Through this bog post we hope to share some important information every woman should know in regards to breast cancer, it’s causes, signs & symptoms, who’s at risk and steps to take to prevent it.
Breast Cancer Explained:
Breast cancer usually occurs when certain cells which are located in the breast start to grow out of control. When this happens, it starts to take over nearby tissue and spread throughout the body. These large collections of this infected tissue are called “tumors”. Now it is important to note that some tumors are not even considered to be cancerous because they cannot spread throughout the body or threaten a person’s life. These types of tumors are called “benign tumors”.
The types of tumors that do spread throughout the body and invade the tissues around the breast are considered to be cancer and are referred to as “malignant tumors”. Research shows that any type of tissue in the breast can form some type of cancer, however, it mostly comes from either ducts or glands.
A tumor can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to grow and become large enough for someone to feel it in their breast. This is why having a yearly mammogram is encouraged. Mammograms are designed to detect any type of disease before a person even begins to feel it.
Who’s Most At Risk of Breast Cancer:
Breast cancer is the most common “malignancy” that majorly affects both European and American women. Every woman is at risk of getting breast cancer, it is the second highest cause of death among women in North America, the first being lung cancer.
Why You Should Get a Yearly Mammography Screening:
Mammography screening is the single most effective method of early detection. There has been significant progress in mammography technology and it continues to help physicians diagnose breast cancer in its earlier stages. Early diagnosis through mammography screening can significantly improve a woman’s chances of survival.
For women over 40 an annual mammogram is recommended. A clinical breast examination by a health care professional should also be done on a regular basis. Women can take charge of their own breast health by understanding their personal risks of the disease. They can also perform a breast self-exam each month and report any breast change to their primary care physician.