Breast cancer is responsible for nearly 14% of cancer related deaths among women. The number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer is increasing so rapidly that in India now it claims even more lives than cervical cancer.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer that occurs in milk ducts is known as Ductal carcinoma, whereas breast cancer occurring in the milk secreting breast lobules is known as Lobular carcinoma. When cancer cells remain confined to the place of origin without attacking other tissues it is known as In-Situ breast cancer.
The more dangerous type of cancer is Invasive or metastatic breast cancer, in which the cancer cells break free from the breast tissue and spread to other parts of the body. There are other types of breast cancer like inflammatory breast cancer which are not so common.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Any one of the following symptoms may be an indication of underlying breast cancer but they are not sure indicators of the disease itself. There is no need for panic, but it is wise to get a thorough check up if you find:
Irritation in skin or dimpling of breast
Persistent swelling in the breast
Pain lasting for more than a month
Changes like inversion and thickening or pain in nipple
Inflammation of thickening of breast skin
Lump in breast or underarm
Breast Cancer Awareness
Detecting breast cancer early is very important for women, since a lot of lives can be saved with timely treatment. Mammograms or any other detection program should be a must for women who have crossed the 40 years mark.
The danger lies in the fact that a woman will not be able to feel the tumor growing inside the breast tissue until it is nearly 1 cm. If left alone without proper medical care, the tumor may spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes or the blood stream. The larger the tumor at the starting of treatment, the lesser will be survival chances of the patient. Early detection is much more important than the quality of treatment or type of hospital for success of the treatment. Hence, creating awareness among the women about breast cancer and regular checkups is utmost important part of the fight against cancer.
Detecting Breast Cancer
At present, mammography and breast examination are two main methods used to detect cancer. Ultrasound scanning is also gaining popularity in detection of breast cancer. Even though nearly 90% of breast cancers can be identified by mammography, every year, new and more accurate method is coming up for early detection. Every woman should learn to conduct breast self-examination every month. It is simple and easy procedure which is best done immediately after the menstrual cycle. When a tumor is felt or seen biopsy is conducted as a confirmatory procedure.
Treating Breast Cancer
Treatment of breast cancer has progressed in leaps and bounds in recent years. The treatment is not as harsh and unpredictable as it was few decades ago. There are different treatments that would stop the spread and recurrence of breast cancer. A doctor would suggest a treatment after evaluating the condition of the patient. It may include some of the following procedures:
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Combination of all the above three procedures in more advanced cases
Aromatase inhibitors –Hormonal therapy
Angiogenesis Inhibitors therapy
Post Treatment Care
A woman will have to undergo a lot of psychosocial adjustments in order to adapt to the changed life style of being a cancer survivor. The initial shock of losing a breast or breasts can devastate her mental health and so it is important to explain and prepare her for the surgery in advance. Women who are busy with their careers and those who have young children to care for may feel nervous about the long term treatment which leaves them weak, and at times helpless. After being under the onslaught of surgery and chemotherapy, the body will take time to bounce back to normalcy. Though not clinically proven, women claim to suffer from ‘chemo brain’ which is inability to focus and remember things accurately.
Family and other people should understand that just because the treatment is over the patient will not be ready to take up work and responsibilities immediately. Stress and pressure should be avoided at all costs, and this can be achieved by unconditional support and love to the patient as much as possible, because every woman is vulnerable in this stressful period.
Risk Factors
So far the exact cause of breast cancer has not been found. Research shows there are many factors related to breast cancer. The following women can be considered to be at high risk for breast cancer:
Women past middle age
Women with longer menstrual life
Women with history of cancer in family
Women who have not breastfed a child
People who smoke and drink excessively
Breast cancer survivors
Obese women
Women who do not exercise
Women below 35 years of age who have been on oral contraceptives for more than 10 years
The above mentioned risk factors are derived from the statistics collected from breast cancer patients. It should not be assumed as cause of breast cancer itself.
Beating Breast Cancer
Building up a strong will to survive, being optimistic, and laughing as often as possible are few bricks which lay strong foundation for beating cancer. Eating healthy food, exercising regularly, going out in sunshine, being optimistic, holding on to hope, drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit juice, and above all love will be your strong weapons in fighting cancer or any fatal disease. Be aware, be cured and live safe.
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Chillibreeze's disclaimer: This is a contributed article and was published on Chillibreeze in August, 2011. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article. The relevance of the facts and figures cited (if any) could change after a period of time.
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—About our writer:
Farida Rizwan is a counselor for breast cancer survivors and schools, in addition she works as freelance writer. She has conducted numerous workshops for students, parents and teachers for both special needs, and regular schools. Her passions are, freelance writing, blogging and counseling. She loves to write on topics related to psychology, counseling, children and breast cancer as she has both personal and professional experience in these fields, but is not limited to them.
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