Breast cancer affects the breast tissues and it originates mostly from the inner lining of the milk ducts. The condition is differentiated by the schemata, stage, grade, receptor etc. The cancerous lump can change the shape and size of breasts, and it can cause skin dimpling, nipple discharge or nipple inversion. Inflammatory breast cancer is caused when the women suffers from inflammation, redness, warmth and swelling around the organ. Most of the cases of breast cancer are diagnosed by women themselves as they feel lump in or around the breast, or in the armpit. More than 50% of the breast cancer deaths are of women above 70 years, although the death rate has fallen in the last ten years due to increased awareness. Since the cause for breast cancer is unknown, women above 40 years should be aware of facts and myths of breast cancer. The top five breast cancer facts are:
1. Hereditary Cause
About 1.38 million women were diagnosed in 2008 with breast cancer and around 80% of the women do not have any family history of the condition, only 5% of the cases were due to hereditary reasons. Women with hereditary BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutation are at a higher risk and women having BRCA mutation can reduce the risk by 50% by getting their ovaries surgically removed. Scientists have also discovered other genetic conditions in women which can cause breast cancer. Women who have mother or sister who suffered from breast cancer should get themselves diagnosed regularly to reduce the risk.
2. Alcohol and Smoking
The breast cancer incidences are highest in western European countries, and lowest in Africa and Asian countries. It has been found the lifestyle of women in European countries involves increased intake of alcohol as compared to the women in other parts of the world. In U.K. approximately six percent of breast cancer in women is caused due to intake of alcohol. To reduce the risk one should reduce intake of alcohol, stop smoking, maintain normal body weight and have moderate physical activities.
3. Brassicas Vegetables
Phytoestrogen taken in adolescence can reduce the risk of breast cancer and women who take adequate amount of Brassicas vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage and kale are at a lower risk of developing the disease.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D has a role in preventing the development of cancer. The vitamin D receptor gene mutation can cause breast cancer, and in studies of women from 13 countries, it was observed the countries with less sun had a higher risk. The research on 1200 women in 2007 found vitamin D supplements delayed appearance of the condition.
5. Exposure To Estrogen
Longer exposure to estrogen hormone can raise the risk. Breast cancer is mostly found in the age above 60 years, and women having early menarche and late menopause are at a higher risk as they are exposed to estrogen for longer duration in their life. The exposure to estrogen increases in women who do not have children, or the women who delay childbirth. Post pregnancy women should breastfeed the newborn to reduce exposure to estrogen.
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001911/
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