From Awareness to Action: Understanding Breast Cancer Facts
Breast cancer remains one of the most significant health concerns for people worldwide.
There are a lot of myths and false beliefs about this disease.
Unfortunately, these myths can lead to harmful beliefs and behaviors.
This can result in delayed diagnosis, wrong treatment, and many other severe repercussions.
Thus, knowing factual information is essential to protect ourselves from all these things.
In this article, we will discuss 10 crucial and relevant facts about Breast cancer. So let’s dwell on that.
Breast cancer is very common
If you think that Breast cancer is rare and doesn’t affect many people, you are wrong.
Breast cancer is not a rare disease anymore.
Currently, Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer globally. It accounts for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide.
In the US, 1 in every 8 women has a chance of developing Breast cancer.
Approximately 300,590 new Breast cancer cases are expected in the U.S. in 2023.
You can consume Breast cancer medications without having it
It may sound weird, but it’s a fact!
Many doctors may recommend Breast cancer medications even if you have not yet been diagnosed with this disease.
It’s a preventive measure to protect you from developing Breast cancer.
It is mainly given to people who have or had anyone in their family diagnosed with cancer.
Medication such as Anastrozole, widely used in Breast cancer treatment, is a prime example.
But remember not to take any medication without a prescription from the doctor.
Breast cancer can happen at any age
We may think that Breast cancer can only happen in older age women. But that’s just the partial truth.
Older age women are indeed at a higher risk of developing Breast cancer. But it is not just limited to them.
A research was published by An American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal on Breast cancer in adolescent and young adult women under the age of 40 years.
It stated that in the United States, one in 196 women is diagnosed with Breast cancer under the age of 40 years.
Breast cancer doesn’t only confine to your breasts
By the term ‘Breast’ cancer, you may think that the cancer is only related to breasts.
But it’s not the case. Breast cancer can be invasive and affect other areas of the body.
Breast cancer that spreads to other body areas is known as Metastatic breast cancer. It is also known as stage IV Breast cancer.
This type of cancer usually affects the following areas of the body:
- Bones
- Liver
- Lungs
- Brain
Males also get Breast cancer
Breast is a term that we often relate to only females. Thus, we also think that Breast cancer may only happen to women.
But that is not correct. Though it is rare, males are also at risk of developing breast cancer.
Male Breast Cancer (MBC) accounts for 1% of all Breast cancers.
In the U.S., there are about 2,800 cases of MBC annually.
Some Breast cancers are treatable
Yes, Breast cancer is highly treatable. The only condition implied is that it should be in its early stages.
Early-stage Breast cancers can be treated with a combination of treatment options.
This may include the following:
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
However, later stage Breast cancers may also be controlled with proper treatment.
Lumps are the most common symptom of Breast cancer
A new lump is the most common symptom of Breast cancer.
In a study of 56 symptoms of women’s Breast Cancer, a breast lump had a frequency of 83%.
A lump is a hard mass with irregular edges and is mostly painless. However, some breast lumps can be soft, round, tender, or painful.
It is primarily found in your breasts or underarms (armpit). However, it may sometimes also appear on the collarbone.
Lifestyle factors can increase the chances of developing Breast cancer
There are many risk factors for Breast cancer. But there are certain factors that you can control and lower the risk of developing Breast cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some lifestyle factors may increase the chances of Breast cancer. It includes:
- Not being physically active
- Unhealthy eating habits resulting in obesity
- Frequently drinking alcohol
- Smoking regularly
- Night shift working
Ethnicity can play a role in Breast cancer development
A risk factor for Breast cancer that is less known is ethnicity.
Yes, ethnicity can also play a crucial role if you have developed Breast cancer.
Compared to Black, Hispanic, and Asian women, White women have a slightly higher risk of developing Breast cancer.
However, Breast cancer in Black women is more likely to be discovered as aggressive and advanced in their young years.
Mammograms can reduce the risk of fatal Breast cancer
Mammograms are X-ray images of breasts. It helps doctors to diagnose Breast cancers in their early stages.
A study was published in the American Cancer Society Journals about the benefits of mammograms.
It stated that women participating in a Breast cancer screening program had a 60% and 47% lower risk of dying from Breast cancer within 10 and 20 years after diagnosis, respectively.
Takeaway
Breast cancer is one of the major health concerns for people, especially women.
This disease has become common nowadays, affecting millions of women worldwide.
Knowing the factual information about this cancer, we can take action to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Remember that Breast cancer is very common and can occur at any age or gender.
However, you may take medications as a preventive measure if you are at a high risk of developing Breast cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are known facts about Breast cancer?
Some known facts about Breast cancer include that the most common symptom of this disease is a lump. Moreover, Breast cancer is treatable if it is in its early stages. The common treatment options are therapies including hormonal, radiation, targeted, and chemotherapy.
What factors increase the risk of Breast cancer?
Many factors can increase the risk of developing Breast cancer in women. It may include not being physically active, unhealthy eating habits resulting in obesity, frequently drinking alcohol, smoking regularly, or doing night shift work.
What are two interesting facts about Breast cancer?
Breast cancer is not rare as you may think. Millions of women are affected by this disease worldwide. In the US, 1 in every 8 women has a chance of developing Breast cancer. Moreover, not just females, 1% of males also account for all Breast cancers.
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