One of the common diseases and problems spread around humans are cancers, especially breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
Experts have revealed that in India, breast cancer has been a silent killer that kills 75,000 patients every year and it has become an epidemic with its cases rising each year now.
Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.
Breast cancer can spread when the cancer cells get into the blood or lymph system and then are carried to other parts of the body.
Some Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
- Pitting, like the surface of an orange, or color changes such as redness in the skin of the breast
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- A rash around or on one nipple
- Discharge from a nipple, which may contain blood
- Armpit or breast pain does not change with the monthly cycle
- A sunken or inverted nipple
- Peeling, flaking, or scaling of the skin of the breast or nipple
However, experts believe that making a few lifestyle changes could help you reduce the risk.
Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer. But there are things you can do that might lower your risk. This can be especially helpful for women with certain risk factors for breast cancer, such as having a strong family history or certain inherited gene changes.
1. Limit Alcohol
The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. The general recommendation based on research on the effect of alcohol on breast cancer risk is to limit yourself to no more than one drink a day, as even small amounts increase risk.
2.Maintain A Healthy Weight
If your weight is healthy, work to maintain that weight. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Reduce the number of calories you eat each day and slowly increase the amount of exercise
3. Be physically active
Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which helps prevent breast cancer. Most healthy adults should aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
4. Breast-feed
Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
5. Limit Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
Combination hormone therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy. You might be able to manage your symptoms with non hormonal therapies and medications. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you and continue to have your doctor monitor the length of time you’re taking hormones.
6. Be Physical Active
Proper Physical health is a must in every problem. Physical activity helps maintain weight and reduce the risk of breast cancer. You can choose walking, yoga, exercising, jogging or any other sports. The activity you choose should help you in maintaining weight.
Hence, when considering your breast cancer risk, it is important to remember that the overwhelming majority of women who develop breast cancer have no obvious risk factors and no family history of breast cancer. Multiple risk factors influence the development of breast cancer. This means that all women need to be aware of changes in their breasts.
So from time to time everyone must visit a doctor especially if you notice any changes in the breast such as a new lump or changes in the skin.
