According to the Hormone Foundation, breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that a woman can have. You are more likely to have cancer if:
You started your cycle before 12 years of age
Reached menopause after 55 years of age
Are an older woman
Had babies after 30
Had hormone therapy (estrogen and progestin) more than five years
Scientists don’t exactly know what causes breast cancer, but they do know that your genes and hormones have a lot to do with it. In regards to hormones, estrogen (a female hormone) and progestin (a synthetic form of female hormones) cause breast tissue to grow. Consequently, cancer forms in fast-growing tissue.
The best way to try to prevent cancer is being proactive. In other words, do your monthly breast exam and do schedule for your annual breast exam at your doctor’s. Even though insurance agencies would have you to do differently, at the time of this writing, medical professionals still recommend getting an annual mammogram if you are 40 years old and older. If you are 40 years old or younger and have a family history of breast cancer, it is recommended that you obtain an annual mammogram as well.
When you’re performing your monthly breast exam, what are you exactly looking for? There can be several signs. Signs include anything from a lump that was not previously there or that has changed consistency (some of us have lumpy, noncancerous breasts naturally), changes in the size of your breast, dimpling and puckering breast skin, and/or nipple discharge.
If any of the above is happening, it would be advisable to consult with your physician. She will definitely order a mammogram, and if needed a breast ultrasound, a fine needed aspirate (sample of lump cells) or even a core biopsy (sample of lump tissue).
What can you expect from treatment? According to the Hormone Foundation, treatment really depends on the type and stage of the cancer that is presenting. Common forms of treatment would be surgery, for removal; radiation therapy, for cancer cell destruction and shrinkage; chemotherapy, for stopping continued cell growth; and/or hormone therapy (tamoxifen or raloxifene). These two hormones can be taken by those who do not even have cancer at present, but who are at risk due to family history. They are used for prevention.
Remember, monthly checkups, annual exams, taking stock of risk factors and family history is important. Let’s do all we can to fight off this disease and be healthy.
Good health to you!
Resources: The Hormone Foundation
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer helping to change one family at time through Children’s Services for the State of Tennessee.