Breast cancer is one of the most life-threatening and pervasive types of cancer, with over 2.26 million cases recorded in 2020. Like other severe conditions, early detection of cancer is important. Plus, it can result in early treatment, which can save lives.
In this post, we talked about breast cancer. We also highlighted its symptoms and causes to promote early detection and prevention. So let’s begin with what breast cancer is.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast cells. It is the most common cancer found in women in the US after skin cancer. Though commonly associated with women, breast cancer is also found in men. However, it is more prevalent in women than men.
The prevalence of breast cancer has brought about huge support in terms of awareness programs and research donations. These have helped create effective and advanced breast cancer diagnoses and treatments. The results? Increased breast cancer survival rate and low mortality rate.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
To detect breast cancer, you need to know the symptoms to look out for. And while there are many symptoms of breast cancer, the first and most common is often an area of thickened tissue in the breast or a lump in the breast or armpit.
Other common symptoms are:
- Armpit or breast pain fails to change with the monthly cycle
- A rash around or on one nipple
- Pitting, like the surface of an orange, or color changes like redness in the skin of the breast
- Discharge from the nipple, which may consist of blood
- A hollow or upended nipple
- Peeling, flaking, or scaling of the skin of the breast or nipple
- Change in the breast shape or size
While breast lumps are often associated with cancer, you should note that not all lumps are cancerous. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. If you notice any, ensure you contact your doctor, who will schedule you for a checkup.
The importance of the clinical trial in breast cancer treatment
First, you need to understand what clinical trials are.
Clinical trials are research designed to study new tests and treatments and examine their effects on humans while tracking the results. For example, in the case of breast cancer, clinical trials are done to figure out new ways to improve tests and treatment options for this condition.
Clinical trials are beneficial to participants in two ways. First, they offer them the chance to get new, potentially advanced treatment. Secondly, they add to breast cancer research studies that may help enhance breast cancer treatment for other patients. People eligible for treatment clinical trials are those who are yet to receive any medical therapy for breast cancer.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells grow abnormally. These cells split faster than their healthy counterparts and keep building up, forming a lump or mass. These affected cells may spread through your breast to your lymph nodes or other areas of your body.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may raise your chances of developing breast cancer. However, it remains unclear why some individuals with zero risk factors develop this condition while others with risk factors don’t.
Conclusion
Early detection is key to fighting breast cancer. So always ensure you carry out checks on your body to search for lumps in the breasts or armpits. If you find any, contact a health professional. The professional will determine if it’s cancerous or not.
This is such a vicious disease, and it’s still so common. Thank you so much for sharing this. Every woman needs to know it.
Of course! It really is very common.
Thank you for posting this. My yearly appointment is coming up in a few days. Its so important for women to get checked out.
Yes, it really is.
Thank you for sharing more info about this. I’d love to have a cure one day. But yes, early prevention is key. I have an appointment next month.
I completely agree. A cure would be wonderful.
I had a bit of a scare a few years back. Thankfully it was nothing, but it was self-checks that found the change.
I’m glad it turned out to be nothing. I completely agree on self checks too.
So important to be aware of risks and symptoms! My pediatrician told me that the greater the number of months that mothers nurse their babies and toddlers, the greater protection they have against breast cancer. I was glad to hear this as a mother who has nursed eleven little ones!
That’s so great to hear. I honestly didn’t know that.
This is such an important topic to cover. The more people know about the symptoms, the earlier it will be detected.
Yes, most definitely.
What a really informative post! It’s great knowing more about this and it’s symptoms. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Yes, it really is.
I am so agree that early detection is everything! I will be more careful at those symptoms.
Yes, it sure is.
Different people have different symptoms of breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all. I think this is important for everyone to know.
Yes, for sure.
Such a great article to read which is very informative and detailed! This is very essential for us to know the prevention and not go through the curing process. Thanks for sharing this with us!
Yes, I completely agree.
This post was so helpful. I am going to share this with my aunt who is suffering from breast cancer currently. She wikl definitely find it useful.
I’m so sorry to hear that. Thank you for sharing.
Such important information! This is so thoroughly done, thank you for sharing!
Yes, it really is.
This is such an informative post and thanks for spreading awareness about breast cancer. More people should know in case they notice similar symptoms.
Yes, I agree. Everyone should always know their symptoms.
I just started getting mammograms and imaging, and it is nice to know that there is another layer of care and prevention. Such an important thing to be educated about.
Agreed. It’s so important.
I did’t realize there were symptoms. I thought it was undetected without testing. These are good to pay attention to
Yes, they really are.
Such an informative post! My college day’s landlord aunty had suffered from this disease. I have seen her going through that tough phase
Thanks for sharing the info with us and raising awareness about this topic.
Of course. Sorry to see they had to go through it.