Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that starts when abnormal cells grow in the breast tissue. Knowing the signs, reasons it happens, and how it’s treated is important for catching it early and managing it well.
Symptoms:
- Lump in the Breast: The main sign is a new lump or mass in the breast.
- Changes in Breast Shape or Size: Swelling, dimpling, or changes in how the skin looks.
- Nipple Changes: Nipple going inwards, leaking, or scaling.
- Pain: Sometimes, breast pain can mean breast cancer.
Causes:
- Genes: Some people inherit gene changes like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Hormones: Exposure to estrogen over time, like starting periods early or going through menopause late.
- Lifestyle: Being overweight, not being active, or drinking a lot can add to the risk.
Diagnosis:
- Mammograms: Special x-rays that find breast cancer early, often before symptoms show up.
- Biopsy: Taking out a small piece of tissue to check if it’s cancer.
Treatment Options:
- Surgery: Removing the tumor (lumpectomy) or the whole breast (mastectomy).
- Radiation Therapy: Using strong rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
- Chemotherapy: Medicine that kills cancer cells or stops them from growing.
- Hormone Therapy: Blocking hormones that can make some breast cancers grow.
- Targeted Therapy: Medicine that targets specific parts of cancer cells.
Prevention and Early Detection:
- Regular Check-ups: Starting mammograms around age 40 can find breast cancer early.
- Healthy Habits: Keeping a healthy weight, staying active, not drinking too much, and not smoking lower the risk.
Support and Help:
- Support Groups: Talking with others in similar situations can give emotional support and practical tips.
- Seeing a Doctor: Getting advice from healthcare experts helps choose the best treatments.