Breast Cancer Awareness
What You Should Know
Introduction
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from cells in the breast.
The signs or symptoms may include a lump, an area of thickening or swelling in the breast, a change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling in the breast skin, fluid coming out of one or both nipples(nipple discharge), redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, a new pain in the nipple or breast that doesn't go away after a menstrual cycle.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from cells in the breast.
What You Should Know
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from cells in the breast. The term usually refers to cancers originating from epithelial tissue but can also be used for tumors originating from other cell types.
Breast cancer can also occur in both males and females as a result of metastasis from other primary tumors, such as prostate cancer or colon cancer; this form tends to be treated differently and has a poorer prognosis than most forms of primary breast cancer.
Early detection improves survival rates greatly; therefore, it is recommended that women perform monthly self-examinations, examine their breasts regularly with their healthcare provider, and go for regular screenings (mammograms).
The cause of most types of breast cancer is unknown; however, it likely involves both genetic and environmental factors.
The Signs & Symptoms May Include:
- A lump, area of thickening, or swelling in the breast.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Dimpling (like a tiny crater) in the skin of your breasts (especially if there is no nipple discharge).
- Fluid coming out of one or both nipples(nipple discharge). This symptom can be clear and watery, bloody with clots, and has no odor.
- Redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin
- A new pain in the nipple or breast that doesn't go away after a menstrual cycle.
- If you notice any changes like these that have lasted for several weeks, it's essential to see your doctor right away to find out what's going on!
Breast Self Examination (BSE):
Breast self-examination (BSE) is an approach to health care in which women monitor their breasts for changes such as lumps, pain, nipple discharge, skin irritation, inflammation, and dimpling.
Women should do BSE at least once a month and check both breasts.
When you do it:
- Check the same way every time.
- Do not use soap or other substances that may irritate your skin or breast tissue (for example, lotions or oils).
- Do not use a breast self-examination as a substitute for regular cancer screenings and medical care.
Risk Factors:
The risk factors for developing breast cancer are divided into two categories: non-modifiable and modifiable.
Non-modifiable risk factors are those that cannot be changed. These include female gender and age.
Modifiable risk factors include body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol intake.
• Female gender.
• Age (1 in 8 women under the age of 50 and 1 in 3 women over the age of 60 will develop breast cancer).
• Family history (younger age at diagnosis among first-degree relatives).
• Race/ethnicity (higher rates among African American and American Indian women).
The National Breast Cancer Foundation lists the following risk factors for breast cancer:
- Age (the chance of developing breast cancer increases as you get older).
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Personal history of benign breast disease.
- Having dense breasts (this means the tissue in your breasts is more concentrated than usual, making it harder for doctors to see abnormalities on mammograms).
- Not breastfeeding (breastfeeding reduces a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer by 10 percent).
Conclusion:
The best way to prevent breast cancer is to have regular mammograms and self-examinations and go to your doctor for regular checkups.
It is also important to ensure that the members are screened regularly if they have a family history of breast cancer.