BREAST CANCER AND POSSIBLE PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES by Dr. Nnamdi Omeh

Breast cancer is a disease in which

cancerous (or malignant) cells develop uncontrollably in the breast tissue (usually in ducts - tubes that carry milk to the nipple - or in the lobules - the milk producing glands). 

It rarely occurs in males. 

It is the most common type of cancer seen in women and the leading cause of death.

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS 

- An exact cause of this type of cancer is unknown. - Studies show that older age and female hormones play an important role in the development of this type of cancer. 

- It is common in women over 50 years of age.

RISK FACTORS: It's hard to tell why some women can develop breast cancer and others do not. There are risk factors which you can change, but some in front of whom you can not do anything.

Age - 8 out of 10 women can have breast cancer after their 50th birthday.

Family history - if there are family-related cases, relatives of grade one and two, the risk of developing this type of cancer is very high.

Previous breast cancer or diagnosis - if you have previously had breast cancer or non-invasive cancer cell changes in the mammary ducts, or certain types of nodules may increase the risk of developing cancer.

Smoking 

Breast density - Women who have more dense breast tissue may have a higher risk of developing this disease.

First menstruation at an early age (less than 12 years old)

Radiotherapy for breasts or chest

Estrogen treatments

Older age at first childbirth

Overweight and obesity

Diet rich in fat

Alcohol consumption

SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CA

The most common symptom is the detection of a painless nodule at the breast or axle

Other symptoms include changes in breast shape and size, changes in the skin of the breasts (stains or increases), nipple leakage, nipple changes (either retracing or inversion), scarring in the nipple,  etc 

TREATEMENT & PREVENTION

Each woman must be aware of the importance of breast self-examination, an important way to detect the disease at an early stage. 

Breast self examination should be part of the weekly routine. The more accurate you examine, the better you get to know your body and you will immediately find any changes in your breasts and axils.

Examine for periods of your menstrual cycle, when the breasts are less painful and less touch-sensitive. If you feel a strong nodule or texture of a pile of sand, go to the doctor for a specialist consultation.

The earlier it is detected, the better the breast cancer can be treated with better results.

Regular Exercise helps provide some protection 

Breastfeeding for up to 1yr is also protective 

NB: if u've any breast lump removed, please, ensure that the lump is sent to the lab for histological examination & make sure to know the result of the test. NEVER ASSUME THAT IT IS AN ORDINARY LUMP.