What You Should Know About Breast Cancer

The term "breast cancer" often denotes a degree of dread to some women. This may sound like a faraway bell to others. There are women who don't believe they are at risk of having this disease. Yet, every woman needs to realize that she is actually at risk too.

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers in women. Although men are known to be affected too, women are 100% more at risk than men. With a fatality rate of 1 per 33 cases, breast cancer is indeed deadly. However, due to innovative diagnostic procedures and treatment modalities, hope is not completely lost.

There are various types of cancer which occur in the breast. Treatment methods are dependent on the cancer location, degree and speed of spread and other factors. There are various treatment modalities as well including chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Breast Cancer Risks

Breast cancer is associated with several risk factors of which age and gender are the main ones. The female gender is a risk factor, which can be intensified by age so older women are more at risk than younger women.

Additional risk factors include the following:

* Smoking or exposure to secondary smoke
* Family background
* Personal history
* Genetic factors
* Race (being Caucasian is a risk)
* Early menstruation (below 12 years old)
* Menopause beyond 55
* Alcohol and drug abuse
* Being overweight
* Hormone replacement therapy use
* Use of oral contraceptive pills
* Lack of exercise
* Unhealthy diet

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Below are common signs and symptoms which can be indicative of possible health problems regarding your breast. If you or your loved one manifests any of these, you should follow strict preventive measures and seek medical consultation immediately.

* Unequal size of the breasts, one may appear bigger
* Breast skin discoloration, usually pinkish or reddish
* Visibly swollen breasts
* Rash which may cover your entire breasts or as small patches over your breasts
* Orange-like texture felt over the breasts
* Breast skin feels hot
* Pain and itchiness with no apparent reason and/or cause
* Ridges or thick sensation over the breasts
* Abnormal nipple discharge
* Inversion or flattening of the nipples
* Swelling of lymph nodes on the base of the neck
* Swelling of underarm lymph nodes

Outcome

The prognosis of breast cancer is dependent on its stage at diagnosis. Hence, it is imperative for women to take preventive measures to make sure that this disease can be detected as early as possible. With the advancing medical innovations, there's a great possibility that treatment will be more successful in increasing patient survival and quality of life. Still this cancer claims 1 life per 33 cases so do not forget to perform self breast examination and undergo yearly checkup. Mammogram should also be a routine test for you if you are at least forty years old.