Ladies, let’s talk about breast cancer. We are sure you will be surprised to know that breast cancer is not exclusive for women. It can also affect men, though in very small numbers.
So, what makes some people get it while others don’t?
Well, there is no clear answer why, but there are some factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer. If you started your periods early, had a late menopause, had your first child at an older age, have never had a baby, have undergone hormone therapy after menopause, have a genetic mutation, or family history or personal history of breast cancer, then you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. Being aware of breast cancer symptoms, diagnosing and treating it early will help you beat the disease.
How will you know you have breast cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the easiest cancers to detect. It is caused by the growth of abnormal cells in the breast. So, if you take some time to examine your breasts regularly, you will be able to detect any changes in your breasts. This is the earliest you can detect it without regular screening.
Symptoms to look out for:
• Lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Swelling or warmth of breast
• Redness or darkening of breast
• Changes in size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of skin
• Nipple inversion
• Nipple discharge
• Itchy, scaly or rash on breast or nipple
If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult our oncologist for early diagnosis and treatment.
What are the treatment options for breast cancer?
What treatment you get will depend on the type of cancer, its stage and your overall health. Our specialists will evaluate your diagnosis and condition to arrive at the most suitable treatment plan to give you the best results.
The options for treating breast cancer are
• Removing the lump (lumpectomy)
• Removing entire breast (mastectomy)
• Removing a limited number of lymph nodes (sentinel node biopsy)
• Radiation therapy that destroys cancer cells with radiation
• Chemotherapy that kills cancer cells with powerful drugs
• Hormone therapy that treats cancer that are hormone sensitive
• Targeted therapy that attacks specific abnormalities in cancer cells to selectively kill them
• Immunotherapy that boosts your immunity to better fight cancer
Is there a way to prevent breast cancer?
You can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by adopting some healthy habits. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and exercising regularly are great places to start. It’s also important to limit alcohol consumption and avoid tobacco products.
The best way you can help yourself is to have regular screenings for early detection. A clinical breast exams and mammogram will help you detect breast cancer very early.
In the meantime, get familiar with your breasts. Know your breasts intimately so you will be able to detect even the slightest change in them when you do your self-examination.
Remember, early detection is the key to successful treatment.
We can’t stress the importance of breast health enough. Breast cancer is a serious disease, but by knowing the symptoms, taking steps to reduce your risk, and performing regular breast self-exams, you can help protect yourself from this disease.
Feel free to consult our experts if you have any symptoms or require any clarification or more information. Let’s work together to protect you from breast cancer.
