Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. Cancer occurs when changes take place in the genes that regulate cell growth,this is called mutation. The mutations let the cell divide and multiply in an uncontrolled way.
The breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are the tissues that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue which is the fibrous and fatty tissue surrounds and holds everything together. Cancer can begin from any of these parts of the breast.
Breast cancer can occur in both women and men. Though, women are at higher risk of having cancer, because they have more breast tissues than men. Men can also have breast cancer because, they have breast tissues too, though in small quantity.
Men and women have the same symptoms of breast cancer though, it is harder to detect breast cancer in men because the breast tissues in men are harder to feel. which makes breast cancer in men more severe than in women, due to the fact that the cancerous cells are detected at a later stage.
There are different types of breast cancer. Each has similar symptoms but, some have distinct symptoms. Common symptoms for breast cancer include a breast lump or swelling under the arm, breast pain, swelling in all parts of the breast, a nipple discharge other than breast milk, peeling or flaking of skin on the nipple or breast.
The various types of breast cancer are divided into two main categories; invasive and non-invasive. Invasive cancer grows into normal and healthy tissues while, non-invasive cancer stays within the milk ducts or lobules in the breast. Most breast cancers are invasive.
There are no specific causes of breast cancer but there are factors that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer which includes; Radiation exposure, obesity, inherited genes that increase cancer and increasing age. The older a person gets the higher the risk of cancer.
Treatment for cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer in the breast. These treatments include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy and radiation therapy.
It is very important to do daily self check-ups on your breast, by touching and pressing hard to feel any lump, not all lumps and pain felt indicates cancer, but if this symptom persists, a medical check-up in the hospital should be done.
To avoid having a high risk of cancer, daily intake of vegetables, fruits and exercise are advisable. Breast cancer’s growth can be controlled and killed if treated properly and also, detected at an early stage. Start Your checkups today, exercise and eat healthily.
