An Awareness of Breast Cancer

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What is breast cancer?

Changes, or mutations, in the genes that regulate cell growth cause cancer. The cells' mutations allow for unchecked cell proliferation and division. Breast tissue is where breast cancer typically develops. Usually, breast cancer develops in the ducts or lobules of the breast.

Lobules produce the milk, and ducts are the channels that carry it from the glands to the nipple. Additionally, cancer can develop in your breast's fatty tissue or fibrous connective tissue.

The unchecked cancer cells frequently spread to neighboring healthy breast tissue and can reach the lymph nodes beneath the arms. Once cancer reaches the lymph nodes, it has a route to other bodily regions.

Who can get breast cancer?

The second most frequent cancer in women after skin cancer is breast cancer. Over 50-year-old women are the ones most likely to be affected.

Although uncommon, breast cancer can also strike men.

Compared to cisgender men, transgender women are more likely to acquire breast cancer. In addition, compared to cisgender women, transgender men had a lower risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer symptoms and signs might include:

Breast tissue seems thicker or lumpier than the rest of the breast
A breast's size, shape, or appearance changing
Alterations to the breast's skin, such as dimpling
A recently flipped nipple
The pigmented skin region 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.

What causes breast cancer?

Your risk of developing a variety of factors can impact breast cancer. There isn't just one cause. It is the product of a complex interaction between our environment, genes, and lifestyle.

It is impossible to determine who will have breast cancer. Furthermore, we cannot definitively identify any potential causes of breast cancer.

Diagnosis of breast cancer

Your doctor will perform a full physical examination and a breast exam to establish whether your symptoms are brought on by breast cancer or a benign breast ailment. To determine what is causing your symptoms, they could also ask for one or more diagnostic tests.

Your doctor may order the following tests to identify breast cancer:

Mammogram: A mammography, a type of imaging exam, is the most popular approach to seeing beneath the surface of your breast. Annual mammograms are common among women over 40 to screen for breast cancer. Your doctor will also ask for a mammogram if they think you could have a tumor or another problematic location. Your doctor can ask for extra tests if a suspicious spot is discovered on your mammogram.

Ultrasound: Using sound waves, a breast ultrasound can produce a picture of the tissues deep inside your breast. With ultrasound, your doctor can distinguish between a benign cyst and a solid mass, such as a tumor.

Additionally, your doctor might advise procedures like a breast biopsy or an MRI.

Treatment

A multidisciplinary team (MDT), a team of professionals who collaborate to offer the best treatment and care, should be allocated to you if you have breast cancer.

The most common therapies for breast cancer include:

Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone replacement treatment

One of these therapies may be used on you or a combination. The method used to diagnose cancer and its stage will determine the kind or combination of treatments you receive.

Breast cancer found at a normal checkup may be in an early stage. However, breast cancer found after you start experiencing symptoms may be more advanced and require a different course of therapy.

The best therapies should be discussed with you by your MTD.

How to choose the right treatment for you?

Your doctors will think about the following when determining the best course of therapy for you:

Cancer's grade and stage (how big it is and how far it has spread)
Your state of wellness
Whether or not you have gone through the menopause

Your care team should allow you to ask questions and discuss your therapy anytime.

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