Breast Cancer - Picture, Symptoms, Cause and Treatment of Breast Cancer
What is Breast Cancer?A carcinoma (a cancer of the epithelium, the tissue that lines the body's internal organs and skin) or sarcoma (a cancer of the connective tissue), which is the commonest form of cancer in women. The incidence is lowest in countries such as Japan , where breast-feeding is prolonged, as babies are not weaned early, and where the intake of animal fats in the diet is low. People commonly affected by Breast CancerWomen, especially after the age of 30 years and more common in postmenopausal women. Part of body involved with Breast CancerBreast and lymph nodes in armpit. Symptoms of Breast CancerThe first sign of breast cancer that is usually noticed is a lump in the breast and/or node in the armpit. In addition, there may be a change in the usual appearance of the breast or a puckering of the skin in the region of the nipple. The breast may feel uncomfortable, and rarely there may be a discharge from the nipple. Most breast lumps are not serious, but a woman who detects a lump should always seek immediate medical attention. Treatment of Breast CancerInvolves surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and usually a combination of these. Sometimes it is possible to remove the lump alone (popularly called 'lumpectomy'), but in other cases, surgery is more radical and the whole breast has to be removed, and lymph nodes under the arm. The degree of surgery depends on the size of the cancer and the extent to which it has spread. In addition to anticancer drugs, other drugs and hormone treatment may be necessary. Cause of Breast CancerAs with most cancers, the exact cause is unknown, but some women are more at risk of developing the disease than others. There is a greater risk if a family member (especially mother, aunt or sister) has had breast cancer or if the woman has previously had benign breast tumors. Women who have not had children, and those aged 30 or over at the birth of a first baby, are at greater risk. Women who do not breast-feed are more likely to develop breast cancer. Smokers run a greater risk of developing all forms of cancer than people who do not smoke. Preventative measures include self-examination of the breasts to check for lumps, which should preferably be carried out just before the monthly period. In this way a woman becomes acquainted with the normal feel and appearance of her breasts and is more likely to detect a change. Also, women over 50 should regularly attend breast screening clinics. Breast cancer can be completely cured if detected early enough but, as with many cancers; it can spread and set up secondary growths elsewhere. The survival time and treatment for those suffering from breast cancer has improved, and this cancer is a focus for intensive research. |
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