Breast Cancer – Find Out What is Important

Last Updated on Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:27 Written by Natural Health Team Saturday, 8 October 2011 01:27

Health Information about Breast Cancer – Find Out What is Important

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Even though it is not as common in men, men should still be aware of it because they can get this disease as well.  Early diagnosis is very important because breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer in women after lung cancer. To help you with an early diagnosis and hopefully a speedy recovery, you should learn more about this disease including its condition, its characteristics, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The breast consists of milk producing glands that are connected to the opening of the skin in the nipple by ducts. Fat and fibrous breast tissue connect the gland and duct structure. In this area  are blood vessels, lymph nodes and nerves like all the other parts of the human body.

One of the common areas for breast cancer to occur are in the milk ducts and milk glands. Cancer occurs when cells in this area become abnormal and start to grow rapidly. These cells will form a tumor. Most commonly breast cancer occurs in the milk ducts and in the milk glands. The tumors in the ducts are called ductal carcinomas, while the ones in the glands are called lobular carcinomas.

Breast cancer is normally defined by different stages. Normally it starts as a small lump, a tumor or  calcium deposits. If not treated early, the cancer will start to spread to other areas of the breast. If the cancer reaches the lymph nodes, the cancer will then spread to other parts of the body through the blood stream. Some of the likely areas that cancer will show up in regards to the breast  are the lungs, liver or bones.

It is not exactly known what causes breast cancer. However research has found some factors that seem to increase a woman’s chances of getting it. First women that have had benign tumors are more likely to get cancerous tumors in the future. Also immediate family members that have had the disease will increase your risk.  For example if your mom or sister has had the disease, then you are at higher risk of getting breast cancer. If you have the following genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, will also increase the risk. If you have been exposed to high levels of estrogen,  then your risk level is higher. The following factors will also increase your risk: smoking, alcohol consumption, weight gain and obesity and lack of exercise.

In most cases your doctor will diagnose breast cancer with a mammography. A mammography is an       x-ray that is designed to identify any changes in the breast tissue and abnormal growths, in particular. In most cases, your doctor will examine the breast to decide if a mammography is necessary or not.

The most common type of treatment is surgery and is either a mastectomy or lumpectomy. The doctor will remove the tumor, surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. After surgery, the doctor will likely use radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy to remove any abnormal cells. The doctor may also prescribe hormonal therapy and biological therapy.

The best thing that you can do to prevent breast cancer is screening on a regular basis. You should conduct a self exam as often as recommended by your doctor. Also you should get clinical exams and mammograms as often as recommended by your doctor. You also should consider ensuring that you eat a balanced low fat diet that is primarily plant based, reduce your consumption of alcohol, stop smoking and get plenty of exercise.

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