Today’s women are more knowledgeable and conscientious than ever about the risks of breast cancer. This is especially true for women over 40 years of age, who have crossed the threshold of increased risk of breast cancer.
Age is so important to the development of breast cancer that about 76% of women who develop it have no other risk factors other than age. However, all women, regardless of age or race, need to acknowledge the risk of developing it. All women are at risk.
Risk Factor
Women who have never smoked a day in their entire lives can develop breast cancer. Women who have always been health-conscious can also develop it. In fact, nearly one woman out of eleven will experience breast cancer. A staggering statistic by anybody’s standards!
An estimated 211,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed this past year. Even with the increased awareness programs, early detection through annual mammography screening, and instruction for self-examination, breast cancer remains a leading cause of death for women.
Breast cancer, like other forms of cancer, is a disease of the cells. In all, there are about fifteen different types of breast cancer. Some are more serious than others, but the one common factor they all share is that neither the cause nor the cure has been found.
There are four recognised developmental stages of breast cancer:
(1.) At state 0, cancer cells are present in either the lining of the milk glands (lobules) or in the tubes (ducts) that link the milk glands to the nipple. No cancer cells have spread to the nearby fatty tissue.
(2.) Stage 1: The cancer has spread to the breast's fatty tissue.There are no cancer cells in the lymph nodes surrounding the patient.
(3.) Stage 2: Tumor diameter is 1′′ to 2′′; cancer cells may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
(4.) Stage 3: Cancer is locally advanced. Tumors are approximately 2 inches or larger in diameter, or tumours of any size have spread to lymph nodes under the arm or in the chest (above or below the collarbone).
(5.) Stage 4: Advanced, metastatic breast cancerThe cancer has spread from the breast and lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
Early detection of breast cancer remains a woman’s best chance of survival, and women of all ages should take advantage of all the resources available.
Every woman should do the following: 1. Learn about the risk factors for breast cancer.
2. Learn about the different types, stages, and symptoms of breast cancer.
3. Learn and practise the proper procedure for self-examination tests.
Long-term use of oral contraceptives, early menstruation, late first full-term pregnancy, exposure to high doses of radiation during puberty through childbearing years, and inherited genetic mutations can all increase a woman’s risk of acquiring breast cancer.
Women 40 years of age or older should also:
1. Schedule an annual mammogram screening.
2. Become educated about the increased age-related risks associated with breast cancer. 3.
Recent studies confirm that the risk of breast cancer in midlife increases with regular consumption of alcohol, hormone replacement therapy, weight, and body mass distribution.
During self-examination, look for a lump or thickening in the breast, a discharge from the nipple, scaliness on the skin or around the nipple, a change in shape, color, or texture, and dimpling or puckering.
If you detect a lump, don’t panic. Approximately 85 percent of all lumps are nonmalignant. Make an appointment with your doctor for a more thorough examination and tests.
Treatment for breast cancer today is often less radical than in years past, and chances for survival are much better when the tumour is discovered early.
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