A GUIDE TO BREAST CANCER

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Cancer appears when changes called mutations take place in genes that control cell growth. The mutations let the cells divide and multiply in an unrestrained way.

Breast cancer is cancer that grows in breast cells. Normally, the cancer forms in either the lobules or the ducts of the breast.

Lobules are the glands that create milk, and ducts trails that milk from the glands to the nipple. Cancer can also happen in the fatty tissue or the fibrous connective tissue within your breast.

The uncontrolled cancer cells often attack other healthy breast tissue and can move to the lymph nodes under the arms. The lymph nodes are a main pathway that assist the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

In its initial stages, breast cancer may not show any symptoms. In many cases, a lump may be too small to be felt, but an irregularity can still be seen on a mammogram.

If a tumour can be felt, the first sign is usually a new lump in the breast that was not there before. However, not all lumps are cancerous.

Each type of breast cancer can cause a diversity of symptoms. Many of these symptoms are alike, but some can be unusual. Symptoms for the most common breast cancers include:

  • a breast lump or tissue thickening that feels different than surrounding tissue and has developed recently
  • breast pain
  • red, pitted skin over your entire breast
  • swelling in all or part of your breast
  • a nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • bloody discharge from your nipple
  • peeling, scaling, or flaking of skin on your nipple or breast
  • a sudden, unexplained change in the shape or size of your breast
  • inverted nipple
  • changes to the appearance of the skin on your breasts
  • a lump or swelling under your arm

If you have any of these symptoms, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. For instance, aching in your breast or a breast lump can be caused by a benign cyst also.

Still, if you find a lump in your breast or have other symptoms, you should see your doctor for further examination and testing.

RISK FACTORS:

Risk factors for breast cancer include:

  • Age. Your risk for developing breast cancer increases as you age.
  • Drinking alcohol. It raises your risk to develop the disease.
  • Having dense breast tissue. 
  • Genes. Women who have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are more likely to develop breast cancer than women who don’t. Other gene mutations may also affect your risk.
  • Early menstruation. If you had your first period before age 12 years, you have an increased risk for breast cancer.
  • Giving birth at an older age. Women have their first child after age 35 years have an increased risk for breast cancer.

BREAST CANCER PREVENTION:

  • Lifestyle factors: For instance, women who have obesity have a higher risk for developing breast cancer. Maintaining a nutrient-dense diet and getting regular exercise as often as possible could help you lose weight and lower your risk. Alcohol misuse also increases your risk
  • Breast Cancer Screening
  • Preemptive Treatment
  • Self-Exams
  • Breast Exam by Doctors