Causes Of Breast Cancer
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that breast cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells throughout the breast tissue. Although the exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, several factors are known to increase the risk of a woman developing the disease. These include:
- Age. The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman gets closer to menopause. The majority of cases are diagnosed in women over 50.
- Gender. Biological females are far more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than biological males.
- Family history. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that women who have a history of breast cancer in their family (especially in a close female relative, such as a daughter, sister, or mother) are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves.
- Personal history. Women that have been diagnosed with any type of cancer may be at a higher risk of developing cancer cells in their breast tissue.
- Hormones. Elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen are believed to increase a woman’s chances of developing breast cancer.
- Lifestyle factors. Although no one can predict whether or not they will develop cancer or any other health problem, Marla Ahlgrimm says that excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and living a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Symptoms Of Breast Cancer
The symptoms of breast cancer vary from individual to individual, and not all women with breast cancer experience the same symptoms. The vast majority of symptoms include:
- Scaling/redness of the nipple or surrounding skin
- Dimpling or puckering anywhere on the breast
- Unusual nipple discharge
- Nipple inversion
- A sudden change in size or shape of the breast not due to weight gain or weight loss
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area.
Keep in mind, however, that the symptoms may also be caused by other conditions. Marla Ahlgrimm cites hormonal changes and infections among these. Women who experience any of the symptoms above should speak to their primary health care professional to rule out or diagnose breast cancer.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, breast cancers are usually diagnosed by healthcare providers through a combination of imaging tests and biopsies. A women’s health services provider may perform a mammogram or ultrasound to detect abnormalities in the breast tissue. If and when an abnormality is detected or suspected, a biopsy will be used to confirm the presence of cancerous cells.
Treatment Options
When caught early, breast cancer is usually highly treatable. This, of course, also depends on the size of the tumor and the woman’s overall health. Common treatment options for breast cancer include: .jpg)
- Surgery. Surgery is the front-line method for treating breast cancer. There are two types of breast cancer surgery, and these are lumpectomy and mastectomy. A lumpectomy involves removing the tumor and a bit of the surrounding tissue. A mastectomy removes the entire breast. Women may have one or both breasts removed.
- Radiation therapy. Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. Marla Ahlgrimm says this is typically combined with surgery or other therapies.
- Chemotherapy. Women whose breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body may elect for chemotherapy, which Marla Ahlgrimm explains delivers a dose of chemicals to help target and kill cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy. Marla Ahlgrimm says that hormone therapy may be used to block many of the effects of estrogen and progesterone, effectively cutting off the fuel that perpetuates some types of cancer cell growth.
