Breast Cancer
Breast
cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control
enabling them to invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body.
Collections of these out of control tissues are called tumors. However,
not all breast tumors are considered cancerous since certain types of
large cells just cannot be spread or threaten a person’s life and this
kind of tumor is called benign tumor. On the other hand, the tumors
that can spread all throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are
considered cancerous cells and are malignant. Cancer cells usually
comes from either ducts or glands in the breast that is why it may take
months or even years for a tumor to be notice in the breast. Breast
tumors are screened with the use of mammograms that are rather accurate
in screening tumor or cancer cells.
Women are much prone to develop breast cancer that men. Only 1% to 2%
of men have been known to have cases of breast cancer. The early onset
of menstruation in women at the age of 12 increases the risk for a
breast cancer on the other hand an early menopausal period may reduce
the risk of breast cancer. The risk for women to have breast cancer
increases with age in fact a study shows that women over 50 are more
likely to develop breast cancer. Nevertheless, the incidence of breast
cancer among younger women is also increasing in an alarming rate that
is why more women of ages 20s to 30s have subjected themselves to be
diagnosed.
Breast cancer is not only acquired but also can be inherited. For women
who have genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 has an 80% risk of
developing breast cancer. Women who have first-degree relative
diagnosed to have breast cancer increase their risk of also acquiring
breast cancer. Moreover, women with first-degree relative that are
diagnosed to have breast cancer before menopause increase the risk for
them in acquiring breast cancer.
Some factors contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer and these
are as follows: smoking, alcohol and radiation exposure. Women who are
smoking will increase their chances to have breast cancer. Aside from
that, high intakes of alcohol have been found to be a source of breast
cancer. Radiation exposure is another factor that contributes to breast
cancer. Studies have shown that women as well as children who have
undergone high-dose radiation therapy have a much higher chance of
having breast cancer.
About the Author: Khloe Penelope Cruise
She loves to read and write poems. A romantic at
heart.
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