Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. To better understand breast cancer, it helps to understand how any cancer can develop.
Cancer occurs as a result of mutations, or abnormal changes, in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy. The genes are in each cell’s nucleus, which acts as the “control room” of each cell. Normally, the cells in our bodies replace themselves through an orderly process of cell growth: healthy new cells take over as old ones die out. But over time, mutations can “turn on” certain genes and “turn off” others in a cell. That changed cell gains the ability to keep dividing without control or order, producing more cells just like it and forming a tumor.
A tumor can be benign (not dangerous to health) or malignant (has the potential to be dangerous). Benign tumors are not considered cancerous: their cells are close to normal in appearance, they grow slowly, and they do not invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors are cancerous. Left unchecked, malignant cells eventually can spread beyond the original tumor to other parts of the body.
The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Less commonly, breast cancer can begin in the stromal tissues, which include the fatty and fibrous connective tissues of the breast.
Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. The breast cancer’s stage refers to how far the cancer cells have spread beyond the original tumor .
Breast cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality (a “mistake” in the genetic material). However, only 5-10% of cancers are due to an abnormality inherited from your mother or father. About 90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and the “wear and tear” of life in general.
While there are steps every person can take to help the body stay as healthy as possible (such as eating a balanced diet, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly), breast cancer is never anyone's fault. Feeling guilty, or telling yourself that breast cancer happened because of something you or anyone else did, is not productive.
Breast Cancer Facts and Figures
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women
The risk of breast cancer increases with age and if you live to 90 years your risk of developing this cancer is almost 14%
1.7 million breast cancers were diagnosed worldwide in 2007
465,000 (approx.) women died due to breast cancer in 2007
North America, Australia, Europe have the highest incidence of breast cancer
Large parts of Africa and Asia have the lowest rates
In the last 25 years it incidence has gone up by 30% in the western world
Increased risk of developing breast cancer include -
Start of menstrual period at an early age
Menopause later in life
Having a first or second degree relative with breast cancer
Obesity
Consumption of alcohol
Never having children
Using contraceptives
Using hormone replacement therapy during post-menopausal years
Certain inherited genetic mutations for breast cancer (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2)
Decreased Breast cancer Risk -
Breast feeding
Moderate Physical activity
Maintaining normal weight
Stop smoking
Breast cancer can be prevented by screening
Early treatment can increase chances of 5 years survival to 98%
Women with a BRCA mutation who get their ovaries surgically removed can reduce their risk of breast cancer by over 50%.
A study from North Carolina State University indicated that Women who performed the act of fellatio and swallow semen regularly (one to two times a week) may reduce their risk of breast cancer by up to 40 percent!!
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