Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, and much more. October is set to be the Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is considered as the most common form of cancer in women followed by lung cancer. This cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lives. Remember that men can also develop breast cancer., but very rare. According to India Today, on an average, every two minutes at least one woman is diagnosed with breast cancer all over the world.
Here are 4 important things you need to know about breast cancer.
1. Breast Cancer is Not Limited To Your Breast Only
Everyone, especially women need to know that breast tissue extends into the armpit and up towards the collarbone. It is very important to check completely the said areas during self-breast examinations.
2. Lumps Are Not the First and Only Symptoms of Breast Cancer
The lump is the most common symptoms of breast cancer bu it is not true that it is the first and only symptoms of the disease. Other symptoms that women should be aware of, such as non-stop itching, breast swelling, nipple inversion, redness, or nipple discharge.
3. There are No X-ray Exams To Test Breast Cancer
Mammograms are X-ray exams of the breast. They are most often used to screen for breast cancer in women who have no symptoms. Mammograms and other breast imaging tests can also be used in women who have breast symptoms, such as a lump or pain, or who have a suspicious change seen on a screening mammogram.
4. Breast Cancer Can be Inherited Through Genes
According to Breast Cancer.Org, most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes: BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene one) and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene two). Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The function of the BRCA genes is to repair cell damage and keep breast, ovarian, and other cells growing normally.
In addition to that, Some people are born with a gene fault (mutation) that increases their risk of breast cancer compared to the average person. To learn more about breast cancer awareness, visit the Cancer Treatment Centers of America's breast cancer page.
