Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October 2022
October is breast cancer awareness month, also referred to as “pink month.” Around the world, people celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the disease’s prevalence, the need for early identification and treatment, and the potential for fatality if not caught and treated.
Nowadays, breast cancer is very common. The leading cause of death for women is this cancer. You’ll be shocked to learn that even guys can develop breast cancer. It is true, that much is true! However, this only occurs sporadically; just 1% of men develop breast cancer.
Early breast cancer detection and treatment can extend a woman’s life by up to five years or more.
The reason why October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month is so that more individuals will be inspired to be screened for the disease. Pink ribbons are frequently used as a symbol to raise awareness of breast cancer. They paste it on signs, clothing, backpacks, and other items. Therefore, October is frequently referred to as the “pink month.”
You may learn more about breast cancer symptoms, early detection methods, and other topics in this blog post.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells develop uncontrollably and improperly in the breasts. It can develop in either or both breasts.
This cancer can be devastating since it doesn’t just affect the breasts; it can also travel to other body areas.
Different areas of the breasts might develop breast cancer. Some are more common than others.
- Ductal cancer – Breast cancer typically begins in the dactyl region of the body. The source that transports the milk to the nipples is called ducts.
- Phyllodes tumour – May develop in the stroma, fat, or connective tissues. These tissues encircle the ducts and give them form. It is a rare form of cancer.
- Lobular cancer – Breast milk production glands called lobules, where lobular cancer first appears, are responsible for producing the milk.
- Angiosarcoma – Once more, this cancer does not occur very frequently. However, it can begin in the lining of blood or lymph arteries in the breasts.
Symptoms:
Different people may experience different breast cancer symptoms. Some folks have almost no symptoms at all. However, it is still vital to have a good understanding of your breasts and their symptoms.
Below are the listed signs of breast cancer:
- Breast cancer may be present if there is swelling in the breasts.
- If your nipples are dripping with something, it’s not milk—something it’s else.
- If the breast skin turns reddish, becomes flaky, dry, or peels around the areola.
- Breast cancer symptoms might also include inward-curving nipples.
- Breast cancer screening is necessary if lymph nodes have enlarged; this can happen even before the primary tumor forms.
- Alteration in breast size.
Causes:
Although experts were unable to pinpoint the exact cause of breast cancer, some risk factors are to blame for its occurrence. These include:
- Gender: Breast cancer is more common in women. Men developing breast cancer is quite uncommon.
- Genetics: Family history is a major factor in the emergence of breast cancer. You have a 10% chance of getting breast cancer if your mother, grandmother, sister, cousins, or maternal or paternal aunt did.
- Age: After the age of 55, the risk of acquiring breast cancer increases significantly.
- Hormonal supplements and hormone replacement therapy: Breast cancer risk is increased for those who receive HRT for longer than a year. Additionally, using hormonal supplements raises oestrogen levels, ultimately raising the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight can help breast cancer cells develop.
- Alcohol and smoking: both increase the risk of breast cancer with increased consumption. Additionally, a major factor in the development of many malignancies, including breast cancer, is cigarette smoking.
- Radiation: Breast cancer is far more likely to strike women who have received radiation therapy in their neck, chest, or breasts, particularly those under the age of 30.
Breast Cancer Stages:
- Stage 0: After being found early the cancer cells had not yet spread to healthy tissues.
- Stage 1: At this stage, the tumour is smaller than 20 mm. It might spread (little) nearby or it might not spread at all.
- Stage 2: The tumour reaches this stage when it has grown more than 20 mm but not more than 50 mm. The tumour does spread to the lymph nodes at this stage but not to the other bodily parts.
- Stage 3: At this stage, the tumour may have spread to several lymph nodes, but it is still only 50 mm in size. As the disease has progressed to other body parts, including the bones, liver, or lungs.
Detection:
- Mammogram: Mammography It works like an X-ray of the breasts; if they notice anything suspicious, like lumps, they get a thorough diagnostic mammogram.
- MRI: Magnets connected to a computer system are used in the MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) procedure. An in-depth image of the breasts can be obtained using MRI.
- Biopsy: During a biopsy, a tissue sample from a suspected cancerous region is examined using a microscope.
- Ultrasound: A Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create sonograms of the breasts’ internal structures.
Treatment:
Immunotherapy is a relatively recent type of cancer treatment. Even later phases are advantageous. In this approach, medical professionals administer drugs to raise the patient’s immunity to combat cancer cells.
Chemotherapy, administered orally or straight into the veins, is a technique for eliminating cancerous cells.
Hormonal therapy: This treatment successfully obstructs the action of hormones that are crucial for the development of cancer cells.
Your doctor may employ the radiation technique, in which high-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells.
So, this Breast Cancer Awareness Month do not hesitate, just go and get a breast screening done to be sure of your health.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for information purposes only and should not be used to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for medical diagnosis and treatment.
