Cancer is an uncontrolled multiplication of cancer cells that can occur anywhere in the body, when this happens to the cells within the breast it presents as breast cancer. Breast cancer cells may continue dividing without a halt resulting in a tumor, this is common to women but men are also susceptible. Breast cancer can occur in any part of the breast which is why we are raising awareness for women.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has different types but it is often classified into 2 types which are Ductal cancer and Lobular cancer.
Difference between Ductal cancer and Lobular cancer
Ductal cancer arises from the duct that is inside the breast, while Lobular cancer arises in the Lobular.
Breast cancer is also described based on how likely it is to spread to other parts of the breast, which are also called Invasive and Non-invasive cancer.
Invasive cancer can spread to other parts of the breast and even to the body, while Non-invasive breast cancer does not spread, it stays in the duct of the breast.
What causes breast cancer?
Unfortunately, the cause of breast cancer is unknown. There are risk factors to breast cancer but some women have breast cancer and there is no identifiable cause to it. Some people suffering from breast cancer may not show any symptoms at all, especially in its early stages.
People who are at risk to develop breast cancer
- People who have a family history of breast cancer.
- Early menstruation (Starting menstruation before age twelve).
- Late menopause.
- People with dense breast tissue.
- Women that use contraceptives.
- People that drink and smoke excessively.
- The chance of a woman getting breast cancer rises as she gets older.
How to self examine your breast
- First of all, stand half-naked (without any shirt or bra) in front of your mirror.
Focus on your breast, check if there is any difference in the way your skin appears, and check for any redness and dimpling. - Look at your nipple, check if your nipple shape has changed or its position.
- Press or massage your breast to see if any discharge or fluid will come out.
- Massage around your entire breast, check for any bumps or lumps that feel different or anything that wasn’t there before particularly if it feels firm.
- Massage under your arm all the way up to your armpit, check for any lump.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Any change to the breast appearance, texture, and pain such as nipple discharge or redness, breast or nipple pain, dimpling, or swelling can also be sign of breast cancer.
Thus, women are advised to undergo routine screening procedures to detect breast cancer earlier. Also, monthly breast examination, clinical breast examination, and mammography are the recommended routine screening procedures to detect breast cancer, even without obvious symptoms.
How to reduce the risk of breast cancer
- Keeping a low weight decreases the risk of breast cancer by 30 percent.
- Refraining from alcohol intake cuts the risk of breast cancer by 10 percent.
- Constant exercising can decrease the risk of breast cancer by 30 percent.
- Be active.
Treatment for breast cancer
Treatment of breast cancer is dependent on the type of cancer and its stage. Basic treatment options available are;
Surgery: This involves the removal of cancerous tissues.
Radiation therapy: This aims to destroy cancer cells by the use of high-energy rays.
Chemotherapy: This is treated with medications.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is prevalent in women, it is good to detect it at an early stage and treat it before it becomes too late.
