What is breast cancer?

We all know, or have heard of someone who has survived or  passed on from breast cancer. It is our duty to know more about this fatal disease. Breast cancer happens when cancer happens on the tissues in the breasts and it occurs in both male and female.

We have various signs of cancer, as opposed to the one single sign that is quite popular which is the lump. These signs can be fluid coming from the nipple, dimpling of the skin around the breast, change in breast shape, and change in appearance of nipple and swelling or darkening of breast, you can also feel a lump when doing the breast self-examination. Not all lumps are cancerous so it is of great significant to see a doctor immediately. Other signs include new pain in a particular spot and the pain does not go away and a sore rash on the nipple,

There are various treatments for those diagnosed with the disease. These can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Breast cancer is treated by surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation and medication. It is important to note that genetics plays a role by causing a hereditary breast–ovarian cancer syndrome.

We have other contributing factors among them diet and lifestyle. Smoking is a factor that increases risk of cancer.We should also avoid high fat intake, foods with lots of sugar and salt too. Physical exercise is  very important to keep us healthy. It is also paramount to reduce high alcohol consumption.

We can do a self-breast exam to look out for the symptoms and signs above, like lumps. We should also see medical doctors to screen and effectively examine our breasts.

Every October is breast cancer month and you should take advantage of this and go for free breast examination happening in a hospital near you. This is an exercise that goes on around the country.

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is an emotional affair to anyone involved. It is therefore advisable to join a cancer support group and you will never be alone in this. These groups will essentially help you cope with the new journey in your life, which might be there for only a while.

Information is power and more so if we keep on educating ourselves widely,purpose to do something beneficial to yourself every year because prevention is a plus.Get you and your friends to an examination and make if fun!

Let us beat breast cancer. Let us survive breast cancer. Let us prevent breast cancer. photo:kuentir.biz