Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know.

Every woman who discovers a lump in her breast already has anxiety or fear, wondering if it is cancer. Some women are still ignorant of the fact that early detection of cancer Save’s life. Knowing and understanding the importance of self breast examination, ultrasound scan/mammography is key for some who have had these lumps go through an ultrasound
scan / mammography and also having a biopsy done are filled with fear and anxiety and
thoughts about the future as they await their biopsy results. In most cases results are benign or malignant. The malignant cases are always difficult to announce.

Signs and Symptoms.

Breast cancer may or may not cause symptoms. Some women may discover the problem
themselves, while others may have the abnormality first detected on a screening exam.
Common breast cancer symptoms, when they occur, include the following:

• Non-painful lumps or masses
• Lumps or swelling under the arms
• Nipple skin changes or discharge
• Noticeable flattening or indentation of the breast
• Change in the nipple
• -Unusual discharge from the nipple
• Changes in the feel, size, or shape of the breast
• tissue

Causes of Breast Cancer

Certain genes control the life cycle—the growth, function, division, and death of a cell. When these genes are damaged, the balance between normal cell growth and death is lost. Normal breast cells become cancerous because of changes in DNA structure.

Breast cancer is caused by cellular DNA damage that leads to out-of-control cell growth. Genetics & Mutations Inherited genes can increase the likelihood of breast cancer. For example, mutations of genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 (linked to an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancers) can inhibit the body’s ability to safeguard and repair DNA. Copies of these mutated genes can be passed on genetically to future generations, leading to a genetically-inherited increased risk of cancer.

Lifestyle: Lifestyle choices can lead to breast cancer as well. Eating a poor diet, inactivity, obesity, heavy alcohol use, tobacco use including smoking, and exposure to chemicals and toxins are all associated with a greater breast cancer risk.

Medical Treatment: Medical treatment with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive drugs used to decrease the spread of cancer throughout the body can also cause damage to healthy cells. Some “second cancers,” completely separate from the initial cancer, have been known to occur following aggressive cancer treatments. Radiation therapy to the chest to treat other conditions or cancers also increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Prevention

Mammogram: Early detection of breast cancer is the key to survival. Mammograms are Xrays of the breast that can detect tumors at a very early stage, before they would be felt or noticed otherwise.

Breast Self-Exams: Experts recommend that women be aware of their breasts and notice any changes, rather than performing checks on a regular schedule. Women who choose to do self-exams should be sure to discuss the technique with their doctor.