Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is a common type of cancer in women, mostly women over the age of 50.

But younger women can also get Breast cancer.

In rare cases, men can also get breast cancer, mainly men above 60, though it can occur in younger men.

What to look out for in Breast Cancer

• A breast lump. If you have any suspicion of a lump, please consult your doctor to be sure. Most breast lumps are not cancer
• An area of thickened breast tissue
• Lump or swelling in the armpits
• Discharge from the nipple- which may blood-stained
• Change in size or shape of the breasts
• Dimpling of the breast skin
• Rash on and around the nipple
• Change in the appearance of the nipples- it may become sunken, depressed, or buried into the breast

It is important that women examine their breasts every month. With practice, you would know what the normal breast feels like and if suspicion of any changes, please go and see a doctor.

What causes breast cancer

It is not known what causes breast cancer, but there are certain things that put you at risk of breast cancer.

Age – the older you get, the more chances of having breast cancer

History of breast cancer in the family increases your risk of breast cancer. If your mother or mother’s sister had breast cancer, you have a higher chance of developing breast cancer. Be Alert!

If you have had breast cancer in the past

If you have lumps in the breasts in the past which were not cancerous

Being overweight or obese

 Drinking alcohol

 Smoking

Prevention of breast cancer

As the causes are not known, breast cancer cannot be completely prevented.

But certain changes in your lifestyle have been linked with reduced chances of the disease.

Good healthy diet- avoid saturated fat

Regular exercise

Maintain a healthy weight

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Breast-feeding your child

Treatment

You have a good chance of recovery if the cancer is discovered early before it spreads to other parts of the body.

The cancer id treated by a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.