Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50. If you notice any lump or change to your normal breast then you should see a doctor promptly. If breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, there is a good chance of a cure. In general, the more advanced the cancer (the more it has grown and spread), the less chance that treatment will be curative. However, treatment can often slow the progress of the cancer.


What is breast cancer?Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers. Around one in nine women develop breast cancer at some stage in their life. Most develop in women over the age of 50 but younger women are sometimes affected. Breast cancer can also develop in men, although this is rare. Breast cancer develops from a cancerous cell which develops in the lining of a duct or lobule in one of the breasts. There are some subtypes of breast cancer which are important to know, as the treatment and outlook (prognosis) vary depending on the exact type of the cancer. The following gives a rough idea of the main subtypes. Your specialist will be able to give you more details as to the exact subtype of breast cancer that you have.













Risk Factors of breast cancer?


A cancerous tumour starts from one abnormal cell. The exact reason why a cell becomes cancerous is unclear. It is thought that damages or alterations in certain genes in the cell can be the cause. This makes the cell abnormal and multiplies out of control despite being immature and non-functional.


Although breast cancer can develop for no apparent reason, there are certain risk factors which increase the chance that breast cancer will develop. These include:
Age. The risk of developing breast cancer roughly doubles for every 10 years of age. Most cases develop in women over the age of 50.
Location: The rate of breast cancer varies between countries. This may reflect genetic or environmental factors especially diet.
Family history. This means if you have close relatives who have or have had breast cancer. In particular, if they were aged under 50 when diagnosed.
If you have had a previous breast cancer.
Being childless, or if you had your first child after the age of thirty.
Not having breast-fed your children.
Early age of starting periods.
Chest being exposed to radiation.
Taking continuous combined hormone replacement therapy ( HRT) for several years (in women over 50 years), leading to a slightly increased risk.
Excess alcohol