Breast Cancer Overview

Cancer is a dangerous disease and is identified as a group of more than 100 different diseases. Breast cancer has been a serious problem around the world especially in UAE, almost 44% women cancer patients suffer from breast cancer. Though the numbers are serious nearly 98% women can survive if the cancer is detected at an early stage.

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from breast tissues. The primary signs of breast cancer include a lump in breasts or change of shape or red patch on the skin. It is essential to have proper information so that we can keep ourselves away from it.

Breast Cancer Types

Different types of breast cancer include -

• Angiosarcoma
• Paget’s disease of the breast
• Recurrent breast cancer
• Male breast cancer
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Ductal carcinoma in situ
• Invasive lobular carcinoma

Breast Cancer Symptoms

• A significant change in size & shape or appearance of the breast.
• Red patch or pitting of the skin over the breast.
• Scaling, peeling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding breast.
• A lump in or thickness in surrounding tissues of the breast.
• Pain in armpits or breast which doesn’t change.

Breast Cancer Causes and Risk Factors

When the cells in breast begin to grow abnormally and spread faster than healthy cells, it may give rise to lump or mass in the breast. These cells may also spread to the other body parts. It is also said that the 5-10% breast cancers are genetic and passed through the family line. The breast cancer is broken down into 0-4 stages as per the severity of the disease. Here some risk factors involved in breast cancer.

• Increasing age
• Having a family history of breast cancer
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Being female
• Obesity
• Exposure to radiation
• Early periods
• Alcohol consumption

Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Test

Breast Exam:

It’s simple test; the doctor will physically examine patient’s breast lumps and other symptoms.

Imaging Test:

It includes different types of tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound scan, MRI scans etc.

Biopsy:

A tissue is obtained surgically from the infected area and sent to a laboratory to examine whether it is a cancerous cell or not and if so, the type of the cancer.

Breast Cancer Treatment

The treatment depends upon various factors such as age, stage of cancer, type of cancer etc. Here are the recommended treatments for breast cancer

• Surgery:

  If a surgery is needed then it will depend on the type of cancer as there are different sorts of surgeries

• Radiation therapy:

• Controlled doses of radiations are given to the patient to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone-blocking therapy
• Biological treatment

Breast Cancer Prevention and Detection

There are no specific ways to prevent breast cancer, but some lifestyle changes can definitely help

• Avoid excess alcohol consumption
• Get enough exercise
• Maintain BMI
• Follow healthy diet
• Regular health checkup

Breast cancer prevention is a key in controlling the risk of cancer. Regular breast cancer screening, health checkup, and awareness can help in detecting this deadly disease at an early stage. Your life is precious. Do not risk it by neglecting the symptoms. Proper care and action at the right time can lead to a healthy and happy life. Fill up the query form and get to know more about preventive health checkups.