6 Things You Can Do to Prevent Breast Cancer

With 49,000 new cases and 11,000 deaths per year, breast cancer has experienced a doubling of cases during the past 25 years. And yet, we can prevent this cancer by some simple habits. The risk of breast cancer may be lowered, so play your part!

Just like it is for lung cancer, the causes of breast cancer are easily identified, Only recently a number of these factors have been formally recognized by the light of specific studies. So lets take a look at what you can to to prevent breast cancer and live a healthy life.

Eat less and better.

Again, food is central to the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, but also breast cancer, Food is also responsible in the occurrence of a second cancer. Regardless of overweight, trans fats (pastries, pizza, etc.) are increasing by more than double the risk of breast cancer. If it adds an overweight (especially in case of breakdown "android" fat, in short a big belly), the fatty tissue acts like a gland secretory estrogen promoters of cancer, especially after menopause.

Keep Moving!

Thirty minutes of real physical activity (not just vacuuming and ironing!) would reduce the risk of breast cancer by 30 to 40%. Keeping your body in shape is one of the best weapon against all form of cancers. It may be difficult at first to get out and doing some physical activities but the rewards are fantastic. A simple bicycle ride every day is enough to stay in shape. So let's move!

Drink less than one glass of alcohol per day.

Once the equivalent of 10 grams (one glass), the rate of circulating hormones (estrogen always) grows, as does the risk of tumor growth, especially breast. The risk increase by 9% every 10 grams of alcohol ingested. Alcohol is one of the worst enemy for pregnant women.

Make your first baby around 25 years old.

This factor is the "heavy" in terms of risk ... At least 20% of cancers would be redundant due to the increasingly late age of the first full-term pregnancy, which is nearly 30 years today.

Nurse your baby ideally for 6 months.

The risk decreases with the number of children and especially if they were breastfed: endogène secretion of estrogen are dropping considerably during pregnancy and weaning.

Protect yourself against xenoestrogens.

A xenophobic estrogen is a chemical compound, which is recognized by a living organism as an estrogen.

You must especially avoid periods where your body is changing and more vulnerable to hormonal changes, ie when you are pregnant of a baby girl (for him to avoid breast cancer later.

Breast cancer accounts for one third of new cancers in women. If it is detected early, it is better supported. Women with breast cancer benefit from treatment tailored to their pathology. Four technologies are mainly used. In order of importance: surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Since the year 2000 medical advance has been made on all fronts in the fight against breast cancer. Early detection and treatment are essential to defeat the disease.

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3 Possible Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects around 44,500 people each year. Of these around 300 are believed to be men. It develops when tissues in the breast start to multiply in a rapid and uncontrolled fashion. Like other types of cancer, the symptoms can often be difficult to spot. However, if you know what you are looking for then your chances of identifying this condition early are greatly increased. In this article I will be helping you do just that by discussing three of the possible symptoms.

1) A LUMP OR THICKNESS IN THE BREAST:- Most breast lumps are not cancerous. According to Cancer Research UK 90% of these lumps are caused by; non-cancerous changes in the appearance of the breast, cysts (pouches of fluid in the breast tissue) or Fibroadenoma (a group of fibrous glandular tissues). However, this is still the most common breast cancer symptom so it is worth getting any lumps you do identify checked out by your doctor. Even if they do turn out to be non-cancerous you can identify the cause and possibly have the lump removed simply by going to see your doctor.

2) A CHANGE IN THE BREAST SKIN'S APPEARANCE:- If your breast skin starts to look different this could be a sign of breast cancer. This type of cancer may cause your breast skin to become dimpled (like an orange peel), wrinkled, swollen or inflamed. However, like with lumps a change in the breast skin's appearance can be down to other factors. It may be caused by another less serious medical condition, some medications you have been taking or some other influence. Whatever the cause, you should have any unexplained change in the skin examined by your doctor to be on the safe side.

3) LIQUID DISCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE:- Another possible symptom of breast cancer is nipple discharge. This discharge can be in the form of either blood or pus that is clear, green or yellow. However, like the above symptoms discharge from the nipple is generally down to other causes. Even so the only way to be sure is to go and see your doctor who will then be able to perform further tests and identify the cause.

