Breast Cancer: The importance of screening
Breast cancer is the type most common cancer in women, but if detected early, it can be treated or eliminated. Indeed, many women are now alive and healthy because their cancer was detected and treated early.
Definition of Breast Cancer
Throughout our lives, the body’s cells reproduce to replace cells damaged. However, sometimes the cells begin to divide at an abnormally fast pace. This uncontrolled growth can cause cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer
If there is neither single cause nor a single trigger for breast cancer, there are certain risk factors:
Female age (50 years);
Family history of breast cancer;
Late age at first pregnancy or no pregnancy;
Early age of first menstruation;
Late onset of menopause;
Smoking and alcohol abuse;
Taking oral contraceptives for several years;
Obesity, especially after menopause.
Breast cancer also affects men, but it represents less than 1% of all cases in Canada.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Breast cancer is usually manifested by a lump or swelling in the breast or armpit. One can also observe the following signs:
Change of size or shape of breasts;
Appearance of dimples or folds;
Thickening or dimpling of skin;
Redness, swelling or warmth in the breast;
Inverted nipple (turning inward);
Discharge from the nipple;
Crust or scaling on the nipple.
These transformations can be signs of breast cancer, but may indicate another health problem. In fact, about 8 out of 10 are not cancerous. Note that the frequent appearance of small bumps, especially before menstruation is not necessarily a sign of cancer.
Screening and treatment of breast cancer
Early detection, to put all the chances of his side
Although no test is absolutely foolproof, self-breast exam every month and mammography every two years from the age of fifty years, remain the means of preventing the most reliable to detect any problems.
Indeed, women who practice self-exam each month may notice changes occurring in their breasts because they know, among others, the texture and shape. One thing is certain: to make a tactile and visual examination of the breasts every month, at the age of 20 years, is crucial because about 90% of palpable breast cancers are detected by patients themselves.
From the appearance of a suspicious mass, it is important to consult a doctor. Besides a complete physical examination, a mammogram may show abnormalities. If the doctor suspects cancer, he will use some imaging techniques to further explore and establish the degree of malignancy of cancer. A biopsy may also be necessary. If cancer is not treated in time, may form metastases and spread to other parts of the body.
Treatments
Depending on the stage of cancer development, various types of treatment can be offered. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, hormone therapy, the partial or total removal of the breast or the combination of some of its treatments are the main methods used.
Pharmacy Services
Have questions about breast cancer or its treatment? Consult your pharmacist.
Tags: Breast Cancer, Definition of Breast Cancer, importance, screening, Signs, symptoms of breast cancer
