Breast Cancer

I am doing research for discussion this Wednesday about woman health and the topic I have is about breast cancer.
So, since I am researching I will also post it here. :)

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men. (Pam Stephan, 2011 a breast cancer survivor)

Type of breast cancer

• Ductal Carcinoma
• Lobular Carcinoma
• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Paget's disease of the nipple

More of type of breast cancer you can read here.

Symptoms

• a lump or a thickening in the breast or in the armpit
• a change of size or shape of the mature breast
• nipple fluid (not milk) leaking
• a change of size or shape of the nipple
• a change of color or texture of the nipple or the areola, or of the skin of the breast itself (dimples, puckers, rash)
• More details about symptoms of breast cancer.

According to Lisa Fayed, a freelance medical writer, cancer educator and patient advocate.

Ten ways to prevent breast cancer

1. Reduce alcohol intake. Studies have determined that women who drink alcoholic beverages develop cancer at a higher rate. How much is too much? Based on studies, ladies who consume 2 to 5 drinks daily have about 1½ times the risk of women who don't consume alcohol.
2. Don't smoke. Although there has not been a direct link between smoking and breast cancer, studies suggest that smoking at an early age can increase a woman's risk. Not only can it be a risk for breast cancer, smoking is a definite risk factor for lung cancer.
3. Exercise more. Physical activity may reduce your risk of breast cancer. Studies by the Women's Health Initiative found that women who walked briskly 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week reduced a woman's breast cancer risk by 18%. 
4. Be aware of your family breast cancer history. Having a family or personal history of breast cancer may increase your risk.
5. Avoid hormone replacement therapy if possible. Studies have shown a link between long time hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer. This link suggests that combined HRT's (estrogen and progesterone) raise the risk factor. Five years after discontinuing HRT's the risk factor drops. HRT's also make mammograms less effective.
6. Check your breast every month. Checking your breasts every month may not reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, but it may help detect breast cancer early. 
7. Try to keep a low fat diet. A diet low in fat not only decreases the risk of obesity, it can reduce your risk of breast cancer. We know that estrogen plays a majot role in the development of breast cacner. Fat tissue contains small amounts of estrogen and may increase your risk. 
8. Don't forget to get a mammogram. It can't prevent, but it can detect.
9. Have children earlier in life. Those who have no child or having first child in the mid thirties or later increases the risk.
10. Consider breast feeding instead formula feeding.

World Breast Cancer Statistics

Age 20-29: 1 in 2,000

Age 30-39: 1 in 229

Age 40-49: 1 in 68

Age 50-59: 1 in 37

Age 60-69: 1 in 26

Ever: 1 in 8

Source: American Cancer Society Breast Cancer Facts & Figures, 2005-2006.

If you are interested to donate/ be supporter you may visit pink ribbon website.

Let's be aware of our own health women and live a healthy live cancer free. :)