Breast Cancer in Women

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from Breast cells and it usually starts off  in the inner lining of milk ducts.Breast cancer affects women mostly but men are also not left out of having breast cancer.


According to research,breast cancer is the most common ''invasive''  type of cancer in females worldwide;it accounts for 16% of all female cancers.The National Cancer Institute reported that 232,340 female breast cancer and 2,240 male breast cancer are reported in the U.S.A each year as well as 39,620 deaths caused by the disease.

The breast is made up of microscopic cells just like any other part of the body;the cells normally multiply in an orderly fashion,which means new cells replaces old cells that have died but when cancer crops in,the reverse is the case,the cells multiply uncontrollably and progressively,which leads to more and more cells.

The most common type of cancer is the ductal carcinoma,that is,it starts from the Lactiferous duct(Milk duct),the less common is known as Lobular carcinoma,that is,it begins in the Lobules.

Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

-A lump in the breast

-A pain in the armpits or breast that isn't related to menstrual period

-Redness of the skin of the breast

-A rash around one of the nipples

-A swollen like lump in one of the armpits area or thickened tissue on a breast

-Discharge from the nipples,sometimes it discharges blood

-Size and shape of the breast changes

-Nipple and breast skin starting to peel,scale or flake off.

Experts have said that they ain't sure what actually causes breast cancer but there are some likely risk factors that affects or could lead to having breast cancer:

1. Age is a risk factor,the older the woman gets,the more she is at risk of developing breast cancer.Breast cancer occurs in about 80% of women who are about 50 years and above.

2. Studies have shown that women who carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at higher risk of developing breast cancer,the genes can actually be inherited.

3.Studies also shows that women who have had some form of breast lumps are more likely to develop breast cancer and also women who have dense breast tissue.

4.Women who have been exposed to estrogen for longer periods,that is,women who started seeing their periods at an earlier age or those that entered menopause later than usual.

5.Women who gained weight after menopause are at higher risk of developing breast cancer.

6.Experts say taller than average women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than shorter than average women.

7.Alcohol intake,exposure to x-rays or CT scans,hormone replacement therapy.

Women are advised to occasionally do a routine check on their breast by checking for lumps and also seeing their doctors regularly.

Women are also advised to take into consideration preventive measures such as,physical exercise,low intake of alcohol,a healthy diet,early breast cancer screening.

Omega 3 and Aspirin should be taken regularly as well as fiber rich foods which should be taken in early adulthood.