Breast cancer is cited as one of the most common type of cancer that is prevalence in women. Findings indicate that about 1 out of 8 women get diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Breast cancer is cited as one of the most common type of cancer that is prevalence in women. Findings indicate that about 1 out of 8 women get diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

This cancer begins to form within the tissue of the breast in which the ducts and lobules develop abnormally. Men, just as women can suffer from breast cancer although it is rare in men.

The breast constitutes of fatty tissue and glands where the glands ensure milk production after pregnancy. X-Plain (2) argues cancer can originate from the glands, or even from the duct of the breast, and the most commonly is ductal carcinoma that starts at the lining of the milk vessels/ducts. On the other hand, lobular carcinoma develops from the glands and the lobules represent special milk-producing glands. The cancer that spreads away from its immediate environment is called “infiltrating” or “invasive.” Familial breast cancer occurs when more than one family members becomes diagnosed in which case it becomes hereditary.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

In most cases, early cancer usually does not indicate any symptoms, but as it grows a lump may be formed and felt within the breast. The skin around the tumor may become rough and wrinkled which is commonly known as “orange skin.” Other times discharge may be observed, and changes in the nipple can occur. In some instances, the breast size increases or reduces or its shape alters depending on each woman. Other symptoms include swelling or discomfort around the armpit, unusual pain that persists even after the menstrual period, and soreness may be felt. However, such changes do not necessarily indicate the presence of breast cancer, but it would be appropriate to see a doctor.

I perceive that breast cancer may not be observed with any symptoms but a screening mammogram can show its presence. This is because pain or other changes in the breast are mainly uncommon in most women. Early detection of breast cancer does not prevent the cancer but assist in ensuring higher chances of cure. According to Boyages (15) biopsy effectively ensures that cancer cells can be detected by analyzing a sample of breast tissue. I do agree that breast cancer can go undetected even with mammograms or biopsy, but these tests have huge chances of success.

Causes of Breast Cancer

In essence, there is not exact reason on the cause of breast cancer although there are factors that increase the risk of suffering this disease. Age is one factor, and this often affects women over 50 years while genetics play a huge role. I concur that having close family members or relatives who have been diagnosed with cancer increases the risk. It becomes clear that people who have had cancer before also have a huge risk of reoccurrence.

After reading the content of this article, I understand that other factors like smoking may contribute to breast cancer. The more a person smokes the higher one is at risk of exposure to cancer just like workplace chemicals such as asbestos enhance the risk. I concur that lifestyle factors contribute to the risk of cancer such as consumption of junk or fatty foods in large portions. Alcohol use, physical inactivity, chronic infections, and even poor diets increase the risk of breast cancer. In essence, regular checkups to the doctor ensure that early detection can be achieved. In addition, I realized that self-assessment techniques need to be learned as well as practiced, and any unusual signs on the breast should be checked by a doctor urgently.

Treatment and management mechanisms

The article also explores breast cancer treatments for women which are dependent on the stages of the cancer, sensitivity to hormones and age of the individual. Boyages (26) assures that treating breast cancer can be done with surgery by surgically removing the affected tissue. This method is impossible if the cancer has spread and this means early detection saves. Radiation is another method which works by destroying cancer cells using high-energy rays directly to the cancer cells. The molecules that enable growth of cancer cells get destroyed and die leading to better health. Chemotherapy makes use of chemicals that inhibit cell division and in the process destroys proteins or Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in order to kill cancer cells. This treatment focuses on the rapidly diving cells, not necessarily just cancer cells, but the normal cells eventually recover from the chemical exposure, not like that cancer cells that die completely. The article cites immunotherapy as another treatment that ensures that the body immune system manages to fight the tumor or cancer cells.

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