By: Jamila Tarek
Agony spikes through their heart. Despair builds a home inside their brains. Exasperation continuously shows up unannounced. Breast Cancer patients have to go through immeasurable suffering. Many people live without even knowing about this cancer: what it does to the body, the possible causes behind it, and how to reduce the risks. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and raise funds for research and support. October's campaign aims to get as many people involved in raising awareness and funds to help support life-saving research and life-changing support.
To begin with, we want you to understand the science behind Breast Cancer. It is a disease in which the cells in the breast get uncontrollably large. There are various types of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer is determined by which cells in the breast become cancerous. It can start in a variety of places in the breast. The glands that generate milk are known as lobules. The ducts are tubes that transfer milk from the breast to the nipple. Everything is held together by the connective tissue, which is composed of fibrous and fatty tissue. Breast cancer usually starts in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph vessels. Breast cancer is said to have metastasized (morphed) when it spreads to other regions of the body.
Even though it is a known illness, it might seem strange that it needs awareness, right? Well, it is not as recognised by people as it may seem.Moreover,
Breast Cancer Awareness is crucial because early identification, frequently through screening, can identify the disease when it is most curable. “Patients are experiencing better outcomes as a result of early diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment options, and less extensive surgery,” said Catherine Tuite, MD, Section Chief of Breast Radiology and Associate Professor of Diagnostic Imaging at Fox Chase Cancer Center. In the United States today, there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors, including those who are still being treated and those who have completed therapy. “A heightened awareness of the disease has unquestionably led to a greater number of women being screened for breast cancer,” said Tuite. “Patients are experiencing better outcomes as a result of early diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatment options, and less extensive surgery.”
Nevertheless, every woman should be aware of how her breasts normally appear and feel so that she can spot any changes. “While knowing what to look for is important, a woman should still get her regular mammograms and clinical breast exams, as these tests can help detect breast cancer before she even has symptoms,” said Tuite. Studies have shown that some common symptoms of the illness may include: a lump in the breast or underarm (armpit); swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast; dimpling or skin irritation of breast skin; localized, persistent breast pain; redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin; nipple discharge (other than breast milk); any change in the size or shape of the breast.
Furthermore, the main risk factors for breast cancer include being a woman and aging older (most breast cancers are found in women ages 55 and older). Uncontrollable factors that may increase risk include personal/family history, race, breast density, and menstrual period history. Birth control medications, hormone therapy after menopause, having children, drinking alcohol, being overweight or obese, and not being physically active are all lifestyle-related risk factors. The presence of one or more risk factors does not guarantee that a woman will develop breast cancer. “Women need to become familiar with all of the risk factors. For those they can control, they need to make smart lifestyle decisions that can lower the risk,” said Tuite.
In fact, studies have shown that getting to and staying at a healthy weight; balancing your food intake with physical activity to avoid excess weight gain; being physically active; getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (or a combination of these) every week; limiting or avoiding alcohol lowers the risk of breast cancer.
Ultimately, understanding and staying safe from breast cancer requires understanding the science behind the disease, recognising its presence early, keeping an eye out for potential symptoms, and staying away from risky actions and knowing them. Always remember that together we are tougher than cancer!
Sources
CDCBreastCancer. “What Is Breast Cancer?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 22 Sept. 2021, www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm. Accessed 8 Nov. 2021.
“Why Is Breast Cancer Awareness so Important?” Foxchase.org, 3 Oct. 2019, www.foxchase.org/blog/why-breast-cancer-awareness-so-important. Accessed 8 Nov. 2021.
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