Breast cancer is a type of cancer that takes place when some cells in the breast start to grow abnormally. It is a common type of cancer in female but it does also occur in men. A tumour may form when cells in the breast starts to grow abnormally. This tumour can be detected through a sef exam, imaging test or biopsy.
Breast cancer can spread to other body parts if the disease is not treated immediately.
Risk factors include age – a woman’s risk goes up as she gets older – and genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which drastically increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. A family history of breast cancer, early-onset menstruation and menopause after age 55 increase risk
Some breast cancer preventative measures include mammograms and other screenings for early detection, as well as regular breast self-exams. Women over the age of 40, or those with a family history of breast cancer, should get an annual mammogram. Breast self-exams involve periodically checking your breasts for any lumps and are helpful in early detection. Besides screening, prevention of breast cancer includes living a healthy lifestyle. This includes exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake and maintaining a healthy weight.
Treatment options depend on the type of breast cancer and its stage. Surgery is often part of the treatment and can take different forms, including removal of the tumour (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy). Other treatment options include radiation therapy, the use of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies, the latter of which is used on cancers sensitive to particular proteins or genes (eg, trastuzumab or Herceptin). Hormone therapy uses drugs to stop the body from producing the hormones – such as oestrogen or progesterone – that encourage the growth of some breast cancers.
The prognosis of breast cancers has improved in recent years because of early detection and the advances in modern treatment. There are high survival rates because breast cancers detected earlier than before they spread in other body parts. People should be mindful about their risk of the disease and it’s really important to have regular screening to improve the early detection and treatment.
