One of the most common cancers today is breast cancer, which is mostly found in females. Though it’s a common invasive cancer in females, it can turn out to be a leading cause of death in females. And the more concerning part is that people aren’t aware of it. Considering that, this article brings out everything you must know about breast cancer. 

Here let us give you a spoiler alert, this article will cover the following given checklist:

• What is breast cancer?
• Signs and Symptoms 
• Causes 
• Risk factors, and
• Treatment

So, the article is going to be very informative, make sure to read it till the end. Without any further ado, let’s start from scratch.

What Is Breast Cancer, You Ask? 

As the term suggests, breast cancer originates in breast tissues and cells of females (men can also get this cancer). This cancer can happen in one or both breasts. But, how does this cancer happen? This is the burning question here. Well, this cancer happens when cells mutate (change), or start to grow out of control. All this creates a mass of tissue or tumour. In the beginning, the cancerous growth is confined to a limited area but later breast cancer starts to invade and grow into the tissue surrounding your breast. 

Also, if breast cancer travels to other parts of your body, it begins to form new tumours, which is known as metastasis. The fact is that breast cancer can occur at any age. 

Let’s move further and talk about the symptoms below. 

Related Post: Different cancer treatments you need to know

Signs And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer 

There are numerous signs helping you easily identify the symptoms of breast cancer. These signs include:

• An area of thickened in the breast or a lump in the breast 
• Rash around or on the nipple
• Inverted or sunken nipple 
• Alteration in the size or shape of breast 
• Colour changes like redness in the skin around the breast 
• Peeling of the skin of the breast or nipple
• Discharge from nipple (might contains blood)
• Change in nipple appearance 
• A newly formed or inverted nipple 

These are the possible symptoms that may provide you with a sign of having breast cancer. If you notice a lump in your breast, make sure to get it checked by a healthcare professional. It is because most of the breast lumps are non-cancerous. 

Possible Causes 

What causes breast cancer? This is your question, right. Well, there are many different things that can affect your chances of getting breast cancer. Generally, cancer develops when cells mutate or grow out of control and when there is exposure to oestrogen, inherited genetic defects, or inherited genes causing cancer. Doctors have found that these cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells, and continue forming lump or mass. 

According to research, unhealthy lifestyle, our genes, environment, and hormonal changes are major causes of breast cancer. 

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer 

Like causes, there are many risk factors that can exacerbate this cancer. However, some of the factors can be preventable and some of them are not. So, the list of factors include:

• Age 

One of the most common factors of breast cancer is age. Yes, as the age increases, the cancer may develop in your breast. As per the research, the chances of getting breast cancer at the age of 20 would be 0.06% in the next decade. 

• Trace Back The History Of Breast Cancer 

If someone ever had a non-cancerous breast lump, it may increase the chance of getting breast cancer later on. So, make sure to ask your doctor about genetic testing. 

• Weight Of Your Body 

Body weight is another cause of breast cancer. Obesity likely happen after menopause that may increases the chnaces of cancer. In fact, high sugar intake can be a possible factor too. 

• Regular Alcohol Consumption 

If you’re someone who is committed to regular alcohol consumption, it will play a huge role in the development of breast cancer. As per National Cancer Institute (NCI), women who consume alcohol on a regular basis increase the chance risk of breast cancer a lot. Remember, drink less! Or say no to alcohol. 

So, these were the possible leading factors of breast cancer that you’ve just read. In the next section, you’ll read about the treatment available for breast cancer.   

Major Treatment Available 

The most effective treatment to cure breast cancer are:

• Surgery – types of surgery available depending upon diagnosis and person’s preference. 
• Radiation therapy – use of radiation to destroy cancer cells. 
• Hormone therapy – used to prevent hormone-sensitive breast cancers from returning after treatment.
• Chemotherapy – doctor prescribes drugs to shrink the tumour or kill cells. 
• Targeted drug therapy or Biological therapy – drugs are prescribed to destroy specific types of breast cancer.

So, the final outlook of this article reveals that breast cancer is the leading cause of death among females. Treatment is available for those who are suffering from this disease. However, it’s recommended you follow a healthy lifestyle, eat healthy food, do exercise and yoga regularly. All this will help you avoid developing breast cancer. 

Eat healthy and stay healthy!