Understanding its risk factors and early detection methods can aid significantly in managing and potentially preventing the disease. With advances in medical research, many treatment options are now available, improving survival rates remarkably.
Top Signs of Breast Cancer
- A lump or mass in the breast that feels different from surrounding tissue
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
- Nipple discharge that's not breast milk, possibly containing blood
- Pain or tenderness in the breast area that doesn't go away
- Skin changes on the breast, such as puckering, dimpling, or redness
Treatments Options for Breast Cancer
- Surgery: The primary method to remove as much of the cancer as possible. This may include a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or lymph node removal.
- Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: Targets the breast area with high-energy waves to destroy cancer cells. Typically used after surgery to kill any remaining cancerous tissues.
- Hormonal Therapy: Also known as endocrine therapy. Blocks hormones that fuel some types of breast cancer, effective for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
- Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, often used to treat HER2-positive breast cancers.
Foods and Habits to Avoid
- Limit alcohol intake to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Avoid smoking, as it can increase the risk of various cancers, including breast cancer.
- Minimize consumption of high-fat and processed foods which can contribute to obesity, a risk factor for breast cancer.
- Avoid excessive radiation exposure whenever possible.
- Limit the use of menopausal hormone therapy, as it can elevate the risk of breast cancer.