Breast Cancer:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a month spreading awareness and giving attention to a very common and dangerous type of cancer that occurs mostly in women. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the the cells of breasts. There are 8 different types of breast cancer: Angiosarcoma, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), inflammatory breast cancer, invasive lobular carcinoma, lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), male breast cancer, paget's disease of the breast, and recurrent breast cancer. The most common types of breast cancer are invasive lobular carcinoma and invasive ductal carcinoma. In invasive lobular carcinoma, cancer cells begin in the lobules and then spread to other parts of the breasts. In invasive ductal carcinoma, the cancer begins in the duct and grows outside of the duct into other parts of the breast tissue.
Symptoms:
- New lump in breast or underarm
- Thickening or swelling of parts of breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or breast
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain of the nipple area
- Change in size, shape, or appearance of breast
Causes:
Breast cancer, as far as medical professionals are aware, starts with aberrant growth of some breast cells. These cells proceed to divide and multiply more quickly than healthy cells do, leading to the formation of a mass or lump. Through your breast, cells may travel to your lymph nodes or other areas of your body. Cells in the milk-producing ducts tend to be the first source of breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma). Invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of breast cancer, can also originate in the glandular tissue known as lobules, as well as in other cells or tissues inside the breast. Hormonal, behavioral, and environmental variables have been identified by researchers to possibly increase one's risk of breast cancer. However, the reason why some people with no known risk factors get cancer and others with risk factors never do is unknown. Breast cancer most likely results from a complicated interplay between environmental factors and genetic composition.
Fun Fact!!!!!
Did you know that the left breast is 5-10% more likely to develop cancer than the right?
Did you know that the left breast is 5-10% more likely to develop cancer than the right?
Risk Factors:
Risk factors are simply factors that make you more prone to developing breast cancer, but it doesn't mean you will definitely get it!!
- Being female (more likely to develop breast cancer than men)
- Increasing age
- Personal history of breast health conditions
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Family history of breast cancer
- Inherited genes
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Beginning period at a young age
- Having first child at an older age
- Hormonal therapy
- Drinking alcohol
Treatments:
Treatments of breast cancer depends on the stage of cancer. Treatments may include : Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Surgery: mammaplasty, tissue expansion, lymph node dissection, lumpectomy, mastectomy
Medical procedure: teletherapy, radiation therapy
Medication: chemotherapy, estrogen modulator, hormone based chemotherapy, bone health
Surgery: mammaplasty, tissue expansion, lymph node dissection, lumpectomy, mastectomy
Medical procedure: teletherapy, radiation therapy
Medication: chemotherapy, estrogen modulator, hormone based chemotherapy, bone health
Resources:
There are many resources all over the internet dedicated to breast cancer awareness, as well as a variety of people helping out with breast cancer.
Because the internet is so widespread, it is easy to contact doctors and schedule appointments for checkups. Please take care of your body and be aware of any unusual trends. Spread awareness!!
NYU breast cancer doctor contacts: nyulangone.org/locations/breast-cancer-center/doctors
To learn more about breast cancer: www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-doctors/
Because the internet is so widespread, it is easy to contact doctors and schedule appointments for checkups. Please take care of your body and be aware of any unusual trends. Spread awareness!!
NYU breast cancer doctor contacts: nyulangone.org/locations/breast-cancer-center/doctors
To learn more about breast cancer: www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-doctors/
