Your breast tissue is the starting point of breast cancer. A tissue mass is produced when breast cells mutation (alter) and grow out of control (tumor). Breast cancer can spread to the tissue surrounding your breast, just as other types of cancer. Additionally, it might apply to other areas of your body and develop new tumors. Metastasis is the medical term for this.
Breast cancer develops when cells in your breast multiply and expand out of control, resulting in a lump of tissue known as a tumor. Breast cancer symptoms can include feeling a bulge, noticing a change in breast size, or noticing changes to the skin around your breasts. Early detection may be aided by mammograms.
Overall, compared to women of all other races or ethnicities, non-Hispanic white women have a somewhat increased risk of acquiring breast cancer. Non-Hispanic Black women had approximately the same risk of developing the condition as non-Hispanic White women. According to statistics, women who identify as Asian, Hispanic, or Native American had a lower risk of developing breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer:
- A breast’s size, shape, or appearance changing
- alterations to the breast’s skin, such as dimpling
- a recently flipped nipple
- The pigmented region of skin around the nipple (areola) or breast skin peels, scales, crusts, or flakes.
- Over your breast, there may be redness or pitting similar to that of an orange.
Cause of breast cancer
The aberrant growth of some breast cells is what causes breast cancer, according to doctors. These cells continue to multiply and divide more quickly than healthy cells do, generating a bulk or lump. In order to reach your lymph nodes or other regions of your body, cells can spread (metastasize) through your breast.
Breast cancer typically develops from cells in the ducts that produce milk (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer can also start in other cells or tissues within the breast, including the glandular tissue known as lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma).
The risk of breast cancer may be increased by hormonal, behavioral, and environmental variables, according to research. However, it is unclear why some people with risk factors never get cancer while others with risk factors do.
How to reduce the risk of breast cancer
1)Healthy weight:
Breast cancer risk increases after menopause are associated with both increased body weight and weight gain as an adult. By balancing your food intake and physical activity, the American Cancer Society advises that you maintain a healthy weight throughout your life and prevent excessive weight gain.
2)Exercise regularly:
Numerous studies have demonstrated a correlation between moderate to strenuous exercise and a reduced risk of developing breast cancer. Adults should engage in 75 to 150 minutes of strenuous movement per week (or a combination of these) or at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate activity per week (ideally spaced out over the course of the week), according to the American Cancer Society. It is excellent to reach or exceed the upper limit of 300 minutes.
3) Breastfeeding:
Breastfeeding may aid in the prevention of breast cancer. The protective effect increases with the duration of breastfeeding. Breast tissue is lost during pregnancy and breastfeeding. According to Wohlford, “this shedding can assist remove cells with possible DNA damage, so helping to minimize your risk of developing breast cancer.” By suppressing ovulation, breastfeeding can also help reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer.
Also read: How to increase chances of fertility in Females?
4)Don’t overdo postmenopausal hormone replacement:
Combination hormone therapy may make breast cancer more likely. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy with your doctor. With the help of drugs and nonhormonal therapy, you may be able to control your symptoms. Use the lowest dose that works for you and ask your doctor to keep an eye on how long you’re taking hormones if you believe the advantages of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the hazards.
5)Avoid birth control pills(especially after the age of 35):
Birth control tablets have advantages and disadvantages. Women who use birth control tablets have a slightly higher chance of developing breast cancer. Though, as soon as you stop using the pill, this risk disappears immediately. While using the pill, there is also an increased risk of heart attack and stroke, especially if a woman smokes. However, continued use can also provide significant advantages, including a reduced risk of ovarian, colon, and uterine cancer. There are numerous advantages to birth control tablets, including their ability to prevent unintended pregnancy. One way to reduce risk is to stay away from birth control pills if you’re extremely concerned about developing breast cancer.
6)Avoid Tamoxifen and Raloxifene
Although not commonly thought of as a “healthy behavior,” taking the drugs tamoxifen and raloxifene can greatly lower the risk of breast cancer in women at high risk of the disease. Approved by the FDA for breast cancer prevention, these powerful drugs can have side effects, so they aren’t right for everyone. If you think you’re at high risk, talk to your doctor to see if these drugs may be right for you.
7)No smoking:
Smoking causes at least 15 different cancers, including breast cancer, in addition to many other health hazards. Try to stop smoking as soon as you can. Almost never is it too late to apply for benefits.
Conclusion:
Be on the lookout for breast cancer. Consult your doctor if you detect any changes in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Additionally, according to your medical history, ask your doctor when to start mammograms and other screenings.
FAQs
1)Can breast cancer be prevented?
Breast cancer cannot be entirely avoided. However, there are certain things you may do to perhaps reduce your risk. This can be especially beneficial for women who have certain breast cancer risk factors, like a long family history of the disease or specific inherited gene alterations.
2)What is the strongest risk factor for breast cancer?
The two biggest risk-influencing factors are being a woman and becoming older. Women 50 years of age or older are the ones most likely to develop breast cancer. Even if a woman is unaware of any other risk factors, she may still develop breast cancer.
3)What is the average age for breast cancer?
Women in their middle years and older tend to develop breast cancer. At the time of breast cancer diagnosis, the average age is 62.
