two lemons side by side representing breast

Save a Life: Did You Know These About Breast Cancer?

2022-10-30T05:51:37+00:00

By Rody

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer and it affects women all over the world. It is also the leading cause of death from cancer. Although it is most common in women, especially older women, breast cancer may also affect men.October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with October 19th as Breast Cancer Day in order to spread awareness, educate people on the deadly disease, encourage women to do regular check-ups, and also help them make it a priority to engage in activities that help them avoid it.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the proliferation of cancerous cells in the breast.The breast is made up of connective tissue, lobules, and ducts. The tissue is responsible for holding everything together. The lobules help produce milk, and the ducts are responsible for getting the milk from the lobules to the nipple.Breast cancers can start from any part of the above mentioned.

Types of Breast Cancer

The types of breast cancer as defined by affected cells include: Ductal Carcinoma: The most common type, it starts in cells in the ducts. The ductal carcinoma in-situ is a type of cancer that is curable.Lobular Carcinoma: This is an adenocarcinoma cancer which affects the lobules responsible for making milk.There are also other types of breast cancer such as:Metastatic cancer, Paget’s disease of the breast, phyllodes tumour, and triple-negative breast cancer (which spreads easily, and usually reoccurs after treatment).

Some of these breast cancers can be invasive or non-invasive. If they are invasive, it means that the cancer spreads through other organs on the part it has affected. Non-invasive shows that it is restricted to the affected area.These cancers occur in varying stages from 0 – IV with different levels of approach, seriousness, and treatment options.

Symptoms

Breast cancer usually requires a medical diagnosis through a mammogram. While some do not notice any signs or symptoms, there are certain symptoms that may be noticed by individuals and require medical attention. Some of these are:

Change in nipple
Lump in breast
Change in breast shape or size
Breast colour change
Skin dimpling
Pain in breast
Breast skin irritation.
Blood discharge in nipple

However, there are times these symptoms will be present but only as a result of other medical conditions. This is why it is important to do regular breast self-examination necessary for early detection, and confirm with a professional to avoid a scare.

Causes of Breast cancer

There is no known specific cause. It can happen to anyone considering that most cases are first-time patients.However, there are lots of risk factors people are predisposed to. Such as:AgeingFamily historyLifestyle habitsDense breast tissueRadiation exposure

Prevention

Early detection is the only way to save lives. Nipping the situation in the bud is the best way to take care of it. The following ways can possibly help prevent this cancer:Check your breasts the same time every month (preferably after your ovulation, as your breast gets tender during those times) with the breast self-exam, so that you know when there are changes.Also:

Maintain good body weight
Eat healthy
Exercise regularly
Imbibe good lifestyle habits
Take note whenever your breast pains you or you feel a lump
Visit screening centres available in your locality for a thorough check by professionals.
Visit the doctor when you notice any odd change in your breast or armpit area.

The above actions should be taken regularly to aid early detection.

Treatment

Treatment options are given according to the severity and type of cancer. It is best to reach out to healthcare professionals for the best options.Also, avoid jumping to conclusions about having breast cancer. You need to contact healthcare providers first in case it’s just normal pain and not cancer-related.For more information, help, and understanding, visit or contact canceraware.org.ng.