Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming masses or tumors. Cancer can start almost anywhere in the body and can spread to other parts of the body. While there are many different types of cancer, they all share some common characteristics.
Cancer is not just one disease, but rather a term used to describe a large number of related diseases. All cancers are caused by the abnormal growth of cells, which can happen for a variety of reasons. Normally, when cells reproduce, they do so in a controlled manner. But in cancerous tumors, the cells divide and grow out of control, often forming lumps or masses called tumors. Tumors can be either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Benign tumors are not deadly, but they can still cause problems by taking up space and pressing on organs or tissues. Malignant tumors, on the other hand, are cancerous and can spread to other parts of the body. This spreading process is called metastasis.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women, and while it can be treated successfully in many cases, early detection is key. So if you have any of the risk factors or breast cancer symptoms listed here, please see your doctor as soon as possible. The earlier the better.
Causes
While the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, there are a number of risk factors that increase your chances of developing the disease. Some of these risk factors include:
-Age: The majority of breast cancers occur in women over 50 years old.
-Gender: Breast cancer is more common in women than men.
-Diet: A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol may increase your risk of breast cancer.
-Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of breast cancer.
-Hormone therapy: Taking hormone therapy for menopause or other reasons may increase your risk of breast cancer.
-Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as from X-rays, can increase your risk of developing breast cancer.
-Family history: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are more likely to develop the disease.
Early Symptoms
-A lump or mass in the breast
-Change in size or shape of the breasts
-Nipple discharge (especially if it is bloody)
-Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
-Pain in the breast
– swelling in the armpit
Diagnosis
If you have any of these symptoms, your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order some tests to determine if you have breast cancer. These tests may include:
-Breast ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to create images of the breasts.
–Mammogram: This is an X-ray of the breasts that can detect tumors.
-MRI: This test uses magnets and radio waves to create images of the inside of the body.
-CT scan: This test uses X-rays and a computer to create images of the body.
Treatment
Once a diagnosis of breast cancer is made, your doctor will develop a treatment plan tailored to you. Treatment options include:
-Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. It may involve removing the tumor, as well as some surrounding tissue.
-Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
-Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy uses drugs or radiation to block the effects of hormones on cancer cells.
-Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that attack specific changes in cancer cells.
-Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells.
-Breast reconstruction surgery: This surgery restores the appearance and function of the breasts after they have been removed due to cancer.
-Palliative care: Palliative care is specialized care for people with serious illnesses that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life.
No one treatment is right for everyone, so your doctor will work with you to come up with the best treatment plan possible.
Steps To Help Prevent Breast Cancer
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. These include:
-Maintaining a healthy weight
A healthy diet is important for overall health, and can also help reduce your risk of developing cancer. Eating a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Additionally, avoiding processed foods, sugary drinks and excessive amounts of saturated fat can also help.
-Exercising regularly
Exercise can help prevent cancer in a few ways. First, exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which is important for reducing your risk of many types of cancer. Additionally, exercise can help reduce inflammation in the body, which may play a role in the development of cancer. Exercise can also help improve the overall health of your immune system, which may help protect against cancer.
-Limiting alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing cancer in a few ways. First, alcohol can damage the cells in your body, which may lead to the development of cancer. Additionally, alcohol can increase your body’s production of estrogen, which may also increase your risk of cancer.
-Getting regular screenings
Regular screenings for breast cancer can help detect the disease early when treatment is most effective. The American Cancer Society recommends women ages 40-44 have a mammogram every year, and women 45 and older should have one every other year. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer may need to get screened more often.
-Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can help reduce a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. This is thought to be due to the fact that breastfeeding helps reduce a woman’s exposure to estrogen, which may play a role in the development of cancer. Additionally, breastfeeding may help protect against ovarian cancer.
-Avoiding exposure to radiation
Exposure to radiation can increase your risk of developing cancer. This is particularly true for exposure to X-rays, but exposure to other types of radiation can also be harmful. Try to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure whenever possible.
While there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, by following these steps you can reduce your risk significantly. And if you do develop breast cancer, early detection and treatment are key to successful outcomes. So please see your doctor if you have any concerns.