What you need to know about Breast Cancer

Every woman needs to be aware of her body and take care of herself. Breast Cancer is one problem plaguing women folk throughout the world.
Here are some basic facts every women should know about Breast Cancer.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer is the formation of malignant tumor in the breast tissue. This cancer is present either in the breast itself or in the ducts and lymph nodes around the breast.

How can I tell if I have a problem?

Generally, there are no outward symptoms of breast cancer. A lump, a thickened area, redness, swelling or an enlarged underarm lymph node may all be signs of breast cancer. If you notice any lump in your breast, see your doctor who upon physical examination will decide if further tests are required.

My mother had breast cancer, can I have Breast Cancer too?

Just because your mother had Breast Cancer does not mean that you will also have Breast Cancer.

Some abnormal genes BRCA genes are associated with an increased risk of Breast Cancer which can be inherited from parent to the child, but this is known to happen in only 10% of the women suffering from Breast Cancer.

What are the risk factors for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is caused by a combination of many factors majority of which include;

1. Hereditary factors: If you have  a history of Breast Cancer in the family, then you are prone to be affected with Breast Cancer.
2. Lifestyle factors: Factors such as diet and excessive use of alcohol or smoking can cause Breast Cancer. Research states that if you are obese and menopausal then your body releases a large quantity of estrogen which can increase risk of Breast Cancer.
3. Reproductive factors: Factors such as menarche and menopause have known to affect the susceptibility of females towards Breast Cancer. It is researched that females who start menstruating at a very early age or those who undergo menopause much later than expected are at a greater risk of Breast Cancer. Women who have not conceived before the age of 30 or those who had their first pregnancy after 30 years of age are also at a greater risk of Breast Cancer. The use of Diethylstilbesterol to sustain pregnancy is also known to increase the risk of Breast Cancer.
4. Environmental factors: It is a known fact now that radiations are known to increase the risk of Breast Cancer.
5. Others: Other factors such as gender, age and different therapies also increase the risk factor towards cancer. The cases of Breast Cancer in females is at least 100 times more than that in males, older people are at a greater risk and those who have undergone HRT(Hormone Replacement Therapy) are also at a greater risk of Breast Cancer.

What can I do to prevent Breast Cancer

There are no established practices that can help in the prevention of Breast Cancer other than the extreme measure of surgical removal. Still, some evidence exists through research that;

• Having more than one children (multiple pregnancies) slightly reduces the risk of Breast Cancer
• Breast feeding slightly reduces the risk of Breast Cancer
• Physical activity slightly reduces the risk of Breast Cancer
• Use of contraceptive pills puts women at risk of Breast Cancer

Important

Breast Self Exam: Breast Self Exam is only an optional technique and it has not been helpful in reducing breast cancer deaths. If the woman is well acquainted with her breasts, she can look for any lumps or bumps.