By Yemisi Adegoke
The human body is made up of billions of cells, cancer occurs when the usual process goes awry and cells grow uncontrollably. Breast cancer occurs in different areas of the breast tissue, the most common type is that which occurs in the cells that line the breast ducts or in the lobules that supply milk to the ducts. Although breast cancer is more common in women, it can also occur in men.
Symptoms
The primary symptom is a lump or thickened tissue in the breast, although most of the time such lumps are benign but they should be checked by a doctor.
Other symptoms include:
pain in either breasts
a rash on or around your nipple
discharge from nipples
a lump or swelling in either armpit
a change in the shape or size of your breast
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
Causes
The exact causes of breast cancer are still unknown but there are certain risk factors that can contribute to its development:
Age: Breast cancer is more likely to occur in post-menopausal women over 50, as a result they should check their breasts regularly for lumps and changes.
Family history: Women with close relatives who have breast cancer or ovarian cancer may have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer
Being overweight: It has been noted that those who are overweight may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Smoking, Exposure to radiation and high alcohol intake are also listed as causes
Diagnosis
Breast cancer is usually simple to diagnose through a biopsy of the affected breast.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis has been confirmed treatment options will be recommended by a physician. Treatments for breast cancer include:
surgery: this can include a masectomy (removal of the whole breast), a lumpectomy (removal of a small part of the breast) and a quandrantectomy (removal of a quarter of the breast)
chemotherapy
radiotherapy
hormone therapy
biological therapy.
All of these treatments depend on the type of breast cancer and how much it has developed
Prevention
Certain steps can be taken by women to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer:
maintaining a healthy weight
being physically active
drinking less alchol
avoid smoking
Screening
Breast cancer screening is a form of testing whereby healthy women undergo certain procedures in an attempt to achieve an early diagnosis. This can include: mammograms, ultrasounds, and breast exams.
Below is a diagram showing how to perform a self exam:
For more information and support visit: https://brecan.org/