by admin | June 12, 2023 6:32 am
Not all breast cancer patients are affected in the same way[1]. It is of different types, and breast cancer does not have a specific cause. The causes of breast cancer are many, and the primary reason is the hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones present in the body of all women, which determine the physical growth and breast development. Starting periods as early as 10 or 11 years, and reaching menopause after the age of 50 years cause excess secretion of the hormone estrogen, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. When women attain menopause between the ages of 45 and 50 naturally, the chances of risk are less.
Childbirth at 24 is a protective factor that could prevent breast cancer, while chances of risk for breast cancer is more if childbirth happens at ages beyond 30. The duration of breast feeding period also matters, that is, for how many years the child is being breastfed. Mothers who breastfeed for one-two years are at lesser risk, while not having children and not breastfeeding increase the risk of breast cancer.
Even if one woman is found to have breast cancer, the rest of the women in the family need to undergo a checkup. This makes sure that it is detected early on, if the aforementioned risk factors are present. Chances of risk are more for obese women, and for women whose Body-Mass Index (BMI) is high. Very low level of Vitamin D could also be a risk factor.
Generally smoking and drinking cause cancer[3]. To prevent cancer, exercise to reduce obesity and gradually reduce your drinking and smoking habits. The milk from packets that we consume these days contains more steroids than prescribed, and this could also be a risk factor for cancer.
We cannot change menstruation, menopause and child-birth, however screening is important. Women above the age of 40 must get a mammogram done once every two years. If you have severe menstruation problems, are between the ages of 25 and 40, you must get a mammogram done upon the doctor’s prescription. Some may need tests like an ultrasound or MRI as well.
Before a mammogram, the doctor will physically check for the presence of lumps in the breast[4] and then proceed with the rest of the tests. If lumps are diagnosed at the end of the tests, appropriate preventive measures can be taken.
Two important genes (BRCA1, BRCA2) are responsible for breast cancer that is genetically passed down. If any one of these levels is significantly different, there is a risk of breast cancer. If this can be diagnosed early on, it can be prevented by surgery and appropriate medication. If there are no genetic changes, there is no need to get a preventive surgery done.
During a screening, unusual growth of cells can be detected and removed surgically. This is the first step of treatment and we call it Stage 0. Since the unusual growth in cells is diagnosed early on, only those need to be removed and there is no need to remove the entire breast. Patients in stage 1 and stage 2 cancer can be treated with appropriate medication and treatment and can lead a problem free life for even 20 years thereafter. Patients with stage 3 cancer can be given treatment to remove the affected cells, however there is a risk of recurrence after five or ten years.
Stage 4 is the final stage where the cancer cells have spread all over. These patients are given a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Newer methods of treatment like targeted therapy and immune-therapy are also available.
Generally there are different kinds of breast cancer. Targeted therapy is one where the type of cancer is diagnosed and treatment given accordingly.
Several treatment options are available for stage 4 cancer as well. Although these treatments may not provide complete cure, you can have a problem-free life for up to two to four years.
Generally people think that once diagnosed with breast cancer, the entire breast has to be removed. But modern medical advances provide the option of removing the cyst alone and not the entire breast.
Do not fear cancer…get a regular check-up done. If you find any cyst or pain, consult a doctor and get a screening done, this helps detect early on and protect ourselves!
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