Breast Cancer Overview-Types, Stats, Prevention, Symptoms
`Breast Cancer’ the term itself invokes anxiety, stress, and panic among people, to the extent that people even shudder just at the thought of it. Cancer in any way is life-threatening, if not diagnosed early with timely intervention. Breast cancers, in general, may also be hereditary or genetic. This occurs due to some abnormal genes that are present in parents and are passed down from parent to the child.
Facts of Breast Cancer
There is a lot of awareness surrounding breast cancer thanks to pink ribbon campaigns. More and more people are getting better treatment and hence the chances of survival are higher. Though people with family history of breast cancer are more susceptible, research has shown that even with a non-family medical history, anyone can develop breast cancer.
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most common disease in the country. Here is a breast cancer overview, with types, statistics, prevention and symptoms relating to this disease.
When the genetic framework of cells changes and they begin to multiply uncontrollably, one develops breast cancer. It begins as a small lump or as a calcium deposit in the breast tissue.
Types of breast cancer
There are many forms of breast cancer, of which the common types are invasive ductal carcinoma, non-invasive (ductal carcinoma in situ), and invasive lobular carcinoma.
Carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. The affected breast cells determine the type of cancer a person carries. Though ductal carcinoma is non-invasive, the abnormal cells in the milk duct develop into invasive as the cancer spreads. Invasive breast cancer spreads from either the milk duct or the lobules.
Statistics of breast cancer
As per recent studies, approximately 2,66,120 more people are victims of invasive breast cancer, and 63,960 more cases are found of non-invasive breast cancer. In around 85 percent of the cases, most patients develop cancer due to genetic mutation and aging factors.
Prevention of breast cancer
If you want to keep breast cancer at bay, your first step should be making some basic lifestyle changes. Practicing healthy habits can lower the risk of breast cancer. Here are some changes that go a long way in preventing breast cancer.
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Quit smoking
Smoking affects the overall health of a person. Excessive smoking can have adverse effects on breast cancer development and treatment.
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Manage your weight
Obesity or excess weight is directly linked to breast cancer. Being physically active and exercising daily can help you to control your weight.
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Opt for a healthy diet
The healthy diet includes legumes, nuts, and leafy vegetables which can significantly lower the risk associated with breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
The early symptoms of breast cancer may be unclear, or even absent in some cases. There may be a noticeable lump in the breast or underarm that appears as cancer spreads. These lumps can be easily ignored or go unnoticed, but one cannot ignore tenderness or swelling in the breast area, which can be easily identified as the first symptom of breast cancer.
