What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer

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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer develops when the cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a breast lump. Breast cancer symptoms include breast lumps, discharge from the nipple, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and breast pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see your doctor right away. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Breast cancer survival rates have improved over the last few decades. However, breast cancer is still the most common cancer in women. Next to skin cancer, it's also the second leading cause of cancer death in women. The good news is breast cancer statistics show death rates have been declining since 1989.

Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors for developing breast cancer. However, it's important to note that having these risk factors does not mean that you will develop the disease. Some of these risk factors include family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, obesity, and drinking alcohol. Hormone replacement therapy and breast density also increases your chances of developing breast cancer. In addition, cancer can usually affect women over the age of 50.

Breast cancer prevention hinges on lowering your risk factors. First, you should maintain a healthy weight and avoid being overweight or obese. You should also limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day. Additionally, you should get regular exercise and avoid smoking. Although you can't prevent the disease fully, you can reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Treatment

If you are diagnosed with the disease, there are several treatment options available. The most common is breast cancer surgery, which can involve removing the entire breast or just a portion of it. Other treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, while chemotherapy uses drugs. Hormone therapy works by blocking the hormones that help breast cancer cells grow.

Breast reconstruction surgery is an option for some women who have had a mastectomy. This type of surgery can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or at a later date.

Medical advancements have paved the way for higher success rates for breast cancer treatment in recent years. However, the American Cancer Society recommends seeking immediate assistance as soon as you find out you have the condition. Cancer cells can spread to healthy tissue if left untreated. That's why you should ask your provider about treatment options promptly.

You may also want to undergo consistent monitoring after recovering from breast cancer. This is because survivors are usually at a higher risk of developing other cancers.

Early Stage Breast Cancer

Early stage breast cancer is often treated with surgery followed by radiation therapy. For more advanced stages of the disease, chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery. The outlook is usually good if you detect the disease when you're just starting to develop breast cancer.

Breast cancer is divided into stages, and "early stage" means the disease hasn't spread past the breast tissue yet. The National Cancer Institute categorizes the following as early stages:

Stage 0

Also called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), this is cancer that is still confined to the milk ducts and has not spread outside of them.

Stage 1

The tumor is small (2 centimeters or less) and has not spread outside of the breast tissue.

Stage 2

This is also early-stage, but the tumor is larger. The mass measures between 2 and 5 centimeters or has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.

Stage 3

This is considered locally advanced breast cancer. In stage 3, the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and may have spread to nearby tissues such as the chest wall or the skin of the breast. The disease may have also spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or above the collarbone.

Preventing Breast Cancer

There's no way to prevent breast cancer, but early detection spells a world of difference. A National Cancer Institute study found that early detection through mammography reduced the risk of dying from breast cancer by 39%.

Mammography is the most common breast cancer screening test. Your doctor may recommend it if you pose high risk of breast cancer. Usually, providers use imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to reveal tumor or mass formations in your body.

Doctors may recommend preventive surgery for women who are at a very high risk of breast cancer. You may fall under this category if your immune system is compromised, or if you have increased risk factors.

Developing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be a scary diagnosis, but it's important to remember that there are treatments available and the prognosis is often very good. No matter what, it's important to remember that you are not alone. There are many organizations and support groups available to help you through this difficult time.

To Wrap Up

You can discuss breast cancer concerns with your doctor to ensure you receive the care you need. You can also lower your cancer risk by staying on top of your health. You can avoid unhealthy substances, take ample rests, and exercise regularly. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also published a research stressing the importance of a healthy diet in breast cancer prevention.

In line with that, you can try Health Quest 365's Organic Greens 365. It's a superfood powder that contains a healthy balance of grass juices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Incorporating Organic Greens into your diet can help you get your daily dose of nutrients.

Remember, you are the one in charge of your health! We wish you well!