What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. It is one of the most common cancers among women around the world. The chances of a women being diagnosed with the disease sometime during her lifetime is 1 in 8. Therefore, it is important for women to be aware of breast cancer and about breast cancer care.
1. A change in size or shape of one or both the breasts
2. Redness or rash around the skin or nipples
3. Discharge from one or both the nipples
4. Lump in several parts of the breast
5. Constant pain in the breasts
6. If one or both the nipples change in shape
Risk Factors:
1. Family history: It increases the risk by two to three folds. Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2 and p53 results in a very high risk of breast cancer
2. Reproductive factors: Late menopause and late age at first child birth at an old age are amongst the most common risk factors
3. Age: Breast cancer risk increases after a certain age (above 40)
4. Lifestyle related factors: Using oral contraceptives
5. Obesity and heavy drinking
Breast Cancer Sign & Symptoms:
The most common symptom includes
1. a lump in the breast tissue
2. Redness of the breasts
3. Change in the size or shape
4. Change in the nipple along with discharge and sometimes bleeding at times
5. Swelling in the armpit
6. Change in the skin texture (thickening/ rigid)
Awareness
With awareness of Breast cancer, it could be prevented to a great extent. Some of the points to be kept in mind are:
1. Limit alcohol and quit smoking
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Breastfeed (if you can)
4. Make exercise a part of your life
5. Include more of cruciferous vegetables & fruits and less of red meat
6. Get yourself checked on a regular basis
