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Understanding The Signs And Risk Factors For Breast Cancer

The world over, several governments, international institutions as well as women who have survived breast cancer recognise October as the month of Breast Cancer Awareness. In the spirit of awareness, today we too shall go over breast cancer symptoms and also risk factors for the same.

As with all cancers, catching this condition early improves the survivability rate. That is why you should check yourself regularly for breast cancer symptoms and inform your doctor if you notice anything unusual or new.

What is Breast Cancer?

Cancer is a type of disease in which some cells mutate and begin multiplying rapidly. These cells form lesions, lumps, tumours and can obstruct normal bodily functions. Some cancer can metastasize, meaning it spreads and affects other parts of the body. This spread is referred to as ‘metastasis’.

Breast cancer follows a similar path. It is cancer (out of a total of 100 types) that begins in the tissue of the breast but with time it can spread to other areas. Ductal Carcinoma is a common type of breast cancer, it accounts for approximately 70% to 80% of breast cancer cases.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Due to many years of awareness and research, it has become easier to treat breast cancer through various means. But identifying the warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer in the early stages is what makes or breaks the success rate of the treatment. After self-examination of your breasts and underarm areas during shower or when you are changing your clothes, here are a few additional signs which are equally important and you can check for:

Note that, if you have any of the above conditions singularly it is not a clear indication that you have breast cancer for sure. Similar signs are associated with other medical issues as well. If you discover a few of the mentioned signs and symptoms of breast cancer together, be sure to see your doctor about it.

What are some Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer risk is a combination of multiple factors, some of which can be altered and others are part of your genetic makeup. If you are at high risk, it does not necessarily mean you will get breast cancer. Conversely, even if you do not have any of the below breast cancer risks, you can still develop cancer.

What Can You Change?

Unlike the previous section the following factors can be managed and controlled to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer: 

Conclusion

While developing breast cancer may be a scary thought, breast cancer treatments have progressed a lot over the past few decades. The main purpose of this article is to raise awareness of the potential breast cancer symptoms. If you notice any of the signs covered here, or you think you may be at a higher risk then speak to a doctor at the earliest. Pass this short article on to your friends as well, and let’s help to raise awareness all through this month! 

Also Read: What is the Cause of Nipple Pain? Understanding and Managing Discomfort

Disclaimer:

The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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World Cancer Day – A Fight To Create A Cancer-Free World!

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Cancer has the second-highest death toll in the world. In fact, 1300 Indians lose the battle against cancer every day.

The Union for International Cancer Control observes World Cancer Day on 4th Feb every year to spread awareness about different types of Cancers.

Note that 2024 is also the last year of the 3-year ”Close the Gap” campaign, starting from 2022 and culminating in 2024. This campaign focuses on what we as individuals can do to create a cancer-free world.

So, what makes World Cancer Day so important? It is important because if you are armed with the right information, you can take steps at the right time to cut down your risk of cancer and help others as well. This will help bring down cancer rates in the world. 

This world cancer day, let us learn more about cancer.

Most prevalent cancer types

Do you know which cancers are the most common ones? WHO has identified the following cancers as the most prevalent-

And the cancers that cause the most number of deaths are-

Causes of cancer

Do we know what exactly causes cancer? No, doctors are unsure about it. What they do know is that cancer results from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. If the DNA in your cell mutates unnaturally, the cell becomes malignant. And when this cell begins to multiply, it creates several more cells that are cancerous. This is how cancer develops and spreads. 

Some people are born with flawed DNA whereas others acquire it in their lifetime. Yet not everyone with flawed DNA develops cancer.

This made scientists and researchers realize that there are other external factors that trigger cancer such as-

Can you prevent cancer?

Since certain external factors are responsible for triggering cancer, you can adopt a few measures to minimize your risk of getting cancer.  

Here are a few things you must do to cut down the risk of cancer

In-Blog

If you notice any unusual change in or on your body, or if you feel unwell, do not waste time, talk to an expert. Sudden and unexplained  weight loss, decrease in appetite, weakness, a lump in the body, a painless non-healing ulcer in the mouth are some conditions which should not be ignored. Remember, early detection of cancer can improve the treatment outcome to many folds. Stay healthy and alert to lower your risk of cancer.

Also Read: Exploring the Link: What Type of Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin Levels?

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Ref

  1. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_2
  2. https://www.worldcancerday.org/about/2022-2024-world-cancer-day-campaign
  3. https://www.who.int/health-topics/cancer#tab=tab_1
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