Breast cancer is relatively difficult to spot. Even if you do identify one of the symptoms listed above, it is does not necessarily mean you have cancer. However, by knowing what to look for you can take action early and go see your doctor. If they determine that the symptoms are non-cancerous you can put your mind at rest. If the symptoms do turn out to be cancerous you are still in a good position because the cancer has been discovered early when it is much more treatable. Examine your breasts regularly and if you notice any of the symptoms listed in the article go see your doctor right away.

Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Breast cancer is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

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How to Detect and Treat Breast Cancer

It can be very helpful to know more about how to detect breast cancer because when it is diagnosed early it can be treated more effectively.

The breast is composed of a group of glands and ducts protected by a fatty tissue. When cancer occurs the cells start to divide and multiply quickly growing in an abnormal pace. It can start within the mammary glands or ducts and spread to the lymph nodes and the fat tissue around the breast. Although, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer amongst women under 35, only 8,000 women are diagnosed before their menopause, of which 2,000 are in their 20s or 30s, out of 44,000 women diagnosed each year.

There are some factors that can increase the risk of a woman developing breast cancer they are as follows:

* Starting menstruation at a young age, before 12 years old.
* Late menopause, after 55 years old
* Being overweight, in particular after the menopause
* If it is in the family history and/or inherited genes
* Intake of HRT - only while taking it, the risks are reduced after stopping taking it
* Regular intake of more than one unit of alcohol every day
* Having previously had breast cancer

What symptoms you should be alert to?

* Unexpected change in size or anatomy of the breast
* Unexpected changes of the nipple, such as changing position or shape, becoming inverted or developing a rash or discharge
* Skin of the breast appears puckered or dimpled
* Continuous pain in one area either in the breast or under the armpit
* Swelling of the armpit or in the region of the collarbone
* A lump or thickening in the breast or armpit


How can breast cancer be diagnosed?

If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned about any of them see your GP and he will exam you and if necessary refer you to a breast clinic for further examination and ultrasound scan or mammogram (breast X-ray). In case a lump is found, cells can be extracted with a delicate needle, or a biopsy can be performed to ascertain if the lump is malignant. The earlier it is detected the more effective the treatment can be. Learn how to do breast self-examination, as it makes easier to know your breasts and recognise any unnatural changes on them.

What are the types of treatment available?

Your specialist will decide on the type of treatment that would suit you best depending on the stage of the tumour, your age as well as your overall health condition and other factors. The treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or hormone therapy, either on their own or mixed within any order or combination.

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Do You Know What Causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissue of breast.They are normally two types of breast cancer. Ductal cancer that start in tube that move milk from breast to nipple and lobular cancer which starts in lobules that produce milk.

Causes or risk that expose you to get breast cancer are:

==> Age and gender -women get breast cancer 100 times more than men.As you get older your chances of getting cancer increases

==> Family history of breast cancer -it is important to study your family tree and know danger you are exposed to,if a relative has had breast ,ovarian or colon cancer you have high risk of getting breast cancer.

==> Genes - if you have gene prone to developing breast cancer such BRCA2,which normally produce protein that protect cancer.If it is passed to you by your parent ,then you have high risk of getting cancer in your life time.

==> Menstrual cycle - For those women who get their period early before age of 12yrs or went to menopause late after age of 55yrs,have increased risk to get breast cancer.

==> Alcohol use - Excessive drinking like taking more than two glasses of alcohol subjects you to higher risk of cancer.

==> Childbirth - Women who have never had children or who get them at their thirties.statistics show that women who become pregnant more than once or at an early age reduce risk of getting cancer.

==> DES - If you take diethylstilbestrol (DES) to prevent miscarriage you may have an increased risk of breast cancer after in your forties.

==> Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - You have a higher risk for breast cancer if you have received hormone replacement therapy for long.Most women use it to reduce the symptoms of menopause.

==> Obesity -Being overweight increases you chance to get breast cancer.The fact behind that is, obese women produce more estrogen, which can enhance the development of breast cancer.

==> Radiation - If you have received radiation therapy in your life time as a child or as you grow to treat cancer of the chest area.The younger you start such radiation, the higher your risk - more so if the radiation was given when a female was developing breasts.

