Many of us are familiar with the name of breast cancer. But do you know the incidence of this disease? It’s one of the most common cancers among women. According to recent studies, 8% of women diagnosed with breast cancer were under the age of 50. That ’s why it’s important for young women to be breast aware.
Things you should know about breast cancer
Before you get panic, let me tell you that the majority of lumps and changes in breasts are not cancer. The good news is that nowadays most people survive breast cancer than ever before. For better prognosis, the only thing that matters is earlier detection, right treatments and public awareness. This would improve survival rates after diagnosis. If you notice something that concerns you, get it checked out.
Some of the myths associated with breast cancer is that:
- It happened only to old age women: It’s not a grandma disease anymore. Women at the age of 20s/30s/40s can and do get breast cancer. Though it’s common after menopause it’s not an old age disease anymore.
- Early detection guarantee it’s a cure: It’s not true, early detection makes a better prognosis but doesn’t guarantee it’s a cure.
- Every lump is breast cancer: Not every lump is associated with breast cancer. These lumps may be due to normal breast changes or a benign breast condition. According to studies, 9 out of 10 cases will be benign or non-cancerous.
- It’s just one disease: There are many types and subtypes, such as Hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive, triple-negative etc.
- Men don’t get breast cancer: Though It is strictly a women’s disease. The risk for men getting breast cancer approximately 1 in 1000.
However, these myths only prevail as most of the population are not breast aware.
Knowing how your breasts look and feel is important
It’s become a need that every woman should be breast aware. And able to differentiate abnormal changes in your breast. The only thing is needed is to examine yourself when you feel most comfortable, be it in the shower, the bath or in bed.”
Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer that you should know are:
- Any change in size or shape of either breast.
- A lump or area that feels thicker in either breast.
- A consistent pain in the armpit or breast
- Changes in skin texture, such as puckering or dimpling( similar to orange skin)
- Redness or rash on the skin around the nipple).
- Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone.
- A discharge from the nipple.
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Lifestyle factors play an important role.
A healthy lifestyle can help lower the risk of breast cancer. According to research, eating a healthy diet, following a fitness routine, limiting alcohol and tobacco and maintaining a healthy weight all reduced the risks of breast cancer.
Tell your doctor if you notice any breasts changes:
Many symptoms like lump are normal and benign changes. However, it’s important to see your doctor for the second opinion. It is important to find out what’s causing the change.
If you don’t feel comfortable to discuss with a doctor, take a close mother, husband, a close friend on your doctor visit. If you are hesitating to examine by a male doctor, you can ask if there’s a female doctor available. If they recommend further tests that don’t mean that you have breast cancer, these tests are needed to find out what is going on.
Hope this post makes your breast cancer aware and clears many doubts associated with it. Do share with your female friend and motivates them to see a doctor if they come across such conditions without hesitation.
Reference: https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/signs-symptoms-breast-cancer(Image courtesy) https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/healthy-living/a29095/things-you-should-know-about-breast-cancer/ https://bccr.org/31-things-to-know/ Disclosure: The views shared are solely Author only. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in the blog content are independent and unbiased views of solely the blogger. The content is meant for educational purpose only. One should consult the expert for any related information.
Breast cancer is so scary and becoming common.
You have shared a great write up. I will take attention.
Wow this is such an informative post which contains everything we need to know about breast cancer. Sharing it ahead.
it’s better to take care of health as early as possible and it is we need get diagnosis done every 6 months
This post has put my on alert! I have seen a watery discharge on my breast and that can be a symptom as per that diagram right? Pls let me know
It’s a very necessary post. I was so eager to know the details about the disease. I’m going to bookmark this for the future reference.
It’s really important to see a doctor if something feels not right over the area ..That’s a wonderful write up and will help women’s in being aware about it
There are many myths about Breast Cancer floating around.Informative posts like these are so much neccessary to spread knowledge and awareness.
The size or unusual changes in breast chart is quite useful. One of my close neighbor Aunty got this dedicated soon and it helped her heal at the right time.
Very insightful post indeed. We all should be aware of these symptoms to detect breast cancer.
There are so many myths surrounding breast cancer. I am glad I came across your post! It was really insightful!
What an insightful post to make us all aware of the big C! We have to listen to our bodies and must take care of them.
This is really well explained post and I am sure this post will answer many people’s question about the disease.
AGain a very insightful and informative post about breast cancer. We need to raise more awareness. thanks for sharing
Quite an informative post wrt Breast cancer. It’s very important to get the testings done timely .
This seems to be a very informative read we need to be careful and also not negligible about these things
This is an important post and each one of us must be aware about this. A wonderful post
Thanks for the insightful post… Being aware about the symptoms is important to detect breast cancer…