A woman's breast is made up of milk glands & milk
ducts. These are surrounded by fatty tissue & connective supports.
Uncontrolled growth of cells in any of these breast tissues can cause breast
cancer. Like all cancers, breast cancer occurs when cells begin to divide at an
unusually high rate. No single trigger or cause has been identified for breast
cancer. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in
women.
A woman’s age also affects the probability of developing
breast cancer. Chances of developing breast cancer rise dramatically as women
age. 13 out of 1,000 women in their 40s; 23 out of 1,000 women in their 50s; 29
out of 1,000 women in their 60s; 31 out of 1,000 women in their 70s. Thus age
can be looked upon as an important risk factor for breast cancer in women.
Breast
Examination Is Crucial
A regular breast examination can be crucial to early
diagnosis of breast cancer & this increases chances of successful
treatment. Adult women of all ages should perform breasts self-examination at
least once a month. Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by
women who discover a lump during such self-examination. Everyone’s breasts are different;
altering with age & at different times of the month. Look out for peculiar changes
in breasts. The goal is to find cancer even before onset of symptoms.
Observe your breasts carefully & feel them. Also
observe arm pits & upper chest. Look out for any lumps or thickening of
breast tissue or under the arm pits. The lump might be the size of a pea
initially.
Observe the size & appearance of the breast – whether
the size of one breast is increasing or it is lower than the other breast. Is there
any dimpling of the skin? The nipples become inverted or change shape or
position. The nipples develop a rash, crusting or produce discharge.
Observe for pain in breasts or armpits or swelling under
armpits & around the collar-bone.
If you are over 50, attend breast screening regularly.
Promptly report any changes to your doctor without delay.
Not all masses or lumps are cancerous. They might be benign cysts or overgrowth
of tissues, but reporting your doctor & staying vigilant goes a long way in
keeping conditions at bay. Your doctor is the best person to advice you &
guide further diagnostic measures.
