Breast Cancer is the second most fatal cancer in females (second to lung cancer), and, worldwide, it is the most common cancer in women. It affects one out of thirteen women who reach the age ninety at some time of their life. Since most of the facts about the causes of breast cancer is, sadly, not yet clearly known by modern science, the best way to protect oneself from breast cancer is information about the disease so that it can be treated early.
Breast Cancer Overview
Some cells, for any reason, do not follow the set mechanism of proper reproduction and dying, and they continue to grow and reproduce out of control, or they may refuse to die out. These cells may then clump together to form masses of growth called tumors.
Tumors may either be benign or malignant. Benign tumors are rarely life-threatening because they do not invade tissues around them and they do not spread to other parts of the body. Also, they can be easily removed. On the other hand, malignant tumors are life-threatening and dangerous, for they can spread to other parts of the body and they tend to invade other tissues around them. Though they can be removed, they can sometimes grow back.
Causes of Breast Cancer
It is not yet really known what exactly causes breast cancer. However, most researchers have set up various risk factors that may be the potential causes of breast cancer. Most of these cannot be changed, such as the simple fact of being a woman, having the first period early in life (12 years old), having a menopause late in life (50 years old), having a family history of breast cancer, not having a child or having the first one late in life (more than 30 years old).
Detection
Doctors advise that every woman must learn how to check and massage their own breasts so that they may detect some telltale signs of tumors. Common symptoms include sudden changes in how a breast or nipple feels; there may be a lump that can be felt in the breast. There may also be a change in the size of the breast, the nipple may turn inward, and the skin of the breast or nipple may be scaly, red and swollen. Also, the nipple may discharge fluids.
Women above 40 years of age are advised to have a mammogram every year. A mammogram, which are detailed x-rays of the breasts. Women below 40 should check with their doctors and ask for recommendations on when, how and how often they should have tests.
Treatment
Here are the common practices done to treat breast cancer:
Lumpectomy – removes the breast lump and some tissue around it, usually followed by chemotherapy
Partial Mastectomy – removes more of tissue than in lumpectomy, usually followed by radiation therapy
Simple or Total Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast, but not the lymph nodes under the arm and muscles on the chest
Modified Radical Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast and some lymph nodes under the arm
Radical Mastectomy – full removal of the entire breast, lymph nodes under the arm and chest muscles
Take note that the earlier these tumors are detected, the less radical the procedure will be. You must never be afraid to check with your doctor about the surgery procedures and the possible side effects.
Breast Cancer Resources:
Find out more information about breast cancer from Cancer.gov.
You can also find out more on simple tests and symptoms for breast cancer from Netdoctor.
Finally WomensHealth.gov also has some important information on breast cancer and concerns for breast cancer.
