Breast cancer is the main cause of death of women, know all the important things related to this serious disease.
Breast Cancer These days our lifestyle is changing rapidly. In such a situation, due to bad habits, people become victims of many diseases. Breast cancer is one of these serious diseases that affects many women around the world. With the aim of spreading awareness about this serious disease, the month of October is celebrated every year as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Staff Editor 
Cancer is a serious disease which can affect anyone. It is a leading cause of deaths worldwide. Due to this many people lose their lives all over the world. There are many types of cancer, which affect different parts of the body. It is known by the name of the body part it affects. Breast cancer is one such type of this disease, which affects many people around the world.
This serious type of cancer is a leading cause of death for women worldwide. In such a situation, with the aim of spreading awareness about this disease, every year the month of October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. At the same time, October 13 is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Day. On this occasion, today you will know everything that is important for you to know about breast cancer.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer, also known as breast cancer, is one of the most common cancers that affects women, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This happens when cancer cells in your breasts grow and form tumors. In about 80% of breast cancer cases, the tumor can spread from your breast to other areas of your body.
This type of cancer typically affects women 50 years of age and older, but it can also affect women younger than 50 years of age. Apart from this, cases of breast cancer can also be seen in men.
Types of Breast Cancer
Some common types of breast cancer include:-
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): This cancer starts in your milk ducts and spreads to nearby breast tissue.
Lobular breast cancer: This breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) in your breast and often spreads to nearby breast tissue.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Like IDC, this breast cancer starts in your milk ducts. The difference is that DCIS does not spread beyond your milk ducts.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer can affect your breasts in different ways. Some symptoms of breast cancer are very specific. However, even in this cancer, symptoms are not detected, due to which it usually goes unnoticed. But when attention is paid to these, the following symptoms are seen:-
- Change in breast size and shape
- Feeling of a lump the size of a pea.
- A lump in the underarm
- Change in breast or nipple skin color
- Skin appearing dimpled, wrinkled, scaly, or swollen
- Nipples appearing red, purple, or dark in color
- Spotting or discharge from the nipple
What is the cause of breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells mutate and become cancer cells, which divide and grow to form a tumor. However, the reason for this change is not certain. Research shows that there are several risk factors that can increase the chance of developing breast cancer. This includes the following:-
- Age- 55 years or more.
- Gender – Women are more likely to develop this cancer than men.
- Family history – If your parents, siblings, children or other close relatives have had breast cancer, you are at risk of getting this disease.
- Genetics – 15% of people suffering from breast cancer develop the disease because they have inherited this genetic mutation. The most common genetic mutations involve the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Smoking – Smoking or tobacco use is linked to many different types of cancer, including breast cancer.
- Alcohol – Research shows that drinking alcoholic beverages may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity- Overweight is also one of the main causes of breast cancer.
- Radiation exposure—If you have ever had radiation therapy, especially to your head, neck, or chest, you are more likely to develop breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy – People who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have a higher risk of developing this condition.
Breast cancer prevention
Cancer is a disease which cannot be stopped by you. The same happens with breast cancer. However, you can reduce your risk of developing it. To prevent breast cancer, you can take the help of regular self-exams and mammogram tests. This helps in early detection of breast cancer, making it easier to treat.
How to reduce the risk of breast cancer?
There is no sure way to reduce the risk of breast cancer, but according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), you can reduce its risk with the help of the following things-
- Maintain healthy weight- Obesity causes many serious problems. Breast cancer is one of these. In such a situation, it is very important to maintain a healthy weight to reduce its risk.
- Eat a healthy diet - Some studies show that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, calcium-rich dairy products and low-fat protein can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Also, avoiding red meat and processed meat can also reduce your risk.
- Physical activity- Physical activity is also very important to stay healthy. Studies have shown that regular physical activity reduces the risk of breast cancer.
- Avoidance of alcohol etc.- Research has found a relationship between breast cancer and alcohol. In such a situation, to reduce its risk, it is important to avoid alcohol etc.
- Get regular checkups – Mammograms often detect tumors when they are too small to be felt. In such a situation, it is important to get yourself checked regularly.
- Do self-testing – Check your breasts regularly. Doing this helps maintain breast health and can help you detect breast cancer tumors.
Disclaimer: The advice and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, always consult your doctor.
