Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the second leading cancer amongst women in India and gujarat.

The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of beating it. So it's important to check your breasts regularly.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms:

Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)

Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)

Breast or nipple pain.

Nipple retraction (turning inward)

Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.

Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)

Known Risk Factors. Women with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. A risk factor is something that may increase the chance of getting a disease. Some risk factors (such as drinking alcohol) can be avoided.

Tiny tubes, or ducts, carry the milk toward the nipple. In cancer, the body's cells multiply uncontrollably. Breast cancer usually starts in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. From there, it can spread to other parts of the body.

A lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Such lumps are often hard and painless, though some may be painful. Not all lumps are cancer, though. There are a number of benign breast conditions (like cysts) that can also cause lumps.

Risk factors:

Age

Genetics

A history of breast cancer or breast lumps

Dense breast tissue

Estrogen exposure and breast-feeding

Body weight

Alcohol consumption

Radiation exposure

Hormone treatments

Occupational hazards

Prevention:

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but some lifestyle decisions can significantly reduce the risk of breast and other types of cancer.

These include:

Avoiding excess alcohol consumption

Following a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables

Getting enough exercise

Maintaining a healthy body mass index