Breast cancer has become one of the most common diseases among women. It is estimated that 1 in 28 women are likely to be affected by this disease. Being aware of breast cancer, therefore, is critical for all. Let’s understand how it occurs.

Some cells in the breast region start to grow abnormally, and these are the ones that multiply at a rapid growth rate turning out to form lumps or masses around the breast.

Cancer occurs in either of the two regions lobules or the ducts of the breast. The lobules are the milk-producing glands, and the duct is the pathway that gets the produced milk from the glands to the nipple.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

How do we self-assess our breasts to keep a check a check on their wellness? We need to be very vigilant while taking care of our health. Most of us ignore the warning signs which pop up before the occurrence of the disease. Listing a few warning signals:

• A formation of a new lump in the breast near the underarm.
• Swelling in the breast region
• Pain in the nipple area or experiencing a pulling feel around the breasts.
• There is a noticeable variation in the size of the breasts.
• Redness around the nipple area.
• Discharge in the form of slight blood or any discoloured liquid other than milk.

As you are now aware of the common symptoms, you should be quick to approach the doctor in case of need without much delay.

What are the Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

A risk factor is a form of an alert that tells you that there are chances that you can get the disease. There are specific criteria such as:

• The gender being a woman
• Age factor mostly around 50 and above
• Family History if either parent’s side has had breast or ovarian cancer.
• Dense breast tissues are more connective than dense, making it hard to notice on a mammogram.

Treatments for Breast Cancer

Treatment is an essential factor that keeps control of the disease. A few well-known therapies can surely bring relief to breast cancer to a vast extent.

• Surgery
  • Modified Radical Mastectomy
  • Breast Conservation Surgery

Depending upon the stage of the disease the treatment options can be discussed and offered to the patient.

• Radiation Therapy
  The use of beam radiation to attack the cancer cells targets them and kills them as they are high-powered. Most of the radiation treatments get into the usage of beam radiation as this is also an external form of use.
• Chemotherapy
  It is a treatment monitored with the usage of drugs, and it destroys the cancer cells. This treatment is undergone chiefly after surgery as well. Chemotherapy has its side effects, and it is always good to have a detailed consultation with your doctor before the treatment.

Breast cancer being a common factor among women these days, we must create awareness to spread the word in the community around us regarding symptoms, risk factors, and therapies. At Sanjay Hospital, we believe in the age-old maxim that prevention is better than cure and urge everyone to go for regular screening.