Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancers for women around the world; yet, by spreading awareness, early detection, and with the improvement in the treatments, the survival rates show an upward trend. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the time of the year devoted to public education about breast cancer, its early detection, and support for all those who have developed the disease.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer develops when cells within the breast grow incorrectly and continue to multiply causing a tumor to be formed within the breast. While this is actually one of the cancers most common among women, the risk of male involvement with breast cancer is extremely low, though possible. There are many forms of breast cancer, but ductal carcinoma is the most common and grows within the ducts which carry milk to the nipple. The other common type grows within the glands that actually produce milk, known as lobular carcinoma.
It can either be invasive or non-invasive and thus makes the progression of the disease in some patients different from that of others based on the timing of when they are diagnosed and at what point they initiate proper treatment.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The easiest way to ensure timely diagnosis is to know how to identify signs associated with . The most often experienced symptoms are:
- Pain or tenderness in the breast or nipple.
- Color or texture change of breast skin.
- A new lump or thickening in the breast.
- Flaking on or around the nipple.
- Change in size or shape of one or both breasts.
- Nipple discharge (if a woman is not pregnant or nursing). Sometimes, it can be bloody.
- Sores or ulcers on skin of breast.
- Redness or scaliness of the skin of the breast and/or nipple.
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
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What are the Risk factors
Despite the unidentified cause for breast cancer, some risk factors are known to make one more predisposed to the disease:
1. Genetics or family history
Women are at increased risk if they have first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly when such women have some of the genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
2. Age
The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most cases are found in women over the age of 50.
3. Hormonal Factors
Estrogen exposure throughout life (early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy) has been associated with higher risks.
4. Lifestyle Factors
Obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and smoking all increase the risk of breast cancer.
5. Radiation Exposure
Women who receive radiation to the chest at a young age are likely to be at a greater risk of breast cancer when they become adults.
Prevention and Early Detection
While some factors cannot be controlled, healthy lifestyle habits and participation in screening programs reduce risk and improve outcomes for early detection.
1. Breast Self-Exams
Regular breast self-exams provide women with the familiarity of what their breasts look and feel like normally, thus helping them identify changes that should not be there.
Self-exams should not replace mammograms.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and one of the most effective tools for detecting early stages of breast cancer. Women generally have to be over 40 years to receive regular mammograms; however, those with a higher risk may start earlier.
3. Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limitation of alcohol use, and avoidance of smoking can all contribute to lowering breast cancer risk.
4. Genetic Testing
Genetic testing for women with a family history of breast cancer may be done to evaluate the occurrence of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In case a mutation is detected, enhanced screening, lifestyle alteration, or even preventive surgery might be recommended.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
The type, stage, and other features of the cancer are taken into consideration for the treatment of breast cancer. Their application, in one way or another, usually relies on the treating of the cancer together.
- Surgery: Removal of the tumor by either a type of lumpectomy-removal of the tumor or mastectomy-removal of the breast.
- Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays that travel with sufficient energy to destroy cancer cells in a controlled area.
- Chemotherapy: Drugs, which can cut off or slow the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy is frequently used before surgery, when tumors are shrunk, and usually after surgery to prevent recurrence.
- Hormone Therapy: For hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, hormone therapy blocks the body’s natural hormones from fueling cancer growth.
- Targeted Therapy: These treatments go straight to the molecules driving cancer growth; they tend to have fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
Supporting Loved Ones with Breast Cancer
The diagnosis of breast cancer can be very overwhelming to both the person and their family. These days, they will greatly benefit from emotional, physical, and financial support. Here is how you can make a difference:
1. Emotional Support
Sometimes, all someone needs is someone who will listen to them, put a shoulder out for them, and give understanding. That helps a lot. Likewise, counseling and support groups are useful for patients and their families.
2. Practical Help
Offer to assist with tasks like grocery shopping, childcare, or transportation to medical appointments. Small acts will help alleviate the stress of treatment.
3. Be Aware
Participate in breast cancer awareness programs, do a walk or a run, join a fundraiser, or wear pink as an expression of goodwill toward all those affected by this disease.
4. Donate
The donations made to cancer research organizations or even directly to the needy can fund the life-saving research. The organization can even offer financial aid for treatment costs or just the financial relief that might be needed.
Conclusion
Breast cancer kills millions of people around the world, but more awareness, early detection, and positive treatments give people hope. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let us unite our efforts to advance this cause—raise more awareness for those fighting, for those who have lost the battle, and for research toward better treatment and ultimately, one day, a cure.
We all play a role by educating, supporting, or advocating against breast cancer – be it through education, support, or advocacy.
How are you getting involved this year with Breast Cancer Awareness? Share with us your thoughts and stories below.
