BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer begins when healthy cells in the breast change and grow out of control, forming a mass or sheet of cells called a tumour.
Breast tissue feels lumpy and sponge-like, so it can be hard to know if what you're feeling is an actual lump or normal breast tissue.
Breast Cancer grows as a result of mutations(Changes) in the gene or damage to one's DNA. In simpler term, breast cancer occurs when there's a change in the breast cells, the cells grow uncontrollably, and then creates a mass of tissue.
Breast cancer can grow and travel to other parts of one's body to form new tumours.
Symptoms
Early symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, bloody discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the breast.
▪A breast lump that feels different from the normal breast tissue
▪Peeling, and scaling of the pigmented area of the skin surrounding the areola or bréast skin.
▪Change in size, and shape of the breast.
There are several types of breast cancer, the doctor diagnoses them when a symptom is reported and through screening.
Risk factors
Some circumstances may make an individual prone to getting breast cancer, and some of them may be preventable.
▪Age: As you increase in age, your risk of developing breast cancer increases.
▪A family history: If a close relative or family member like your mother or sister has had breast cancer at a tender age, your chance of developing is feasible.
▪Early period: A girl that begins her period at an early age before 12 has an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
The development of brèast cancer is in stages from Stage 0- Stage 4, each stage comes with its symptoms and severity.
Prevention
People can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer by taking the following steps.
They include:
▪Reduce alcohol consumption
▪Have a healthy diet
▪Maintain a healthy weight
▪Breast-feed
▪Become familiar with your bréasts through breast-self examination - Doing this often will make you notice any change in the appearance of your breast.
Above all, be vigilant about breast cancer detection-if any change is noticed in your breast in form of a lump, skin changes, and breast size, consult your doctor. Delays can be dangerous.
Treatment
Treatment of an ailment is shouldn't be administered with ignorance, hence the approach given to the treatment is based on several factors;
▪The type and stage of the cancer
▪The person's age and all-around health, and what they would prefer.
Don't hesitate to visit your doctor if you notice any strange development in your breast, one of the reasons why the mortality rate is high is due to late diagnosis and treatment
Early detection leads to early treatment and high survival rate.
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