Breast cancer:- Symptoms Causes & Treatment

Breast cancer:- Symptoms Causes & Treatment

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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. As we all know that a woman’s health is different than men’s health in many special ways due to several biological and behavioral differences. Environmental toxins, exposure to prolonged stress, and poor nutrition or choices of lifestyle are the major causes of increased health issues.

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For every woman, breasts are a symbol of womanhood and are a blessing in parenthood. So it is an important anatomical feature of a lady that differentiates her from a male personality. So, it is very important to look after it as with the change in the environment, diseases related to the breasts have intensified. Are you witnessing a breast lump or a sudden change to the skin over the breast? Just stay very prompt about it, as these can be the symptoms of breast cancer. We are here to help with all the do’s and don’ts of breast cancer but it is always wise enough to consult a doctor.

The breasts are the tissue covering the chest of the primates and the development of malignant (cancer) cells in the breast is considered as breast cancer. Around 1 million women every year in India suffer from breast cancer making it a common disease and is the second most common cause of death in American women. However, statistics show the death rate has declined by 40% from 1989 to 2007. So, it is a treatable disease but requires a medical diagnosis.       

Symptoms

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

  • Breast lump and tenderness
  • Pain in any area of the breast
  • Irritation over the skin of breast or dimpling
  • Discharge of blood from the nipples
  • Change in the shape of the breast or nipples
  • Swelling in a part of the breast
  • Redness over the skin of the breast or nipple area
  • Pain in the nipple area
  • Change in texture and size of the breast

Cause

5-10% of breast cancers are due to gene mutations transferred through the generations of the family. However, certain factors that increase the risk of the disease are:

  • Increasing age
  • Personal history of breast conditions like lobular carcinoma
  • Obesity
  • Radiation exposure
  • Beginning of menstrual cycle at a younger age
  • Delay in menopause
  • Childbirth at an older age
  • Postmenopausal hormone therapy
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Lifelong infertility

Types of Breast Cancer

  1. Adenocarcinomas: Arising from glandular tissue
  2. Ductal carcinoma in situ: Develops in milk ducts
  3. Invasive ductal carcinoma: Arise from ductal carcinoma in situ
  4. Medullary carcinoma: Originates in central breast tissue
  5. Mucinous carcinoma: Occurs after menopause
  6. Phyllodes tumor: Leaf-like tumor extending into the ducts

Treatment  

Different ways to treat breast cancer medically include:

  1. Chemotherapy: Drugs taken in the form of pills or are injected into your vein which kills the cancer cells.
  2. Surgery: Doctors cut off the cancer tissues from the breast.
  3. Hormonal therapy: The hormones supporting the growth of cancer cells can be blocked.
  4. Biological therapy: The immune system of your body fights with the cancer cells or controls the side effects of ongoing cancer treatment.
  5. Radiation therapy: Cancer can be killed using high-energy rays.

Prevention

By making changes in your lifestyle, you can always lead a healthy life. However, essential preventive methods for breast cancer can be :-

  1. Screening for breast cancer: If you notice any symptom of breast cancer, you should discuss with your doctor and start with medical tests and exams immediately.
  2. Self-examining: By occasionally examining your breast, you can develop an understanding of the changes that your breast might show.
  3. Limitations in alcohol consumption: You should not have more than one drink a day if you want to stay healthy.
  4. Frequent exercise: 30 minutes of exercise every day helps to keep your body active.
  5. Weight maintenance: Healthy weight is always good to maintain because obese people suffer from more diseases compared to people with a proper weight according to their age and height.
  6. Healthy diet: A diet of olive oil mixed with nuts have a lower risk of suffering from breast cancer. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables, legumes, and nuts should be incorporated in your diet. Avoid red meat.

A lot of people die because they lead an unhealthy lifestyle. A well-balanced diet with daily exercise, a minimum of 8 hours of sleep each day, and avoiding prolonged stress are some steps that can assist you in leading a disease-free and happy life. So, it is entirely on you, whether you want to live your life to the fullest or spend it on a bed with medicines and different life supporters.   

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