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Breast Cancer is the formation of malignant tumor in the one or both the breasts. It is an irate growth of breast cells. It can occur either in the lobules or ducts or tissues of the breasts. It is the second most common cancer in the world, preceded by the lung cancer. Around 1% of deaths worldwide are due to breast cancer. Both men and women can develop this cancer, but such risk in women is 100 percent more than in men. The probability of breast cancer in a woman increases with the increase in age. The chances increase manifold after the age of 60.
The when and how of breast cancer is still unanswered. The doctors have identified some risk factors of breast cancer, which are listed here below –
- Age factor: The chance of getting breast cancer increases with age. It rarely occurs under the age of 40.
- Late pregnancy: The risk is more in a woman who had her first baby after 35 years of age.
- History: The risk increases for a woman whose blood relative suffered from breast cancer. Also, if a woman has developed cancer in one of her breasts, her chances of developing cancer in the other breast increases.
- Life Style: Woman who have sedentary life style or are obese are more prone to breast cancer.
- Alcohol, Tobacco increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Origin: Breast Cancer is more common in Americans as compared to Asians or Africans.
- Changes in Genes: Genes Changes in BRCA1, BRCA2 and others increase the risk of breast cancer.
As in any other cancer, breast cancer too can be controlled if detected earlier. Here are a few signals when a woman should be alerted:
- Formation of a lump in the breast, near the armpits or the collarbone.
- Change in size or shape or color of the breasts.
- The nipple is inverted.
- Sticky fluid is discharged from one of the nipples.
- There is pain, rashes, and redness of the breast or nipple.
In most cases, these symptoms may not lead to cancer, but early detection will help in treatment. Mammography and clinical tests are used to detect breast cancer. Lump formation can be identified with these techniques. Biopsy is also a method, wherein a part of the lump is removed. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body through blood vessels. It can spread to lungs, liver bones and vertebrae.
The treatment may include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, immune therapy, lymphectomy, tamoxaphen depending on age and family history of the patient and the stage of the cancer. Hospitals and Cancer support groups help in tacking the psychological problems of cancer patients. Research says that walking at least for one hour a week increases the chances of survival amongst patients. October is declared as the National Breast Cancer Awareness month. Fourth Monday of October is observed as the Pink Ribbon Day in support of the Breast Cancer Patients worldwide.
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