Breast Cancer- A Deadly Disease
- Monday, December 14, 2009, 6:32
- Health Care, Women's Health
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Cancer literally meaning crab is one of the most dreaded diseases across the globe. Breast cancer is a type of cancer that is perhaps the most common cancer known to afflict women. It is estimated that 1 out of every 9 women in the United States is diagnosed with this disease.
Research tells us that only a small number of women below the age of 30 years are diagnosed with the disease but their risk doubles every 5 years between the age group of 30-45 years. If breast cancer is detected at the right time, it is possible to treat it completely.
Risk factors for breast cancer:
Breast cancer is also known as a disease of civilization as women living in developed counties are more prone to it as compared to women in developing countries. The main cause believed to be responsible for the development of breast cancer is sedentary lifestyle followed by the intake of a diet high in fat and low in fiber.
Heredity also plays an important role in the development of breast cancer. As per research, a woman with two close relatives with breast cancer is at a higher risk for developing this disease rather than one with no close relatives diagnosed with it.
Other common risk factors include obesity, having a first child after the age of 30 years, early menstruation, early ageing and alcohol consumption.
How is breast cancer detected?
As per the Anti Cancer Society (ACS), there is a three part program for the detection of breast cancer. This involves a monthly breast self- examination for all women above the age of 20 years, a clinical breast examination every 3 years and mammograms every year for women above the age of 40.
Treatment options for breast cancer:
In case a lump is detected in a breast examination, the doctor recommends an ultrasonography. This is followed by a biopsy to check if the lump is cancerous or not. In 90% of the cases, the lump turns out to be a cyst or some other harmless growth.
If the cells are cancerous, the doctor may suggest various treatment options including a lumpectomy or the removal of the lump or a mastectomy that is the removal of the breast. If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues, the growth of these tumor cells can be slowed by radiation or chemotherapy.
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