Breast cancer is cancer of the breast. Cancer (see cancer entry) is a disease in which cells begin to grow rapidly and out of control. Cancer cells can travel through the body by way of blood or lymph nodes. They can then come to rest and start growing in other parts of the body.Causes of Braest Cancer
The body’s cells reproduce themselves throughout your lifetime, as tissues wear out and their cells are replaced in a controlled manner. Breast cancer - like all cancers - occurs when that control is lost, and cells begin to divide at an unusually high rate.# recent research suggests that women who start smoking regularly within five years of the onset of their menstrual periods are 70% more likely to develop breast cancer before the age of 50 than non-smokers.
alcohol consumption contributes to the risk of breast cancer, with women who consume three drinks a day having a 40% increased risk of this disease
Age and gender- Your risk of developing breast cancer increases as you get older. The majority of advanced breast cancer cases are found in women over age 50. Women are 100 times more likely to get breast cancer then men.
Family history of breast cancer- You may also have a higher risk for breast cancer if you have a close relative has had breast, uterine, ovarian, or colon cancer. About 20-30% of women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Pain in the breast. Often inflammatory breast cancer is mistaken as a breast infection and treated with antibiotics. If response to antibiotics doesn’t occur after a week, request a breast biopsy or referral to a breast specialist.
Skin changes in the breast area. You may find pink or reddened areas often with the texture and thickness of an orange. (peau d’orange)
Breast Cancer treated
Surgery: Removal of the lump (called a lumpectomy) is the preferred technique. Removal of lymph nodes in the armpit may be undertaken as well. Removal of the breast (called a mastectomy) is only performed if absolutely necessary.
Hormonal therapy: Hormones are chemical signals which are released by different parts of the body and can carried in the blood to some other area to have an effect. Oestrogen is a sex hormone that promotes the growth of some breast cancers. Hormonal treatments, such as anti-oestrogens, aromatase inhibitors or LHRH analogues, are designed to block the effects of oestrogen or its production, which stops or slows the growth of cancer cells.
Medical Treatment:
Many women will require additional drug therapy after surgery to prevent it from returning. Either tamoxifen (a hormonal pill) or chemotherapy (intravenous medication) may be recommended, depending on the type of tumor. More advanced case is also treated with chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.
