Breast Cancer




The cells in the body are the basic building blocks that form tissue. New cells are formed to replace old dead cells, but sometimes, something goes wrong and new cells are formed when they are not needed, and these excess cells build up to form a mass of tissue called a lump, growth or tumor.
Benign Tumors are generally not aggressive towards the surrounding tissue but they may grow to press on organs and cause pain or other problems, these are usually removed to ease pain and problems.
Malignant Tumors are cancerous and aggressive because they invade and damage surrounding tissue, in this case a test, called a biopsy, is done to check the level of aggression of the tumor and determine treatment options. Metastatic cancer is when malignant tumors spread to other parts of the body to form secondary tumors.

Cancer is characterized by abnormal cell growth that invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer begins in the cells of the breast and can invade surrounding tissue or spread to other areas of the body. According to the World Health Organization, Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in women, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women worldwide. Although rare, some men get breast cancer.

What Causes Breast Cancer

No one knows the exact cause of Breast Cancer and most women who have Breast Cancer are not able to point out what may have caused it exactly. All we know is that it is generally caused by damage to the cell's DNA. Breast Cancer is not contagious; you cannot get it from someone who has Cancer.
However there are some risk factors that can increase the chances of getting Breast Cancer, but it does not mean that the person will definitely get Breast Cancer, in fact about 60 - 70% of the people who have Breast Cancer did not have any of the risk factors, and others who had the risk factors never developed Breast Cancer.
Some risk factors can be avoided, while others cannot be avoided.

Risk Factors that Cannot be Changed/Avoided

  • Gender - Breast Cancer occurs nearly 100 times more in women than in men.
  • Age - Mostly affects people over 55 years of age.
  • Race - Occurs more often in caucasian women than in other races.
  • Family History and Genetic Factors - If your mother, sister, father or child has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you have a higher risk of breast cancer, this risk increases if your relative was diagnosed before the age of 50.
  • Personal Health History - If you have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of being diagnosed in the other breast. You are also at risk if abnormal cells have been detected in your breasts before.
  • Menstrual and Reproductive History - Early menstruation (before the age of 12), late menopause (after 55), having your first child at an older age, or never having given birth increases the risk of Breast Cancer.
  • Certain Genome Changes - Mutation in certain genes increases the risk of Breast Cancer, this can be determined by a genetic test, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer.
  • Dense Breast Tissue - This makes it harder to detect lumps in the breast, this can be determined by a mammogram test.

Risk Factors that Can be Changed/Avoided


  • Lack of Physical Activity - Exercise more and be fit.
  • Poor diet - Avoid high fat foods and take lots of fruits and vegetables.
  • Being Overweight/Obese - This risk is increased if you have already gone through menopause. Get exercise and loose weight to become healthy.
  • Drinking Alcohol - The more alcohol you take the greater your chances of getting Breast Cancer.
  • Radiation to the Chest - Having radiation therapy in the chest before the age of 30 increases your risk of Breast Cancer
  • Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) - Taking HRT for menopause increases your risk for Breast Cancer, it also increases the risk that the cancer will be detected in an advanced stage.

What Doesn't Cause Breast Cancer:

  • Caffeine
  • Deodorant
  • Underwire Bras
  • Implants
  • Plastic Food Serving Items
  • Microwaves
  • Cellphones
  • Contact with other people who have Breast Cancer

Early detection helps to improve the chances of survival since treatment can begin in good time.
From age 18 take a self-breast exam every month, especially after your menstrual period. From age 40 take a mammogram test every year.
Take a self-breast exam today and visit the nearest hospital if you find a lump in your breast. Together we can stop Breast Cancer.
Read about our Soothing Breast Balm if you are undergoing radiation treatment and looking for a balm to sooth your sore breast.

Reference: nationalbreastcancer.org

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