Frequently Asked Questions
While there is no surefire way to prevent breast cancer, lifestyle factors like maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, regular physical activity, and breastfeeding may help reduce the risk. Regular mammograms and self-exams also aid in early detection.
Treatment options vary depending on the stage and type of breast cancer. Common treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. Treatment plans are personalized for each patient.
Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV, with 0 being non-invasive and IV being the most advanced. Staging is based on the tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis (spread to other organs).
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of methods, including physical exams, mammography, ultrasound, MRI, biopsy, and sometimes genetic testing. These tests help determine the stage and type of breast cancer.
Common symptoms include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge (other than breast milk), breast pain, skin changes on the breast, or a dimpling of the breast skin.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops there. In breast cancer is the second most common reason for cancer-related deaths in women.
Breast cancer can be discovered early on, when therapy is most effective, with routine check-ups and screening tests. Regular breast cancer screenings are the most crucial step women can take.
All women can get breast cancer. Although the causes of breast cancer are still unknown, there are some factors that may increase a woman’s chances of getting the disease:
- Getting older – Most women are diagnosed when they are 50 years of age or older
- Having a first menstrual period at a young age (younger than 12 years)
- Starting menopause at an older age (older than 55 years)
- Never giving birth, or giving birth to a first child after age 30
- Not breastfeeding
- Having had breast cancer or some non-cancerous breast diseases
- Having a close family member (parent, sibling, child) who has had breast cancer, especially at an early age
- Having certain gene mutations such as BRCA 1 or BRCA 2
- Being overweight or obese
- Drinking alcohol
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many people missed their mammography appointments. Do not put off getting a mammogram if you are overdue. As soon as you can, give your doctor a call to make an appointment. Call your healthcare practitioner as soon as you notice any breast cancer symptoms. The greatest method to detect breast cancer early, when it can be simpler to cure, is to get routine mammograms.
A new tumor or lump is the most typical indication of breast cancer. Breast cancers can be painful, soft, or spherical, but they are more likely to be malignant if they are painless, firm, and have uneven borders. Any new mass, lump, or alteration in your breast should be investigated by a medical professional.
Most types of cancer have four stages: stage I (1) to IV (4). Some cancers also have a stage 0 (zero). Here is a general description of cancer stage groupings.