Breast Cancer: The Most Common Type of Cancer in Women
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. It affects all countries in the world, with higher rates of diagnosis and mortality in older women.
Getting Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Getting diagnosed with breast cancer can be a scary experience. It's important to know that you are not alone and can get help from people around you who want to support you.
Talking with Your Doctor
The first step is to talk with your doctor about any symptoms you're having. If the symptoms are persistent, a doctor can do a test that looks at the tissue inside your breast. This test, called a biopsy, can help find out if the problem is cancer or not.
Ordering Tests
Your doctor may also order tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI scan to see what's going on in your breast and determine the stage of your cancer. This will help decide what kind of treatment you'll need.
Treatment Options: Surgery
In some cases, a doctor will recommend surgery to remove the breast tumor and a small amount of surrounding normal tissue (lumpectomy). This is usually recommended for early breast cancer and is an outpatient procedure that has a short recovery time.
Risks of Breast Cancer Surgery
For many women, this is an option that is well worth considering for the relief it provides and for the hope it brings. However, it is important to remember that there are risks associated with breast cancer surgery.
Common Side Effects: Lymphoedema
One of the most common side effects of breast cancer surgery is a condition called lymphoedema, which occurs when fluid builds up in your arm or breast. This swelling is caused by damage to your lymph nodes, so it's very important to keep your lymph nodes clean and free from disease during and after surgery.
Treatment for Lymphoedema
Having lymphoedema can make it difficult for you to use your arms or breasts and can cause pain, swelling, and loss of feeling. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to treat this condition, such as a corticosteroid or anti-inflammatory.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Risk factors for breast cancer include a family history of the disease, cigarette smoking, and being overweight or obese. Certain inherited gene mutations can increase your risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Reducing Your Risk
If you're at high risk for breast cancer because of your family history or lifestyle, talk to your doctor about what you can do to reduce your risk. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you manage your weight, quit smoking, and get more physical activity, all of which can prevent the development of breast cancer.
Specialist Breast Cancer Team
Your doctor can also refer you to a specialist breast cancer team for more in-depth information on the latest treatments and possible clinical trials. This is a great way to learn more about your cancer and to get the best care possible.
Early Detection and Treatment
The most effective ways to treat breast cancer are to catch it early and keep it from spreading. This requires regular screening, including mammograms and MRI scans, to detect small changes in your breasts before they become large and hard to treat.
