Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women in all countries and all ages. According to statistics, about one in nine women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in 28 women will die from it.
Although the number of cancers diagnosed has increased slightly in the past 30 years, screening, diagnosis, and treatment techniques have much evolved, making it one of the most genetic diseases to treat. The mortality rate linked to this cancer is, therefore, continually decreasing.
Although it is a little known fact, men can also have breast cancer: less than 1% of all breast cancers affect men.
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A Few Words about Breast Cancer
Breasts made up of fat, glands, and channels that produce milk.Besides breast cancer is the appearance of abnormal cells that develop uncontrollably in the affected breast.
Generally, estimated that breast cancer takes several months, even several years to develop, hence the interest in discovering the tumor as quickly as possible. The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the better the chances of getting out of it without too much damage.
Causes
It is impossible to define the specific reasons for this form of cancer in a particular person. However, there are several risk factors to consider; here are a few:
Age
8 out of 10 diseases occur after 50 years.
Personal history
A woman who has had breast cancer is more at risk of developing another.
Family history
You are more at threat if your mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed in the family before menopause.
Certain genetic mutations
Only a small number of breast cancers (5 to 10%) are hereditary, some of which are due to genetic mutations (BRCA1 or BRCA2). These mutations can increase the lifetime risk of getting breast cancer by up to 80%.
Reproductive history
Early menstruation, late menopause, pregnancy after 30 years, or no pregnancy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Examiners now trust that the risks of long-term use of combined HTS outweigh the benefits.
Alcohol
Even low alcohol consumption (just over one drink a day) increases the risk of breast cancer.
Breast cancer symptoms
The warning signs of breast cancer are varied. Also, even if you experience any of the following symptoms, they may be caused by something other than cancer. Only a medical diagnosis can confirm or rule out the presence of cancer cells in your breasts, hence the importance of reporting any change to your natural state of health. You would see a doctor if you sign:
- A lump in the breast or armpit.
- A discharge liquid from the nipple.
- A nipple that turns inward.
- The change appeared on the breast skin because of orange peel, and redness, also heat, scaling.
- The breast shape change to hollow or blistering.
Treatment For Breast Cancer
If, after a thorough medical examination, your doctor confirms the presence of a cancerous tumor, then treatment should be considered to eradicate the disease. Your specialist will be able to tell you what will best apply to you:
Mastectomy
It is surgery to remove the tumor. Depending on its size, partial or total removal of the breast performed.
Radiotherapy
It is usually used after surgery to make sure that all of the local cancer cells are gone.
Chemotherapy
It consists of drugs that administered orally or as an injection, after surgery, to eliminate any cancer cells that have “escaped” elsewhere than in the breast.
Hormone therapy
In some cases, taking specific hormones can slow or stop the progression of cancer cells.
Breast Cancer and Screening
Many females are alive and well because their breast cancer noticed and treated quickly. You should never forget that no cancer screening test is foolproof.
For example, a screening test may indicate the presence of cancer when this is not the case, or that it does not detect cancer cells which are nevertheless very present. Overall, however, the fact is that breast cancer screening can save lives.
You should discuss the breast cancer screening measures with your doctor: he will be able to advise you best according to your age and your risk factors. Here are the steps recommended for women by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS):
For Women of all Ages
It is essential to know the normal state of your breasts. And also there is no right or wrong way to examine your breasts, as long as you cover the entire area extending to the collarbone and under the armpits, not to mention the nipple. You will be able to detect any abnormality or any change (see symptoms above) to notify your doctor as soon as possible.
Breast Cancer in Women Aged 40 to 49
You must have a medical breast test every two years, with a qualified healthcare professional. Also depending on your family and personal history, mammograms may also be possible. However, you should know that mammograms performed on women under 50 sometimes give false-positive results, which creates unnecessary stress in women. You will need to discuss this point and discuss it with your doctor.
For Women Aged 50 to 69
You must also undergo a clinical breast examination every two years, which will be supplemented by a screening mammogram (every 2 years too). And mammogram is an x-ray of the breast tissue: the specialist takes several breast images to detect any abnormalities or suspicious tumors. And the test is done at a specialized clinic or breast cancer screening center. In Quebec, each woman reaching the age of 50 receives a letter inviting her to proceed for screening.
Breast Cancer For Women over 70
You should consult your doctor: he will be able to advise you adequately on screening.