As we may know, October is the month dedicated to creating and emphasizing breast cancer awareness and it is referred to as “pinktober” because the colour pink is used to represent the course. As a women's health and wellness brand, we just had to hop on the subject.
Breast cancer is a disease that affects everyone with breasts. That is to say men are prone to developing it though majority of the victims are women.
Cancer is a group of diseases that come about as a result of abnormal cell growth and this abnormality has the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Normally cells have a lifespan and die off when they get old or become damaged and since the body needs new ones to function and thrive the healthy ones grow and multiply via cell division to replace the old ones.
Sometimes when the normal process of cell division is disrupted or broken down, abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they should not. These may form lumps called tumours which can be cancerous.
Cancerous tumours are called malignant whilst non-cancerous ones are referred to as benign. Benign tumours do not spread to or invade other parts of the body, contrary to the malignant ones. Malignant tumours may be life-threatening.
Breast cancer is cancer formed in the breast and its symptoms include:
• Redness or pitting (numerous minute hole formation) or dimpling of the skin over the breast
• Change in breast size, shape or appearance
• Lumpiness and/or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• Crusting, scaling, flaking or peeling of the skin around the areola (darker part of the breasts that surround the nipple) or even the skin of the breast.
An electron micrograph of a dividing breast cancer cell
It is imperative to learn to examine oneself. By constantly doing so, you get to know the difference between normal breasts and the abnormal ones. Below is an illustrated guide for breast examination.
How to examine your breasts
Immediately consult a physician when any lump or change in your breast is found- even if a recent mammogram was normal.
Causes and risk factors
As earlier mentioned, breast cancer is formed when there is a growth and division abnormality in the cells of the breast. Research has shown that lifestyle, environmental factors and hormones may increase one’s risk of developing it.
Genetic factors typically make people susceptible to breast cancer. Breast cancer may be caused owing to a number of inborn mutated genes. A person may book an appointment with their physician if their family has a history of breast cancer, as well as other cancers. For a family history of breast cancer, laboratory tests of the blood may be recommended to check for alterations in the BRCA gene.
Other risk factors include increase in age, menarche (first menstrual period) at a much younger age, obesity, alcohol consumption, radiation exposure and being female (women are much more likely to develop this disease than men).
Prevention
Breast cancer may be prevented, or the risk of developing it may be reduced by:
• Regular screening
• Exercising most days of the week
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Limiting postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Choosing a healthy diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight
Remember that though somethings may be out of our control, our lifestyle (including regular checkups) affects our overall health. So you, dear reader, are being entreated to take advantage of breast screenings being conducted around you this month and dear ladies, free the breasts and get them checked!
PHOTO CREDITS:
• Fab.ng
• Havefiness.com
• Cancer.gov
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