Breast cancer awareness
Vigilance needed in fight against cancer
It's a disease that affects almost every person but the most common risk factors include being a woman and aging.
Breast cancer affects one in nine women, oftentimes striking not only a mother, but a daughter and a sister. And while there is no cure yet, research has found that a diet low in saturated fat and regular exercise may help reduce the possibility of developing breast cancer. Regular screening is also important because the earlier cancer is found, the more successful the treatment, according to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (www.cbcf.org).
And this is why the month of October is annually declared Breast Cancer Awareness Month, to teach women about the disease and what they can do to ensure that it kills less people.
CONSTANT VIGILANCE
While most often found in women 50 and older, young women also get the disease, as do men. Women, in particular, should be vigilant in completing breast self-examinations. The foundation also suggested women should also have their breasts looked at each year by their family doctors and women 50 to 69 should have a mammogram every two years.
Women should complete a self-examination monthly, looking for changes in their breasts. Breast cancer tissue is often a hard mass that is painless. When a mass, lump or thickening is found, you should contact your doctor immediately.
There are several types of breast cancer, with the most common being ductal and lobular. Less common forms include inflammatory, medullary, mucinous, papillary, squamous cell, cribriform, tubular and Paget's Disease.
RISK FACTORS
- More than one first-degree relative (mother, sister) has had breast cancer
- Mutations of particular genes
- Past history of breast cancer or previous breast biopsy
- Early menstruation (before age 12)
- Women who have had no children or their first child after age 30
- Alcohol consumption
- While the impact of diet and weight is still being investigated, evidence suggests a high intake of dietary fat may be related to an increased incidence of breast cancer.
According to the foundation, women with a history of breast cancer should consult their physician to discuss their risk factors. Genetic testing is now available in many hospitals.
SUSPICIOUS SYMPTOMS
Women who notice something unusual during their breast self-examination should contact their doctor. However, there are some abnormalities, which may include:
- Pain, bleeding or other discharge from the nipple;
- Changes in breast shape;
- Generalized swelling of the entire breast;
- Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin.
