Breast cancer is a tumour that causes illness in women all over. Men can develop a hymen on their own, but it is much less common. When someone develops breast cancer, it means part of their breast is made up of some abnormal cells. Knowing about this disease could help save some lives.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a growth of cells in the breast that grows out of control. Think of it like weeds in a garden – they crowd in where they shouldn’t and they can damage the good plants next to them. These abnormal cells can attach to form lumps that doctors can feel or detect with a special imaging device.
Why Do People Get Breast Cancer?
The reason of breast cancer comes from many different things. It’s like a puzzle with many pieces.
The biggest reason behind getting older is that the Majority of women who develop breast cancer are above 50 years. It is as though the car is older; it is going to break down.
The family history counts as well. Breast cancer could be more likely to occur in you if your mom has the disease, or your sister or grandmother had breast cancer. This is because specific genes are passed down through families.
Your body hormones can also be the cause. These are like the messengers of chemicals that inform the body what to do. They can increase the chances of breast cancer occurrence.
The way you live is meaningful; lack of physical exercise, excess alcohol consumption, and high body weight increase the susceptibility to breast cancer. The good thing is that you can manage these things.
Other women who have never had babies or those who had their first child after the age of 30 show a slightly increased chance. Also, in case you were taking hormone pills to deal with menopause, it will raise your risk a bit.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Knowing the sign of breast cancer can help catch it early. The earlier doctors find it, the better they can treat it.
The most frequent symptom is the detection of a new lump in your breast or beneath your armpit. It may hurt and not feel normal to the rest of your breast. Please note that not every lump is cancerous. Most of them are harmless.
Check your breasts to see if there are any changes in their appearance. This may be because…
- Your breasts are getting longer or shorter
- The skin appears as peeled orange rinds
- Ruddiness or callosities
- Your nipple inverted when it was not previously inverted
Your nipple leaks when you are not breastfeeding. When this occurs, particularly if it is accompanied by bleeding, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
You may feel swelling under your arm or in the area of the collarbone. This may indicate that the cancer has spread to your lymph nodes – small, bean-shaped glands that protect your body against germs.
The Majority of breast cancers are pain-free, but some are painful. You would want to talk to a doctor in case some breast pain persists.
How Do Doctors Treat Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer treatment has gotten much better over the years. Doctors now have many ways to fight this disease.
The first step is usually surgery. At other times, doctors may be able to remove only the lump along with a small amount of surrounding tissue. The latter is referred to as a lumpectomy. On other occasions, they have to take the entire breast. This is termed a mastectomy. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the cancer.
Chemotherapy aims to eliminate cancer cells using powerful medications. These chemotherapeutics spread throughout the body and work to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy is used in some people to shrink the tumour before going through surgery. Others also get it after surgery to ensure that there are no cancer cells left.
Radiation occurs when high-powered rays are used to destroy cancer cells. It is similar to an X-ray, but more so. Doctors typically use this to ensure that no remnant of cancer remains after an operation.
All the cancers thrive due to the presence of hormones in your body. In such cancers, doctors may prescribe medications that inhibit these hormones. This is referred to as hormone therapy.
Newer therapies, termed targeted therapy, act as smart bombs. They directly target cancer cells, with no effect on healthy cells. This leads to the reduction of side effects.
There is also immunotherapy being worked on by scientists. This helps your body’s defence mechanisms combat cancer more effectively.
Why Regular Check-ups Matter
It is essential to get regular check-ups. Physicians can discover cancer without your knowledge. Women should consult their physicians for advice on when to start taking mammograms. They are the special X-rays of the breasts capable of detecting cancer early.
You are also advised to perform a self-examination of your breasts. Learn about their usual moods so that you can recognise any changes.
The best thing of all to remember is that the treatment of breast cancer is continuously improving. A lot of individuals who develop breast cancer live long, fruitful lives. You do not need to wait to see a doctor in case you feel like something has changed in your breasts.
Getting Help is Easy
Helping someone with breast cancer frustration is easy. The earlier you discuss the matter with a physician, the better.
Walk-In Timings for Consultation
At Surgical Oncology Solutions, we want to help you or your family beat cancer. Our doctors are well-versed in cancer treatment and utilise the latest methods to treat it. We work hard to ensure that treatment causes minimal discomfort.
You can see us in person or talk to us online – whatever works better for you. Here’s when we’re available:
Monday to Saturday: 09.00 a.m. – 05.00 p.m
Sunday: Video Call Consultation (with prior appointment)
You can visit us in person or have an online meeting – whatever is easier for you. We ensure that every person receives the proper care tailored to their specific needs.
