Breast Cancer: All that we should know
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer. It has become a major public health problem in recent years, and Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is celebrated throughout the world to raise awareness of this disease. Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and can cause serious medical problems, including death. According to statistics from The American Cancer Society, about 1 out of 8 women will develop this cancer at some point during their lifetime.
What is breast cancer?
It is cancer that affects the cells that make milk for nursing mothers. It is the most common cancer in women, accounting for over 40% of all cancer cases. This cancer happens when women start developing a lump or changes in the breast. It is a cancer that may grow very quickly, so early detection is important.
For example, this cancer may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones. This cancer is also significant because it can affect women in different ways. One woman may have minor breast cancer and only have to undergo surgery to remove the lump. Another woman may have this cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and may require chemotherapy and/or radiation to control cancer.
This cancer can be either ductal carcinoma (DC), which is the most common type of this cancer, or lobular carcinoma (LC), which is rare.
This cancer can also be classified according to the stage of cancer:
Stage 1 breast cancer is the earliest stage of the disease and is the least serious. It may contain only a few cells that have spread to the tumour.
Stage 2 breast cancer is more advanced and may contain larger tumours that have spread to nearby tissues.
Stage 3 breast cancer is the most advanced stage and may metastasize to other parts of the body.
Symptoms to watch out for Breast cancer
There are a number of symptoms that can signal the presence of this cancer. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- Lumps or bumps
- Pain when pressing on them
- Redness or discharge from the nipples
- Changes in skin coloration
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
- Change in the size, shape, or location of a breast
- A new or unusual sensitivity to light or pain
- A dull ache or pain around the breast
- Nipple discharge that has color, foamy, or a burnt odor
- Intense fatigue
If you have any of these symptoms and they persist for more than two weeks or if they cause significant distress then it is best to see a doctor to rule out this cancer.
Also read: Colon Cancer & Diabetes: Suggestions & Precautions for Patient
Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk Now! Get your diagnosis on time
There are many ways to lower your cancer risk and the most important thing is to visit the doctor for diagnosis as soon as possible. The earlier you receive a diagnosis, the greater your chances of successful treatment.
Early detection also reduces the chance that other cancers will develop in addition to this cancer. Early detection can be done through regular physical exams by your doctor, mammography (an X-ray examination of the breasts), or ultrasound screening.
This cancer is the most frequent cancer in women under the age of fifty. The risk of developing this cancer increases with age, race, and family history of the disease. Factors that increase your risk of breast cancer include: getting older, being white, having a history of ovarian cancer, having a family history of the disease, being obese, having a history of early-onset puberty, taking oral contraceptives, having had a previous abortion, and having a high-fat diet.
You can reduce your risk of this cancer by being healthy and avoiding risky behaviours. Get a mammogram every year if you are at risk for the disease. You can find information about this cancer treatment and this cancer support services on the National Cancer Institute website. Lowering your risk of this cancer is important.
New Study Suggests Best Diet To Lower Breast Cancer Risk
According to a recent study, the best diet for women who want to lower their risk of developing this cancer is one high in plant-based foods. Journal of the American Medical Association: Internal Medicine published the study conducted by scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
The researchers analyzed data from more than 125,000 postmenopausal women participating in the Nurses’ Health Study II over an 18-year period and found that those with the highest intakes of vegetables, legumes, fruit, nuts, and bread were half as likely to develop this cancer as those who had low or no intake of these foods.
“A plant-rich diet will reduce the overall cancer risk,” said lead author Dr A new study has suggested that a diet high in fruits and vegetables might help lower breast cancer risk. The study, which was published in The Cancer Journal, looked at what diet might work best to reduce the risk of the disease. Researchers surveyed a group of 48,000 women on how well their diets fit the American Cancer Society guidelines for preventing cancer.
They found that women who ate a diet high in fruits and vegetables were 19% less likely to develop this cancer than women who did not follow those guidelines. The researchers say that the benefits of a diet high in fruits and vegetables do not end there. They also point out that eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables is also associated with a reduced risk of other types of cancer.
Are there any foods that can prevent breast cancer?
There is no one food that can help prevent this cancer, but there are some foods that may lower your risk. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.
The researchers are investigating whether there is a connection between what we eat and cancer prevention. In one study, they found that women who ate foods high in antioxidants had a 38% lower risk of developing this cancer than women who ate less of these foods.
A list of foods that may reduce the risk of breast cancer
- Whole grains contain many vitamins and minerals that help prevent breast cancer. They also contain fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestive tract function. Fiber is needed for proper digestion, and research shows that women who eat more fiber tend to have less breast cancer.
- Phytoestrogens in soy act as estrogen in the body. Research suggests that soy may reduce the risk of breast cancer. However, too much soy can increase the risk of certain health problems, including heart disease.
- Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, collard greens, and brussels sprouts, contain compounds called indoles, which may protect against breast cancer.
- Green tea contains catechins, which may help fight breast cancer cells. Catechins are antioxidants that help neutralize harmful substances in the body.
- Avocados contain healthy fats called mono-unsaturated fatty acids. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the breasts. This helps prevent cancer cells from forming.
- Beans are rich in fiber and protein, both of which help fight against breast cancer. They also contain folate, which helps maintain DNA integrity and repair damaged DNA.
- Broccoli contains sulforaphane, a compound that fights cancer. Sulforaphane is known to increase the expression of genes that inhibit tumor formation and growth.
- Eggs are loaded with choline, which plays a role in protecting against breast cancer. Choline also helps regulate estrogen levels in women.
