Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is 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, thepassages 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.
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.
Risk factors you can control
Weight. Being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer, especially for women after menopause. Fat tissue is the body’s main source of estrogen after menopause, when the ovaries stop producing the hormone. Having more fat tissue means having higher estrogen levels, which can increase breast cancer risk.
Diet. Diet is a suspected risk factor for many types of cancer, including breast cancer, but studies have yet to show for sure which types of foods increase risk. It’s a good idea to restrict sources of red meat and other animal fats (including dairy fat in cheese, milk, and ice cream), because they may contain hormones, other growth factors, antibiotics, and pesticides. Some researchers believe that eating too much cholesterol and other fats are risk factors for cancer, and studies show that eating a lot of red and/or processed meats is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables is generally recommended.
Exercise. Evidence is growing that exercise can reduce breast cancer risk. The American Cancer Society recommends engaging in 45-60 minutes of physical exercise 5 or more days a week.
Alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that breast cancer risk increases with the amount of alcohol a woman drinks. Alcohol can limit your liver’s ability to control blood levels of the hormone estrogen, which in turn can increase risk.
Smoking. Smoking is associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk.
Every year around 11,000 women die and 49,000 new cases are diagnosed. However, there are things you can do to prevent breast cancer so that your risk is lowered.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Breast Cancer:
• Diet: If you improve your diet, you can dramatically reduce the risk of getting breast cancer. Avoid foods like pastries, pizzas, fried foods. Instead start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. In addition, cut down on alcohol, tea, coffee and nicotine.
• Exercise: Make it a point to exercise at least for 30 minutes a day. This will reduce the chances of developing present by 30 to 40 percent. Having a healthy body will allow it to fight not just against cancer but other infections and diseases.
• Pregnancy: Doctors advocate women having their first child by the age of 25. Although there is no concrete evidence but doctors say that women who have children early reduce their chances of getting breast cancer significantly compared to women who have their first child in their 30s.
• Breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months: The risk of developing cancer reduces if you breastfeed your child for at least 6 months.
Tags: Breast, Breast Cancer, Cancer, Medical, Treatment