Cancer is a disease that affects millions of families around the world, all treated equally, whether young or old, or rich or poor. Breast cancer is a cancerous tumor that is found in the tissues around the breast region. There are various forms of cancer and one that is growing at an alarming rate is that genetic screening for breast cancer at an early stage can save millions of lives.Also read – Image Mittal can’t keep quiet as her radiotherapy sessions end, sharing photos before and after
Breast cancer can come in two different forms. There is a ductal carcinoma, which develops in the ducts (ducts) of the breast. This group includes most breast cancers. The other is lobular carcinoma, which develops in the lobules of the breast or in the milk-producing regions. Both invasive and non-invasive cancers are possible. Cancer that is invasive spreads from the ducts or lobules to other breast tissues. Other breast tissue has not yet been infiltrated by non-invasive tissue. Also read – Mahima Chaudhary diagnosed with breast cancer, Anupam Kher shares video calling her a ‘hero’
Dr. Saima Naz Khan Senior Manager-Scientific Affairs Genes2Me quoted, “Currently, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Indian women, leaving behind cervical cancer. Of the 70,218 women in India who died of breast cancer, this is the highest in the world for the year 2012. The incidence rate in India is 25.8 per 100,000 women and the death rate is 12.7 per 100,000 women. Some of the major causes of these observed deaths are lack of proper breast cancer screening, advanced diagnosis and lack of proper medical facilities. ” Also read – Image Mittal shares gym selfie after breast cancer surgery, fans call her true inspiration – see viral post
Major risk factors associated with breast cancer
- Age: Age increases the risk of breast cancer, most breast cancers are diagnosed after the age of 50.
- Genetics: Mutations in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. Women who inherit these genetic mutations have a higher risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
- Family history of breast cancer: If a woman has a first degree relative (mother, sister or daughter) who has had breast cancer, her risk of breast cancer is higher.
- Personal history of breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time.
- Radiation therapy: Women who have had breast or breast radiation therapy before the age of 30 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
- Having dense breast tissue: Women with thick breasts are more likely to get breast cancer. Dense breasts have more connective tissue than fatty tissue, which often makes it difficult to see tumors on a mammogram.
- Not being physically active: Women who are not physically active have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormone intake: Some forms of hormone replacement therapy taken during menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer when taken for more than five years.
- Overweight: Older women who are overweight have a higher risk of breast cancer than women who are overweight.
- Reproductive history: First pregnancy after the age of 30, not breastfeeding, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Alcohol: Studies show that the more alcohol a woman consumes, the higher her risk of breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer:
- Swelling in the breast that affects all or part of the breast
- Slight discoloration of the skin
- Discomfort in the breast or nipple
- Withdrawal of the nipple
- Nipple or breast skin red, dry, flaking or thick
- Discharge from the nipple (excluding breast milk)
- Swollen lymph nodes under the hands or near the collarbone
Cancer cannot be prevented, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk. It is important to take care of your health. Everyone has a different risk, and that can change over time. The risk of breast cancer can be reduced through healthy lifestyle choices and genetic testing. These options include a selection of meals and workouts that help maintain a healthy weight. Decide what is best for you at this stage of your life by considering your changes in your lifestyle !. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.
