For a long time, there has been an increase in the number of cases of breast cancer. One out of every ten women in India is a victim of breast cancer. Today’s women’s lives are so busy that they hardly get time for themselves. Resulting, she is unable to pay attention to her health. Women, on the other hand, face a variety of common ailments in their daily lives. Breast cancer is also one of them.
In fact, people become conscious after the illness, not before. If we take precautions in advance to avoid any disease, then we can remove the problems of others along with our own. There are many factors during our lifetime that can increase the risk of breast cancer. We must take a more active role in this regard. The main reasons for this disease are considered to be our lifestyle and heredity.
Dr. Anushree Chaturvedi MD, DNB, Medical Oncology, ECMO from Infinity Care Hospital tells on some such points, which can reduce the risk of breast cancer. We will talk about breast cancer prevention; we need to know what exactly it is.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a cancer that starts in our breasts. It starts when our cells start growing faster than necessary. Breast cancer cells combine to form a tumor, which can be seen on an X-ray or felt as a lump. Breast cancer occurs almost exclusively in women, but men can also get breast cancer. Simply put, any lump or swelling in the breast can be cancer. In this case, you need to consult a doctor first. If we talk about its signs, you may have a lump in the breast, a change in the shape or skin of the nipple, firmness of the breast, blood or fluid coming from the nipple, pain in the breast, or peeling of the skin on the breast or nipple. Lumps in the arms are some of the signs of breast cancer.
Types of breast cancer
1- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma – In this type, cancer cells grow outside the milk ducts in other parts of the breast tissue. Cancer cells that are invasive can also spread to different bodily regions.
2 – Invasive Lobular Carcinoma – cancer cells have spread from the lobules to nearby breast tissue. These invasive cancer cells can also invade other bodily regions.
Cause of breast cancer
Changes in menstruation: Women should take extra care that if they notice any change in their menstruation or periods, they immediately contact their doctor.
Consumption of drugs: Women can develop breast cancer as a result of using alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or using drugs, and this number has been rising. Any substance taken in excess causes cancer to develop in the body.
Family History: A family history of breast cancer is an important link. Breast cancer is a genetically transmitted condition. A woman in that family is more likely to develop breast cancer if someone in a very close relationship, such as a relative, has the disease. With the help of an investigation, it can be ascertained that if a woman has breast cancer, there is no family history behind it.
Any additional cancers in the family: Not only does breast cancer run in families, but if a person has any type of cancer, family members must be vigilant because it is all a game of body cells and family members’ cells. And blood can be compared.
Breast cancer symptoms
- Lump under the arms or in the breasts.
- Changes to the breast’s form, such as high or sagging.
- Breast or nipple color in red.
- Breast bleeding is one example.
- The breast skin’s elasticity.
- A dimple, discomfort, or contraction of breast or nipple lines.
- The division of any breast tissue into distinct portions.
- A hard or firm sensation under the breast.
What is the stage of breast cancer?
Starting at zero, breast cancer progresses through several stages, or categories, and the severity of the disease worsens with each stage:
- Zero stage: cancer that formed in the milk-producing cells stays contained and does not spread to other organs.
- First class: Cancerous cells start growing slowly, and they start harming the rest of the healthy cells of the body. It can also spread to the fat cells present in the breast.
- Second category: In this category, cancer starts growing very quickly, spreads to other parts of the body as well, and takes hold of the whole body.
- Third class: By coming to this class, cancer starts affecting human bones by reaching them. Because of this, a small portion of it has spread to the collarbone, making treatment inaccessible.
- Fourth category: In this category, cancer becomes almost incurable because, by the time it reaches the fourth category, it has reached the liver, lungs, bones, and brain as well.
Breast cancer treatment
The methods used to treat other cancers, such as chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, etc., are also utilised to treat breast cancer. But if the case is high-risk, then the symptoms should be checked from time to time, and this will help in the early detection of cancer and a better recovery.
Self-examination is very important.
Every woman needs to be aware of her breast size, color, height, and firmness. Pay close attention to any breast alterations, such as streaks, scars, or skin and nipple swelling. Every lady should stand or lie flat and check her breasts.
Mammogram screening is required for women over the age of 40. If there is any history of cancer in the family, keep in mind that it is necessary to check the breasts every 3 years at the age of 20–21 years.
Women who are at high risk should have screening mammography performed once a year with extra care. Additionally, ultrasound and, if the danger is very high, MRI, should be performed.
Conclusion
It’s true that today, breast cancer is a physically spreading illness. But if the proper measures and guidance are taken, this sickness can be prevented. First, women should check the symptoms themselves, and if there is any difference, they should be checked immediately.
