Breast Cancer Symptoms
We will list the breast cancer symptoms and tell you some common breast cancer treatment options that are available. Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in women – nonmelanoma skin cancer is the most common. This condition affects millions of women and men, each year. In this article, we will provide some information about what you need to know after receiving a breast cancer diagnosis. Learning more about this disease provides a person with knowledge, which offers empowerment.
This disease is a mass or tumor caused by the grouping of abnormal (or cancerous) cells that begin in the breast tissue. This condition affects one in eight women during their lifetime. While this condition can affect both men and women, it only occurs in men, in about 1% of all cases. There are two forms of this disease including in-situ or noninvasive (non-spreading) and invasive (when the condition has spread to other parts of the body. There are also several components of the breast that may be affected by cancer, for instance, inside the milk ducts (ductal cancer), which occurs in about 80% of breast cancers. Cancer that begins in the lobules is referred to as lobular cancer, which happens in 10-15% of breast cancer cases. Other types of breast cancer that affect a small percentage; can include inflammatory breast cancer, medullary, phyllodes, angiosarcoma, mucinous (colloid) carcinoma, and Paget’s disease, which affects the nipple.
New treatments are constantly being developed, which has increased the survival rate tremendously. Advancements have been made in well-known treatments including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Herceptin, and surgery. Depending on the progression of the tumor, if surgery is performed, the doctor may decide to perform a particular surgery. The doctor may determine that removal of the breast would effectively remove the cancer; this is referred to as a masectomy.
Alternatively, the doctor may opt to perform surgery to remove the lump, which is referred to as a lumpectomy.
Some of the symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump located in or around the breast, changes in the breast such as, size or shape, unusual nipple discharge, change in texture or color on or around the breast. Certain conditions can put a person more at risk of developing breast cancer. These factors that raise your breast cancer risk can include personal and family medical history; gender – mainly occurring in women; age – risk increases with age and typically happens in women over 35; ethnic background – this condition tends to occur most often in white women and those with an Asian descent are less prone to risk; diet-related risks; 4+ years taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT); changes in the environment; and other factors, as well.
Raise your awareness and lower your risk, as well, by keeping yourself informed about the breast cancer symptoms, treatments, and risks.