What is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease which is dreaded by every woman. It is characterized by hard, painless lump in breast. It is very common now-a-days. A woman must visit a gynaecologist, if she finds a lump in her breast.Breast cancer is common in women. Early intervention and right management of this disease can help in the survival of the patient. Therefore, spreading more and more awareness about the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is a must. Let us take a look at the common concerns related to breast cancer. In this articleWhat is breast cancer?If I detect a lump in my breast, could it be cancer?Fibrocystic DiseaseFibroadenomaBreast cancerIs breast cancer common?What the common symptoms of breast cancer?Who is at risk of developing breast cancer?What is breast cancer?Breast cancer often presents itself as a hard, painless lump in one breast. Although, breast cancer is rare under the age of thirty and very uncommon before the age of forty, the disease must at least be considered in any woman with a persistent breast lump.If I detect a lump in my breast, could it be cancer?Breast lumps are among the most common complaints of women who visit gynaecologists. Whenever women feel their breasts, they are paranoid that they will discover a lump. It is probably because of this fear they feel they have detected a lump in their breasts every time they feel them. That can only mean one thing - the dreaded C word - cancer.Three conditions must be distinguished in women with breast lumps: fibrocystic disease, fibroadenoma, and breast cancer.a) Fibrocystic Disease:Women with fibrocystic disease may feel many tiny cysts when they examine their breasts, and a consistency of lumpiness or doughiness.b) Fibroadenoma:Fibroadenomas are solitary, firm, mobile, benign tumours commonly found in young women in their twenties.c) Breast cancer:Breast cancer often presents itself as a hard, painless lump in one breast.Is breast cancer common?Studies have shown the frequency of breast cancer in women is on the rise, partly due to the increased awareness of the disease and its diagnosis. It has also been seen that one in every eight women (or 12% of the women) will develop breast cancer.What the common symptoms of breast cancer?Have a quick look at the common symptoms of breast cancer.Abnormal changes in the breastLump formation of thickening that appears to be abnormal as compared to adjoining tissuesSudden retraction of nipplesChanges in the shape, size or appearance of one of the breasts or both the breastsFormation of crust, flakes, scales or peels around the areola of breastChanges in the texture of the breast skin, for example, formation of dimplingReddening of breast or transformation of breast skin into orange skin peel like textureAbnormal discharge from breastSwelling or soreness in the breast or adjoining areasWho is at risk of developing breast cancer?Let us take a look at the persons who are at higher risk of developing breast cancer.Females having a family history of breast cancerOlder women who are more than 50 years of ageWomen following a sedentary lifestyleObesity in older womenCertain breast diseasesWomen who take alcoholic drinksWomen who have undergone radiation therapy at younger age (before the age for 30) for treating certain diseases, for example, diseases like Hodgkin’s lymphoma are exposed to the risk of developing cancer later in lifeWomen undergoing hormone therapy for more than 5 years are also at riskwomen who have got their first period early (before 12 years of age)Self examination of breasts is very important for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. Early invention can improve the chances of survival of the patient to the greater extent. Although, early intervention can help, it is a must to take right steps to nip the problems like breast cancer in the bud. It is necessary to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle for preventing breast cancer. Quitting all the unhealthy habits can also help a lot.