. In Such cases, abnormality turns up after the screening mammography and other further tests. The first most typical sign of breast cancer is a new lump. If the lump is painless, hard and in some cases, have uneven edges, it is likely to be a cancerous growth. Cancer mass felt may be tender, round and soft. Other unusual symptoms of breast cancer are swelling of the whole, or a part of the breast, dimpling of the breast skin, a lump or mass may be felt in the underarm and surrounding areas. There may be irritation, and in some cases, there may be a pain in nipple and breast. However, this is uncommon. Also, there may be the inward turning of the nipple, discharge from the nipple except for breast milk, scaling and redness of the breast skin, thickening of the breast skin, orange peel texture of the breast skin and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or neck.
What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
The definite cause of the breast cancer is not known. Specific risk factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer are as follows:
1. Age-
As the women get older the risk of developing breast cancer also increases. More than 50 percent of the breast cancer develops after an age of 50 or menopause.
2. Heredity-
Women with a family history or have any close relative suffering from ovarian or breast cancer are more at the risk of developing breast cancer.
3. Genes-
Females carrying BRCA1 And BRCA2 genes are comparatively at higher risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. These two genes can also be inherited. One more gene that is associated with the increased risk of breast cancer is TP53.
4. History of breast cancer-
Females with a history of the breast cancer in the past, even invasive breast cancer are at the risk of again developing this disease.
5. Dense breast tissue-
In some women the breast tissue is thick as compared to others and they are more at the risk of developing breast cancer.
6. Specific breast lumps-
Women having benign breast lumps are at the risk of the development of breast cancer in the future. Some of the examples of such lumps are lobular carcinoma in situ and atypical ductal hyperplasia.
7. Estrogen exposure-
In women whose menopause is late their body is exposed to the estrogen hormone for an extended period and put them at risk of developing breast cancer.
Other risk factors are too much alcohol consumption, obesity, radiation expousre and soametic breast transplantation, using oral contraceptives, having no children or having the first child after 30 years of age.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed
Below are the steps of breast self-exam
Stand in front of a mirror and look at your breasts. Keep shoulders straight and your arms on your hips.
Look for unusual changes such as a change in the size, colour and shape of the breasts. Visible distortion, rough shape or swelling may be a symptom calling for doctors consult. Now raise your arms and search for the same changes.
After this lie-down and feel your left breast with right hands. Same way touch the right breast with opposite hand. Your fingers should be flat and together while doing this. Move your fingers up in a circular motion and down in vertical rows Feel the breast tissues. Apply light pressure and feel the skin and tissues just beneath, with an average amount of force feels tissues in the middle, and firm pressure feel the deep-seated tissues. The last step is to sit down or stand and feel your breast.
If there is something usual consult your doctor, who will conduct physical breast examination, mammography or breast X-ray, breast biopsy, breast ultrasound and MRI.
What is the Treatment of the Breast Cancer
The treatment of the breast cancer depends on the size, grade, type of the breast cancer and their sensitivity to the hormones. Also, the patients all over health is also considered before selecting the treatment procedure. Treatment option are surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapy
How to Prevent Breast Cancer
To prevent breast cancer limit the intake of alcohol. Do not smoke, be active, maintain a regular exercise regime and maintain a healthy weight. Also, Breastfeed up to one and a half or two years. Limit the duration and the dose of the HRT. Eat foods rich in vitamin C, E and A and avoid radiation and pollution.
SOURCE : http://homehealthbeauty.in
No comments:
Post a Comment