Fight Against Breast Cancer

Healthy Living
Women’s Health

The second most dreaded disease after lung cancer, breast cancer is more common among North Americans than others. Though identified as women’s disease, it is not limited to women alone. Since breast tissues are similar in both genders, men can also develop breast cancer. However, the latter’s occurrence is rare.

There are some alarming signs which may be seen on either or both the breasts including:

• Presence of a lump or thickening in the breast (often painless).

• Discharge from the nipples – could be blood or colourless liquid.

• Redness or change of colour of the breast skin.

• Change in size and shape of the breast.

• The skin around the breast may look compressed or sucked in.

• Flattening or compressions over the breast area.

Causes

• Women over 35 years of age are at a higher risk. Statistics show that one in every ten post-menopausal women develops breast cancer.

• White women are more prone to breast cancer than brown or black women.

• The defect in one or two genes – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – can trigger of cancerous growth.

• An early onset of menstruation (i.e. 12 years or younger) or a delayed menopause (i.e. 55 years or older) increasing the risk of breast cancer.

• According to the recent studies carried out by the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance (CBCRA), excessive breast density is one of the major causes of breast cancer. The report underlines that based on a woman’s age, at least 16% to 30% per cent of breast cancers maybe caused by excessive breast density.

• If anyone from the paternal or maternal side of the family had it, chances of a person suffering from this disease are 5% to 10% higher.

• Those who have suffered breast cancer in one breast have a higher risk of developing a cancer in the other breast.

• Exposure to radiations adds to the chances of developing a breast cancer.

• A late pregnancy (after the age of 35 years) or a very early pregnancy (before the age of 18 years) increases the risk.

• Studies show that women who breastfeed are less prone to breast cancer than those who don’t.

• Certain birth control pills may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.

• Women who are regular drinkers and consume about 2-5 drinks a day, are 1½ times more prone to breast cancer.

• Both active and passive smoking can increase the risk of breast cancer.

• Lack of physical activity puts people at a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

Detecting breast cancer

Breast self examination (BSE) –Regular self examination of breast can help detect the problem in its initial stages. An early detection increases the chances of complete cure. Any swelling, soreness, redness or abnormalities felt on lightly pressing the breasts, can be alarming.

In that case one should consult a medical practitioner for a physical examination. A mammography or a biopsy may be required to rule out or confirm a breast cancer.

Treatment

The treatment depends on many factors including the type of cancer, patient’s age and the stage of the cancer etc. Most common options are surgery and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy or hormone therapy may also be used along with other treatments or own their own as a preventive and/or a support therapy.

The most common surgical processes are breast conserving radical mastectomy and lumpectomy. In these procedures, the lump and the infected tissue around this are removed surgically. Women undergoing mastectomy may have an option of a reconstructive surgery.

In radiation therapy, also known as radiotherapy, high intensity x-rays are used to kill the cancer cells and to shrink the tumour. Radiation therapy is known to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 50% to more than 60%.

In chemotherapy, two or more drugs are combinations and administered – often post surgery – to destroy any cancer cells that may have spread in the body.

Precautions

Self examination should be done regularly. Those at a higher risk should consult their doctors about screening mammograms.

Reducing alcohol intake, controlling weight, regular exercise and a healthy diet are some of the positive lifestyle changes that not only lower the risk of breast cancer but also improve the immune system – a very important factor in fight against cancer.