Learning about breast cancer facts can potentially be life-saving. Here’s what you need to know about breast cancer types, symptoms, risk factors and treatment.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women, but it can also affect men. It can begin to develop in different parts of the breast, but can spread to the three main parts. These are the duct, lobules, and connective tissue.
Breast cancer types are defined by the cells in the breast that turn into cancer.
These are called malignant cells and are found in the mammary glands.
This type of cancer normally affects older women, aged 50 and up. It forms before, during, or after menopause. It used to be the leading cause of cancer death in women in the 20th and 21st century, but it has since been overtaken by lung cancer in developed countries.
What Are the Types of Breast Cancer?
Other breast cancer facts you should know are the types of breast cancer.
- Ductal Carcinoma in situ
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (tubular, medullary mucinous and inflammatory carcinoma under this type)
- Lobular Carcinoma in situ
- Invasive Lobular in situ
- Mixed Ductal and Lobular
A carcinoma is a tumor that grows in the epithelial cells that line the organ and tissues throughout the body.
Breast cancer can spread through blood vessels as well as lymph vessels. This is called metastasizing. When cancer cells spread outside of the breast, it is said to have already metastasized
Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign or symptom of breast cancer is a lump found in the breast area or near the armpit. Not all lumps found in your chest area are indicative of breast cancer. If you do find a suspicious lump or cyst, and it seems to be growing, it is best to consult a doctor.
This is why monthly breast self-examinations are very important, aside from knowledge of breast cancer facts. This is the best way to monitor any changes that you may find in your breast.
Other symptoms that you need to look out for would be:
- A rash on one or both nipples
- Swelling of part of the breast
- Dimpling or uneven skin of breast
- Pain in the nipple area
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Redness around the skin of your breast that does not go away
- Peeling or scale-like texture of the skin on the breast or around the nipple
If you experience any of the symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately.
Early Detection
One of the best ways to prevent cancer is by early detection. When cancer of the breast is detected early, there is a 99% survival rate. This makes early detection one of the most important breast cancer facts that everyone should know.
There are several ways to detect the early signs of breast cancer. You can do a monthly breast self-exam to check for lumps around the breast area as well as near the armpit.
You can also schedule regular visits to the clinic, so that they can check it for you. What is most important is that you do not miss your annual mammogram, especially for women ages 40 and above.
Risk Factors
There are a few factors that may increase your chance of getting the disease. Please note that only a doctor can diagnose you. If you are concerned, consult your doctor.
