Overview Of Breast Cancer

People can experience mixed emotions when told that they have breast cancer. Even the strongest individual can readily feel weak with this news. However, it's a good thing that a patient's chance at survival has been increased due to recent medical innovations. Even if the disease has been detected late, survival rate is still relatively high. So there's no need to lose hope if you or someone you know has just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Since basically all women are at risk of developing breast cancer, it's essential that early diagnosis is made, as it's a key factor in the patient's response to treatment and ultimate survival. The degree of certain risks will not be the same for everyone. These risks include several factors that the individual may or may not be able to control.

There's no distinct way of preventing or curing breast cancer. But the patient can be helped to overcome it more quickly if detected earlier. Self breast examination plays a vital role in this. These tests enable one to find any breast abnormality like lumps, abnormal discharges, inflammations and infections.

To promote prevention and early detection, a three step process has been established for women. The first step involves performing monthly self breast examination starting at the age of 20. She should do this for the rest of her life so she can detect any changes in her breast. The next step is to undergo a medical examination wherein a doctor or a nurse can provide further education on top of the physical checkup.

The third step of this is to submit to tests specific for breast cancer, such as a mammogram. Other different tests such like the following can also be performed.

The self breast examination that a woman can do every month is the first and most important test. This test enables her to familiarize with her body, so should there be any sign of developing abnormality, she can readily detect it.

The next test is done by a doctor or a nurse. These health professionals can thoroughly assess your personal medical history and that of your family, and can identify risk factors specific to your case. Then they'll conduct an examination of your breasts, the lymph nodes under your arms as well as those on the back of your neck.

Another test commonly performed is the mammogram. It is basically an x-ray that examines the breast.

An ultrasound and a needle aspiration of the breast tissue are two other tests usually done to detect breast cancer.

Breast Cancer in Men

Although breast cancer is more prevalent among women, you should know that it affects men too. Signs that men ought to watch out for include nipple inversion, abnormal nipple discharge, and pain.

If you or someone you know is affected by breast cancer or could be at risk of this disease, you could both benefit from proper awareness of how to prevent and overcome it.