Caueses
Though there is no precise cause of breast cancer, there are certain established risk factors that may contribute to causing breast cancer. Inactive lifestyle (lack of exercise), increased consumption of fat products, postmenopausal obesity, late marriages, delayed childbearing and the lesser number of children being conceived, reduced duration of breastfeeding (less than one year per child) are all believed to be reasons for increased risk of breast cancer.
Symptons
Breast cancer can have several symptoms, but the first notable symptom is generally a lump.
Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always desirable to get them checked by your doctor. You should also consult your doctor if you observe any of the following:
- Lumps or thickening of breast tissue
- Continuous pain in breast or armpit
- One breast becoming larger or lower
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin
- Nipples becoming inverted (turned in), changing shape or position
- Nipples developing a rash, crusting or producing discharge
- Swelling under the armpits or around the collarbone
Treatment
Breast cancer is treated using a combination of surgeryradiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Surgery is generally considered as the first choice of treatment, followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The type of surgery will depend upon the type of breast cancer. The doctor will discuss and guide the best treatment plan.