Skip to main content

Breast Cancer: Expectations vs. Reality

Breast Cancer: Expectations vs. Reality by Dr. Hajarat Ololu-Zubair


Concept


Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, 99% occurring in females while 1% occurs in males. It is of higher rate in the developed countries compared with developing ones; possibly due to higher life-expectancy in the former, as it more common in the elderly women.



The mature human female’s breast is made up of fat, connective tissues and numerous lobules which produce the milk. During lactation, this milk get to the nipple through tiny ducts. Cancer that begins in the milk ducts is known as ductal carcinoma, which is the most common type, while the one that begins in the lobules, called lobular carcinoma is much less common.

Breast anatomyRisk factors


Several risk factors have been associated with breast cancer. They include: old age, early onset of menstruation before age 12, late menopause after 55 years, not having children or having first childbirth after age 35, taking birth control pills, obesity, using hormone replacement therapy, drinking alcohol, the presence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and having a dense breast (that is, a higher proportion of lobules and connective tissues than fat) which can only be detected on mammograms or ultrasound scan.



Seeing a doctor


Symptoms of breast cancer may include painless breast lump, change in size or shape, nipple discharge, lump in the armpits, sunken or inverted nipple, pitting or redness of the skin over the breast, like an orange peel.



Early detection (figure below) is key through self and clinical breast examinations, and annual screening mammography in women who are 40 years and above and in younger women who have a high risk of the disease.

Early detection of CancerSource



Management


Breast cancer can be prevented through regular physical exercise, avoiding alcohol consumption, breast-feeding, consumption of healthy and well balanced diet and limiting the use of hormone replacement therapy.


Breast cancer is most treatable when detected early. Possible treatment includes surgery (removal of the lump or the entire breast), radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sunday Morning Inspiration – GRATITUDE: Part II

“ We showed him (ie. Man) the way; whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will)”  KORAN ( AL-INSAN 76:3). The law of gratitude (Thanksgiving) has been practiced by many thousands of years ago. From the Australian Aborigenes to the African Maasai and Zulu, from the American Navajo, Shawnee and Cherokee, to the Tahitians, Eskimo, and Maori, the practice of gratitude is at the root of most indigenous traditions.  Read also Part I Even the early American settlers aftter landing in the New World chose a particular date and time of the year to come together( Thanksgiving) to be grateful, which is still practiced till date. And we know that the major religions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddism, Sikhism and Hinduism all have gratitude at their core. Mohammed said that gratitude for the abundance you’ve received is the best insurance that the abundance will continue. Buddha said that you have no cause for anything but gratitude and joy. Lao Tzu said that if you rejo...
4 comments
Read more

E-cigarettes causes similar DNA damage as unfiltered cigarettes - Research

A new study from the University of Connecticut has found the vapor from electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes – which are often seen and marketed as a safer alternative – can cause as much DNA damage as smoke from tobacco cigarettes. The results surprised the researchers, who concluded that e-cigarettes are "potentially as harmful as tobacco cigarettes." While a flurry of ongoing research is attempting to determine the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, the "vaping" trend is getting more and more popular – currently, nearly three million adults in Great Britain alone use e-cigarettes. Despite most research still being in the early stages, the majority of studies have suggested that e-cigarettes are safer than tobacco smoking . Click here to view original web page at newatlas.com Related articles across the web Senators' letter to FDA Commissioner Gottlieb perpetuates misconceptions about E-Cigarettes - Discussing President Trump and the Russia in...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sunday Morning Inspiration - GNOTHI SEAUTON (Know Thyself)

      “Therefore do not deceive thyself. Of all deceivers, fear most thyself ” It was Joseph Cambell who penned those immortal words. “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there are only walls”. The journey to the discovery of Self is a great one which all mankind should strive to accomplish. The Self is a hidden treasure not known to many, but for men like Anthony Robbins , when he finally  discovered the awesome gems in himself and the magic it brings, rose from a mere janitor to a best selling author, speaker, entrepreneur and one of the world’s best life coach, because he did really ‘ awaken the giant within ’. But what does it really mean to ‘know thyself ’. The ancient Greek philosophy actually taught  ‘Gnothi seauton’  in almost every schools then, because to them, that’s the fundamental and foundation to having a blissful life. To know thyself means to know you are human, to know you are a fallible mortal. Gnothi seauton , as I understand it, is an...
Post a Comment
Read more