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Breast Cancer: A Closer Look
As the name shows, Breast Cancer is a disease that begins in the tissue of the breast. The most common type of breast cancer, ductile carcinoma, begins at the lining of the ducts found inside the breast, leading to the nipple. About 80% of all breast cancer cases come from this region. Cancer that begins in the lobes of the breast, is known as lobular carcinoma, and takes up 10-15% of breast cancer cases. Cancer that first starts in these sections can spread to other areas of the breast tissue, and can also spread its way around the body by moving through the lymphatic system.
The risk of breast cancer increases with age, and some of the most common factors of the disease are:
- Family history of Breast Cancer among close relatives (mother, daughter, siblings, first cousins)
- Personal history of Breast Cancer (each breast can be affected independently)
- Childbearing later in life (after the age of 30)
- Women who began menstruating early (before age 12) or reached menopause after the age of 50
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Being overweight
Over 70% of Breast Cancer Cases occur in women with none of the identifiable risk factors that are listed above, but not all. This disease can attack any woman, regardless of general health. The National Institute of Health says that "the average woman has a 1 in 8 chance of developing Breast Cancer at some point in their lifetime."
Women aged 20 and over should perform self examinations every month. If you have any concerns whatsoever, contact a health care professional. Between the ages of 20 and 39, women should have a clinical breast examination by a health professional every 3 years. After age 40, women should have a yearly breast exam from a health professional.
The chances of curing breast cancer depend on how early it is detected. There is a 90% survival rate for those who have early diagnosis and treatment. Don't avoid having a lump checked by a doctor because you think that it is already too late. More than 80% of lumps are benign (non-cancerous), and malignant lumps can be treated.
Though breast cancer can effect an woman, there are some habits that can help reduce the chance of you falling victim to the disease:
- Exercise regularly
- Not smoking
- Low fat, high fibre diet
- low alcohol consumption
If you want more information on breast cancer, or have any questions about it, please check out nationalbreastcancer.org.
by Ambur