Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. To better understand where it occurs, we have to know the anatomy of the breast. It’s made of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.

What are the Symptoms?

Every woman should know how her breasts normally look and feel, so she can recognize any changes that may occur. Some of the symptoms include:

Any change in the size or the shape of the breast

Swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast

Lump in the breast or underarm

Localized, persistent breast pain

Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood)

It is highly recommended to find out sooner than later by conducting one of these three tests: mammogram, ultrasound (especially for fibrocystic breasts) and MRI, depending on your doctor’s recommendation.

Do you have fibrocystic breasts?

Fibrocystic breasts are composed of tissue that feels lumpy or rope-like in texture. Women with this condition often experience breast pain that varies throughout the menstrual cycle. However, this does not increase your risk of breast cancer. Your doctor may recommend an ultrasound in order to monitor the number and size of the cysts.

How Can I Lower My Risk?

Scientific research has revealed a number of controllable and uncontrollable factors that impact our risk of developing the disease. You may not be able to control personal/family history, race, breast density and menstrual period history. Whereas you can control your lifestyle and try to reduce that extra weight, keep active and not stress too much.

Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.

Breastfeed your children, if possible.

Your health safety is our main concern and that is why we encourage you to use our digital health services such as our Symptom Checker if you notice any changes in your breast. Download and register on MyNextcare app now.

Reference:

https://www.foxchase.org/blog/why-breast-cancer-awareness-so-important

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/resources/features/breastcancerawareness/index.htm

https://www.maurerfoundation.org/about-breast-cancer-breast-health1/risk-factors-for-breast-cancer/#obesity