Both men and women can be affected by breast cancer. It is the most prevalent type of cancer in women overall1. Breast cancer was detected in 2.3 million women in 2020, and it resulted in 685,000 fatalities worldwide. Breast cancers are created when abnormal cells in the breast develop unchecked. These tumors have the potential to grow throughout the body and cause death if left untreated.
Although everyone can get breast cancer, some things make it more likely. Ageing, being overweight, drinking alcohol riskily, radiation exposure history, reproductive history (such as age at first pregnancy), smoking, and postmenopausal hormone therapy are a few of these.
For a treatment to be successful, early detection is essential. Early breast cancer detection techniques include mammography, clinical breast exams, and breast self-examinations1. Early detection greatly increases the likelihood of survival.
The type of cancer and its stage, as well as the patient's general condition, all influence how breast cancer is treated. Surgery, radiation therapy, and medicines are frequently combined. A lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) are two surgical alternatives. While drugs like chemotherapy or hormone therapy target cancer cells all across the body, radiation therapy uses high-energy photons to kill cancer cells.
Beyond any potential impact on breast cancer risk, breastfeeding has been demonstrated to give health benefits for both mothers and infants. To increase survival rates, it is critical to increase awareness of early detection and prompt diagnosis of breast cancer..
Leanne Hainsby, Robin Roberts, and Katie Couric are just a few of the famous people who have battled breast cancer and opened out about their experiences to spread awareness of the condition4.
In conclusion, millions of people throughout the world are impacted by the common disease known as breast cancer. Regular screenings, together with knowledge of risk factors, can greatly enhance outcomes through early identification. Prioritizing breast health is crucial, and if any abnormalities are found, you should seek medical help right once. Keep in mind that knowledge is strength in the fight against breast cancer.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
Breast cancer risk factors include:
Growing older: Breast cancer risk rises with age .
Being a woman: Compared to men, women have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Genetic alterations (mutations): Breast and ovarian cancer risk can be raised by inherited changes (mutations) in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA.
Reproductive history: Women who begin menstruating before the age of 12 or who begin menopause after the age of 55 are exposed to hormones for extended periods of time, increasing their risk of breast cancer..
having dense breasts: Mammograms have a tougher time detecting cancers in dense breasts because connective tissue obscures tumors more than fatty tissue.
Breast cancer recurrence is more likely in women who have a personal history of the disease or certain non-cancerous breast conditions. Breast or ovarian cancer in the family: Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast or ovarian cancer raises the risk. Some non-cancerous breast diseases are linked to an increased chance of getting breast cancer. A woman's risk is further increased by having a first-degree male relative with breast cancer. Prior radiation therapy: Women who received radiation therapy to the chest or breasts before the age of 30 are more likely to acquire breast cancer in the future.
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure: Women exposed to DES during pregnancy or whose mothers exposed to DES throughout their pregnancies had an increased risk of breast cancer.
Factors related to the way you live: Being overweight, using alcohol, and not exercising can all raise your risk of getting breast cancer.
It's crucial to remember that a person does not necessarily have breast cancer if they have one or more of these risk factors. Early detection and routine tests are essential to enhancing outcomes for those who are at risk.
How can I reduce my risk of developing breast cancer?
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There are numerous ways to lower your risk of getting breast cancer, including:
Limit your alcohol intake because breast cancer risk increases with alcohol drinking. One drink per day is often the maximum amount that is advised.
Maintain a healthy weight: If you are at a healthy weight, try to stay there. Ask your doctor for healthy weight-loss tips if you need to.
Regular exercise can assist you in maintaining a healthy weight, which subsequently helps to avoid breast cancer. Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of strenuous aerobic activity per week, together with strength training at least twice per week, is recommended for the majority of healthy adults.
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding may help prevent breast cancer. Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy: Combination hormone therapy may raise the risk of breast cancer. The protective impact of breastfeeding increases with time. Eat a nutritious diet: A healthy diet can lower your risk of various types of cancer, including breast cancer. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hormone therapy with your doctor. Consider adopting a plant-based diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes whole grains, legumes, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
Reduce unneeded medical radiation and environmental toxins that could raise the risk of breast cancer by avoiding exposure to them.
Know your family history. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer to see whether any further screenings or preventative actions are required.
Can men develop breast cancer too?
Yes, although it is uncommon, men can also get breast cancer. Although men's breast tissue can potentially develop malignant growths, breast cancer often affects women. A guy has a one in , chance of developing breast cancer in his lifetime. A painless lump or thickening of the skin on the chest, changes to the skin covering the nipple, changes to the skin covering the chest, and discharge or bleeding from the nipple are possible signs of male breast cancer. It's crucial to seek examination and diagnosis from a physician or other healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Although it is sometimes believed that breast cancer primarily affects women, occasionally it can also affect men. - NHS
"While it is uncommon, men can develop breast cancer. Learn about the signs of male breast cancer and factors that could raise your risk. - CDC
Men can develop the same forms of breast cancer as women, but these tumours are uncommon in the areas that produce and store milk. - WebMD
IDCs (alone or in combination with other kinds of invasive or in situ breast cancer) account for at least 8 out of 10 cases of male breast cancer. - The American Cancer Society
It is preferable to speak with a healthcare professional who can offer individualized information and advice if you have any worries or inquiries concerning male breast cancer.
What are the treatment options for male and female breast cancer?
Breast cancer therapy choices for men and women are comparable. They consist of:
Surgery: This entails the removal of all or a portion of the breast .
High-energy rays are used in radiation therapy to eliminate cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: It employs medication to eliminate cancer cells .
Hormone therapy: It prevents the hormones' growth-promoting effects on breast cancer cells.
Targeted medication therapy: It attacks particular genes, proteins, or tissue environments that support the development and survival of cancer. .
Immunotherapy: It energizes the immune system to combat cancer cells in the body.
The stage of the cancer, its characteristics, and the preferences of the particular patient all play a role in the treatment decision. Plans for treatment are typically made to meet the unique requirements of each patient.
Please be aware that this is only a broad overview and that a healthcare provider should be consulted regarding the precise treatment plan.
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