Breast Cancer: Some Important Facts

Breast cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer death in American women.  The American Cancer Society estimates about 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breasts, though reasons why it forms is still unknown. However, some risk factors can make you vulnerable to breast cancer like age, genes, eating habits and previous health records.

 The Warning Signs

• Blood or fluid discharge from the nipple.
• Transformation of the breast.
• Change in the breast skin.
• A lump forming near the breast or in the underarm.
• Disordered nipple.
• Skin color on the breast or nipple changes to read.
• Peeling or shedding of the nipple or breast skin.

Doctors worldwide have a common opinion. According to them, only 5-10% of breast cancers are associated with gene mutations. However, constant research has led them to a number of hereditary malfunctioning genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer.  The most common genes triggering breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Risk Factors

• Born with genes that increase cancer risk.
• Exposure to radiation.
• Overweight.
• Drinking alcohol.
• Beginning of menstrual cycle at a young age.
• Delay in menopause.
• Childbirth at an old age.

Diagnosis

• Breast Examination: Your doctor will check both your breasts for any lumps or abnormalities varying the position of breasts.
• Mammogram: Mammograms are commonly used to monitor for breast cancer. If an issue is detected, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic mammogram to get to the root cause.
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound helps doctors determine whether a breast abnormality is likely to be a fluid-filled cyst or a solid mass. Additionally, it helps radiologic biopsy to get a sample of breast tissue if a solid mass is found. 

Treatment

Doctors globally determine breast cancer treatment based on type of breast cancer, its present condition, whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones, patient’ overall health preferences. Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer. Procedures used to treat breast cancer include lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy and axillary lymph node dissection.