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Signs of Breast Cancer That You Need to Keep in Mind

We have been hearing about many cancer cases and one of the most prominent cancers that we hear of today is the breast cancer. With the increasing rate of the breast cancer cases it is important that we understand and know the signs and symptoms. The following are few symptoms which can help you make out the symptoms of breast cancer:

a. Lump
Lump can be one of the symptoms of breast cancer but not necessary that this is always the cancerous lump. Though, lump is the most common sign of breast cancer in both men and women. Thickening in the breast is also another indication and at times the lump may be painless but it may be sore from time to time.

b. Discharge from the nipple
Bloody discharge from the nipple is also one of the signs of breast cancer but this again does not mean that the person is suffering from breast cancer, though this cannot be taken lightly.

c. Change in size of your breast
Another symptom is the change in the breast size; this can be from one of the clear signs of breast cancer.

d. Indentation of nipple
Retraction or indentation is not the common thing that you would notice, this is also one of the signs where you should not wait for anything, you need to rush to your doctor and get your physical test done.

e. Indentation of skin over the breast
you should also check whether the skin over the breast is indented. Indentation or flattening of the skin over breast is also the symptom of breast cancer.

f. Redness of skin over the breast
Redness or pitting of skin over the breast is again the sign of breast cancer. The shape and texture looks similar to the skin of an orange.

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Signs Know If You Have Breast Cancer

Knowing your body well will help you know normal changes and changes that need medical attention. Having regular check up give you great defense against cancer.

Following Are Some Symptoms of Cancer To look for:

- Unfamiliar pain in your breast or in the armpit - It's unusual in sense that pain is different from how you feel when you have monthly periods. Also if it you feel it in one rather than both breasts. If it is not caused by hormonal changes then go to the doctor for checked up.

- A lump or a tumor in the breast or in the armpit - Sometimes is caused by hormonal changes but if it persists don't wait before it is too late. Go for screening and know the cause of swelling.

- A change in size or shape of the mature breast - If you notice any changes in a mature breast more so if it's occurring on one breast only. That is a cause for alarm to seek health professional for cancer breast examination.

- Fluid other than milk leaking from the nipple - During your menopause you may experience non-blood leakage from nipples of both breasts due to hormonal changes. But if it occurs on one breast only, then you need medical attention.

- Change in size of the nipple - When your body weight changes it is natural for nipple to change its size too. But if it retracts in and doesn't return to its normal shape, seek help from your doctor for cancer manual examination. If there is a problem below the surface of the nipple then having a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound may be the best option.

- Changes of color, shape or texture of the nipple - If you notice puckers, a rash on the nipple skin or darker skin that around the nipple. And after using some cream still doesn't help, then don't waste more time consult doctor when still in its curable stage.

However it is important to know that breast implants, usage of antiperspirants, and wearing under wire bras do not raise your risk for breast cancer. There is also no proven evidence yet to link breast cancer and abortion.

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Breast Cancer - How to Know If You Have Breast Cancer

One of the major killers of women all over the world is breast cancer. While its cause is not yet established, it is agreed and proven that factors such as your body size, age, level of alcohol and fat content can make you contract the disease. So, in order to avoid it, it s highly advisable for you to lose weight, reduce your alcohol consumption, engage in exercise and avoid at all cost fatty foods.

Changes in the size of the breast is one of the features of breast cancer. However, this does not mean that you have the disease when there is a drastic change in the size of your breast. This is why it is essential to see a doctor when you notice a change in the size of your breast. Don't jump into conclusion and panic yet that it is breast cancer. Let the doctor be the judge of that.

Ignorance is very costly when it comes to the issue of breast cancer. You should not be ignorant about the disease. It is even advisable that you read everything out there on the subject. According to statistics, it is estimated that cancer of the breast affects one out of every eleven women in the world. This is why you should not treat the subject with kid's gloves.

One of the steps to quickly detecting the presence of cancer in your breast is a regular examination of your breast. How? You need to examine it for limps and irregular shape and size. This approach may not be very effective for breasts that has undergone augmentation or implantation as lumps cannot be easily detected in such breast as a result of alteration of the breast. This is why you should not go for breast reform that will make detection of lumps impossible.

It is believed that breast cancer is related to the level and production of some hormones in the body. If this is true, then it means that receiving hormone therapy can cause hormonal imbalance that can consequently lead to breast cancer. However, you should realize that going for hormone therapy is still relevant in the treatment of ailments such as depressions. In such cases, it is highly advisable that you receive your therapy from a professional.

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