is the most common cancer among women, with an estimated 281,550 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2023 as well there's a lot more women diagnosed with such cases worldwide. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer and blood cancer.
Breast cancer evolves when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells can form a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of breast cancer:
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. Some other symptoms can include:
- Change in the size, shape, or texture of the breast
- Nipple discharge
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast
- Changes in the appearance of the nipple
- Redness, scaling, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Pain in the breast or nipple
Causes of breast cancer:
The exact causes of breast cancer is still unknown, but there are a number of factors that can increase a risk for breast cancer, including:
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer are at increased risk.
- Certain genes: Women with certain gene mutations are at increased risk.
- Dense breasts: Women with dense breasts have more connective tissue and less fatty tissue in their breasts. Dense breasts make it more difficult to see tumors on mammograms.
- Early menstruation: Women who started menstruating before the age of 12 are at increased risk.
- Late menopause: Women who go through menopause after the age of 55 are at increased risk.
- Hormone therapy: Women who take hormone therapy for menopause symptoms are at increased risk.
- Obesity: Women who are obese are at increased risk.
- Alcohol use: Women who drink alcohol are at increased risk.
Prevention for breast cancer:
There is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, but there are a number of things women can do to reduce their risk, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding smoking and secondhand smoke
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Breastfeeding
- Talking to their doctor about their risk factors and whether they should take hormone therapy
Screening and early detection:
Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Women should talk to their doctor about when to start getting mammograms and clinical breast exams.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors before they can be felt. A clinical breast exam is a physical exam of the breasts by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
Treatment:
There are a number of different treatments for breast cancer, depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors. Treatment options can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy etc.
Prognosis:
The prognosis for breast cancer has improved significantly in recent years. The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is now over 90%.
Living with breast cancer:
Breast cancer can have a significant impact on a woman's life, both physically and emotionally. There are a number of resources available to help women with breast cancer cope with their diagnosis and treatment, and to live full and meaningful lives.
0 Comments