Worldwide, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 died. More worryingly, the phenomenon is growing alarmingly globally.
After skin cancer, breast cancer has been mentioned as the most common cancer detected in women round the world. Breast cancer can affect both men and women, but it is more normal in women.
Breast Cancer Awareness: The need of great importance
Breast cancer can start in various portions of the breast. The breast is made up of three primary parts: the lobules, the ducts, and the connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that create milk. Tubes are the tubes that carry milk to the nipple. Connective tissues (consisting of fibrous and adipose tissue) surround and hold everything together. Most breast cancers start in the fallopian tubes or lobules. Breast cancer can spread over blood vessels and lymph vessels exterior the breast. When breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is said to be metastasized.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Although symptoms may vary from person to person, and not all women experience all symptoms, the most widely recognized symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Skin changes, like inflammation, redness, or other noticeable changes in one or both breasts
- A swelling or an increase in size or modification in shape of the breast(s)
- Discharge from nipples other than breast milk
- Pain in/on any part of the breast along with swellings or lumps felt on or inside of the breast
What can you do to guard yourself from breast cancer?
Breast self-test is a simple examination that women can do at home to find changes or problems in their breasts. For this method, the woman needs to look at herself and notice any possible lumps, deformities or swelling in each breast. Many women around the world feel that doing this is significant for their wellbeing.
When should breast self-examination be done?
The best time to examine your breasts yourself is about 3 to 5 days after the onset of menstruation, as your breasts are not tender or lumpy during your menstrual cycle. If you are pregnant, have never had a period, are no longer menstruating, or have irregular periods, choose a specific day each month to self-test. After menopause, attempt to do this around the same time each month.
The more you inspect your breasts, the more you will learn about them
And it was easy for us to find any changes in them. Breast awareness is sometimes considered an informal option for breast self-test. Make it a habit to self-test once a month so that you get to know how your breasts normally feel and look. Your goal is to get used to the feeling of your breasts which will help you to detect any changes in them throughout some undefined time frame. There are many conditions that can cause changes in your breasts, not just cancer. But if you are familiar with your breast type, it significantly increases the chances of detecting any lump formation or change that may be the first sign of breast cancer.
Breast cancer screening
It is believed that regular screening of your breasts can be an important way to detect cancer early and get the right treatment. But at the same time, one should not rely on self-test alone to rule out cancer. No single test can detect all breast cancers early, but breast cancer organizations believe that self-test of the breast with other diagnostic methods may increase the chances of early detection. Regular physical examination by a doctor, mammography and if necessary, ultrasound or MRI; All or any may be necessary.
In addition to examining the breast, your doctor may examine the breast and refer you to some imaging tests to learn more about your breast.
Mammogram. This detailed X-ray gives specialists a superior perspective on lumps and different issues.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This body check makes point by point pictures of the inner parts of your breasts.
Biopsy. For this test, the specialist eliminates tissue or liquid from your breast looks under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
