BREAST
CANCER
Breast cancer
occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of
control enabling them to invade nearby tissues or spread
throughout the body. Collections of these out of control
tissues are called tumors. However, not all breast tumors
are considered cancerous since certain types of large
cells just cannot be spread or threaten a person’s
life and this kind of tumor is called benign tumor.
On the other hand, the tumors that can spread all throughout
the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancerous
cells and are malignant. Cancer cells usually comes
from either ducts or glands in the breast that is why
it may take months or even years for a tumor to be notice
in the breast. Breast tumors are screened with the use
of mammograms that are rather accurate in screening
tumor or cancer cells.
Women are much prone to develop breast cancer that men.
Only 1% to 2% of men have been known to have cases of
breast cancer. The early onset of menstruation in women
at the age of 12 increases the risk for a breast cancer
on the other hand an early menopausal period may reduce
the risk of breast cancer. The risk for women to have
breast cancer increases with age in fact a study shows
that women over 50 are more likely to develop breast
cancer. Nevertheless, the incidence of breast cancer
among younger women is also increasing in an alarming
rate that is why more women of ages 20s to 30s have
subjected themselves to be diagnosed.
Breast cancer is not only acquired but also can be inherited.
For women who have genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or
BRCA2 has an 80% risk of developing breast cancer. Women
who have first-degree relative diagnosed to have breast
cancer increase their risk of also acquiring breast
cancer. Moreover, women with first-degree relative that
are diagnosed to have breast cancer before menopause
increase the risk for them in acquiring breast cancer.
Some factors contribute to the occurrence of breast
cancer and these are as follows: smoking, alcohol and
radiation exposure. Women who are smoking will increase
their chances to have breast cancer. Aside from that,
high intakes of alcohol have been found to be a source
of breast cancer. Radiation exposure is another factor
that contributes to breast cancer. Studies have shown
that women as well as children who have undergone high-dose
radiation therapy have a much higher chance of having
breast cancer.
About the Author
She loves to read and write poems. A romantic at heart.
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