Understanding Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Dear reader,
It's been a month of Sundays since we shared our last edition with you. I believe that you've been learning a lot from our previous newsletters and that you're also growing in your life's engagements.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spreading awareness about breast cancer, its potential causes, symptoms, treatment options, and, most importantly, ways to protect oneself through regular screening.
In this newsletter, we aim to provide you with valuable information backed by reputable medical outlets.
Understanding Breast Cancer
In 2020 alone, according to the World Health Organization, "there were 2.3?million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths globally. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8?million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer."
Every woman at any age after puberty can contact breast cancer, but the infection rates rise with age. ?
A. Causes
Breast cancer arises when cells in the breast grow and multiply abnormally. While the precise cause remains unknown, various factors may contribute to its development. These include:
1. Genetics: Inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
2. Hormonal Factors: Estrogen exposure over a lifetime, particularly in menopausal women, can be a contributing factor.
3. Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, especially after 50.
Breast cancer arises when cells in the breast grow and multiply abnormally.
B. Symptoms
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
1. Lump or Mass: A painless lump or mass in the breast or underarm is often the first noticeable symptom.
2. Changes in Breast Appearance: Changes in size, shape, or texture of the breast, including dimpling or puckering of the skin.
3. Nipple Changes: Inverted nipples, discharge, or a nipple turning inward.
Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
C. Treatment
Early detection is essential. Screening methods include mammograms, breast MRI, and self-examination. If abnormalities are found, further tests like biopsy and imaging are conducted for a precise diagnosis.
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1. Surgery: Lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal.
2. Chemotherapy: Medications to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth.
3. Radiation Therapy: High-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
4. Hormone Therapy: To block or lower estrogen levels in the body.
5. Targeted Therapy: Drugs targeting specific abnormalities within cancer cells.
Prevention and Protection
A. Regular Screening
Early detection saves lives. Women should undergo regular mammograms, and self-examinations should be performed monthly to check for any unusual changes.
B. Healthy Lifestyle
Finally, knowledge is power, and understanding breast cancer, its causes, symptoms, and preventive measures empowers us to take charge of our health. Regular screening and a healthy lifestyle are our best defences against this disease.
Women should undergo regular mammograms, and self-examinations should be performed monthly to check for any unusual changes.
Let us unite in spreading awareness and encouraging all women to prioritize their breast health and go for early and regular screening.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember, early detection can save lives!
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Ciao for now. Have a fruitful week ahead.
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