Simply put, breast cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the cells of a person’s breast. And unfortunately, it may be more common than you might think. In fact, it is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, behind skin cancer. On the bright side, the significant support for breast cancer awareness, funding, and research has made it possible for scientists and medical professionals to create much-needed advances in both the diagnosis and treatment aspects of this disease. Consequently, we are seeing higher survival rates and fewer deaths. Having highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness, we will dedicate this article to providing a detailed document on the topic. 

What are the symptoms?

Just like many other diseases, signs and symptoms of breast cancer may vary from one person to another to an extent that some people may actually experience no clear symptoms. 

That being said, below are the most typical signs to look out for:

• A lump in the underarm/armpit or breast. 
• Nipple discharge other than milk. It may even be blood. 
• Changes in the size, shape, and/or appearance of the breast. 
• Any pain in the localized area of the breast. 
• Changes in the skin of the area around the breast. These may include scaling, peeling, and/or flaking. 
• Redness or swelling in the area around the breast. 

As mentioned above, breast cancer may go unnoticed in the earlier stages, just because no symptoms were present. Therefore, it is highly recommended for all women to undergo regular screenings as advised by their doctor to catch the disease when it is most treatable and curable. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year relative survival rate is a whopping ninety-nine percent, if breast cancer is detected earlier, more specifically in the localized stage. Finally, if you are taking any sort of birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy, then it is best to ask your doctor about the potential risks they may create. 

Having said this, there are still some factors that are ultimately out of your control but still play an important role in determining one’s risk of getting breast cancer. The obvious one to point out is simply being a woman. But yes, men can also get it, even though not nearly as much as women do. Another factor is old age. In other words, the older you get, the more your chances of developing any kind of cancer increase. Most breast cancer cases occur in women who are over the age of fifty-five. Last but certainly not least, genetics. If you have had any family members who had breast cancer at some point in their lives, or if you inherited changes in the BRCA2 and BRCA1 genes of your body, then you might be at a higher risk. 

What are cancer screenings and how can you perform them? 

Well, first and foremost, it goes without saying that all women should perform monthly self-examinations of their breasts by checking to see if they feel any new lumps or see other unusual changes. Aside from this, mammography is the top screening method used for early detection purposes. This x-ray procedure requires a qualified medical expert to examine the breast tissue for anomalies. More often than not, these mammograms show breast lumps, before they can be seen or felt by the person. In addition to this, a breast MRI or ultrasound can likewise be performed for women who hold a higher risk. On this note, it is also worth mentioning that above the age of thirty, women are encouraged to undergo a general risk assessment to schedule future screening accordingly. 

Needless to say, if you experience any of the situations stated above, it is best to consult with your doctor on how to move forward and begin diagnosis and treatment. In this case, a team of experts in the field will present you with all available treatment options and discuss them with you thoroughly. It is up to you to decide how to proceed, so think carefully and weigh the pros and cons of each choice. 

How can you treat it?

Treatments may be systematic or local. As of the time of this writing, the most trusted ones are chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, targeted drug therapy, and immunotherapy. Each of which has its own side effects and benefits. Remember it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed and nervous during this period. So, if time and money permit, it is always better to seek a second opinion for better decision-making. You can also talk to other people who have been in a similar position. 

How can you prevent it?

The hard and sad truth is that there is no sure way of preventing breast cancer. However, there are many measures you can take to decrease your risk of getting it. In general, they all revolve around the idea of taking care of your physical and mental health. This entails maintaining a good amount of physical activity and a well-balanced diet. Avoid consuming alcohol in large amounts. Stay away from any food rich in trans fat. Moreover, studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce your chances of developing breast cancer in the future. So, if and whenever possible, opt to breastfeed. Smoking is a big NO for so many reasons, constantly talked about, but breast cancer, along with most other forms of cancer has a direct cause-effect relationship with smoking. So, it’s best to completely abstain from smoking, and if you do, just quit. The sooner, the better. 

As discussed earlier, breast cancer could be preventable and treatable: early detection is key. Studies have shown that 1 out of 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer. Having said that, doctors usually encourage women (aged ≥ 40) to do screening from time to time, especially if the person is obese, consumes alcohol or tobacco, or had prior radiation therapy. It is also worth mentioning that the overall mortality rate for breast cancer in developing countries is relatively higher, due to the limited knowledge about the issue. Thus, it is crucial to spread awareness about the risk factors and the importance of early detection, especially among less privileged communities. 

All in all, maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes regularly working out and watching what you eat along with abstaining from drinking and smoking, decreases the risks of developing the condition. Finally, as soon as someone notices any of the above-listed symptoms, they are encouraged to see a doctor for examination and further assessment.