There is no doubt that breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. It is a nightmare for the women, but it also affects the men. It happens when the cells in the breast grow in an abnormal way and form a lump or tumor. If you don’t treat it then it can spread to other parts of the body.
Many people feel scared when they hear the word cancer. However, breast cancer can be treated successfully if it is found early. Awareness, early detection, and a healthy lifestyle can save many lives. Understanding breast cancer in simple words helps people take better care of their health.
Breast cancer- A nightmare
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast start growing out of control. These are the abnormal cells that form a lump or mass, also called a tumor. Some tumors are not dangerous, but cancerous ones are harmful and can also spread in the body. Breast cancer usually starts in milk ducts and milk-producing glands. It can happen in one breast or sometimes in both breasts.
Breast cancer can affect anyone but some people have a higher risk.
- Women are more likely to get breast cancer than men.
- Higher age can increase the risk.
- People with a strong family history
- Unhealthy lifestyle
- Although men can get breast cancer, it is very rare.
Causes of breast cancer
There are many factors that increase the risk of breast cancer.
- If your mother, sister, or even a close relative had breast cancer, there is a higher risk of breast cancer.
- The risk increases after the age of 40. Older women are more affected.
- Another cause of increased breast cancer is hormonal changes. Early period, late menopause, and hormonal imbalance can be the cause of breast cancer.
- An unhealthy lifestyle, such as a lack of exercise, eating unhealthy food, smoking, and obesity, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Women who do not breastfeed have a slightly higher chance of having breast cancer.
- Any sort of previous radiation treatment to the chest area can increase the risk.
- Women who are witty in their late pregnancy after 30 and have no pregnancy have a higher risk of breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Early breast cancer may not cause pain. That is why regular checkups are important. Lets discuss the most common symptoms of breast cancer.
Early breast cancer may not cause pain. You have to do regular checkups.
- A breast or underarm lump
- alteration in the form or size of the breasts
- Breast pain (not always present)
- Skin inflammation or redness
- Orange peel-like dimples in the skin
- Discharge from the breasts, particularly blood
- Turning the nipple inward
- Partial breast swelling
See a doctor right away if you observe any of these symptoms.
Why is early detection important?
Because of early detection, the treatment became easier and more successful. Let’s discuss the benefits of early detection.
- Better quality of life
- Lower chance of failure.
- Less painful treatment.
- Medical tests and regular self-checks help in early detection.
One easy technique to inspect your breasts at home is to do a breast self-examination.
How to Do It:
- Take a position facing a mirror.
- Check for alterations in size or shape.
- Use your fingers to softly feel your breasts.
- Additionally, look under your arms.
- It should be done once a month, ideally a few days after menstruation.
Important medical test for breast cancer
If you are feeling any symptoms, immediately visit your doctor. They might use the following test to examine the breast.
- Mammogram: X-ray of the breast
- ultrasound: detection by sound waves
- MRI: detailed image
- Biospy: a small tissue sample for testing
Stages of breast cancer
Breast cancer has different stages. Each stage depends on the size and spread of the tumor in the breast. Let’s discuss the following stages of breast cancer.
- Stage 1: Early and tiny cancer
- Stage 2: The cancer is more extensive but still localised
- Stage 3: The cancer spreads to adjacent regions
- Stage 4: Other organs are affected by cancer
Treatment outcomes are better in earlier phases.
How to treat breast cancer?
- Surgery: Removing the tumor or the whole breast if needed.
- Chemotherapy: These are strong medicines given to the patient to kill cancer.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is given to the patient to kill cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: This treatment is used when cancer is hormone-related.
- Targeted therapy: Doctors use special medicines that only target cancer cells.
Side effects of treatment
Treatment can also cause some side effects, but they are temporary. Here is a list of side effects that can be caused by breast cancer treatment.
- Loss of hair
- Weariness
- Feeling queasy
- Skin alterations
- Low immunity
To control these symptoms, doctors prescribe medications.
Preventions to control breast cancer
Breast cancer can not always be prevented, but lower the risk. Let’s discuss the following precautions.
- Avoid obesity especially after menopause, because that increases the weight of women.
- Exercise regularly because physical activity keeps hormones balanced.
- Eat healthy food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
- Avoid eating junk food, processed food, and sugary drinks.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol. These habits increase the cancer risk.
- Breastfeeding is an important factor in lowering the risk of breast cancer.
- Regular check-ups are very important.
- Women must go for mammograms after the age of 40.
Managing Breast Cancer
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally taxing. Patients must adhere to their therapy regimens.
- Consume wholesome foods
- Continue being active
- Participate in support groups.
- Remain optimistic
- Just as vital as physical health is mental health.
Breast cancer awareness
Awareness can save many lives. Many women delay treatments due to a lack of knowledge and fear that it is wrong. We all should spread awareness about this disease to save many lives.
- We should talk openly about breast health.
- We should encourage self-examination.
- We should support cancer patients.
- We should participate in awareness campaigns.
Pink ribbon is a campaign for breast cancer awareness organized in different countries of the world in November to support breast cancer patients.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is a serious but curable disease. Every woman should know the signs of breast cancer and perform regular checkups. Taking care of your health today can protect your future. Knowledge is power, and awareness is the key to beating breast cancer.
