Breast Cancer
Overview
Breast cancer affects one in every eight women, as well as 1600 men each year. If detected early, it has a 95% survival rate of five or more years. However, over 13 million women do not utilize the most effective prevention method, the mammogram.
Causes
The exact causes of breast cancer are unknown. However,
researchers know it has to do with changes in hormone levels that
stimulate the growth of cancerous cells. Resulting changes in DNA cause normal
cells to change into cancer cells.
Risk-Increasing Factors
There are a few factors that increase the risk of breast
cancer. Unfortunately, most of these are inherent traits and cannot be changed.
You may be at a greater risk if the following apply:
1. Family history of breast cancer
2. Menstruating at an early age
3. Age 40 or above
4. Past history of breast cancer
5. Being overweight
6. Giving birth to several children, then breastfeeding each of them for several months
Detecting breast cancer as early as possible will increase survival rates – the sooner the cancer is detected, the sooner it can be treated, and the greater the chances of survival. Here are some tips for detection:
1. Perform self-breast examinations once a month after the age of 20 – 70% of all breast cancer cases are found by doing these checks.
2. From ages 20-39, get an annual breast exam.
3. Have mammograms every one to two years for women 40-49, and every year from age 50 on.
4. Record when self-checks, exams and mammograms are performed
When performing self-exams, it is important to watch
for the following warning signs of cancer:
1. Lumps, which are firm, single and often painless. However, keep in mind that eight out of 10 of these lumps are not cancerous. If a lump is found, it is most important to make an appointment with your doctor immediately rather than panicking.
2. Depressions on breast surfaces.
3. Nipples that have changed in shape or texture.
4. Discharge from the nipples other than breast milk.
5. Swellings on the breasts or underarms.
6. Veins are more prominent on one breast than the other.
Unfortunately, breast cancer is unpreventable. One
out of eight women will get breast cancer. Also, it generally does not run in
families, although chances are increased if someone related to you has it. The
main ways to prevent breast cancer are eating a low-fat diet, exercising
regularly, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and getting examined
regularly.
Treatment
Some of the treatment options for breast cancer include:
1. Chemotherapy to try and shrink the tumor.
2. Lumpectomies, which remove tumors. This is the best option when the tumor is single or only in one area of the breast.
3. Mastectomies, which involve removing the entire breast. These are most often recommended when cancer is in more than one part of the breast or the breasts are so small that a lumpectomy would leave them misshapen.
4. Radiation therapy after a mastectomy, if cancer is in more than one area of the breast.
