Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of women around the world. However, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of survival. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, including:
- Get regular mammograms: Mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer early.
- Get regular clinical breast exams: Clinical breast exams can help find breast cancer that may not be visible on a mammogram.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Get regular exercise: Regular exercise can help lower your risk of developing breast cancer.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol intake: Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
If you notice any changes in your breasts, such as a lump, dimpling, nipple discharge, or changes in the size or shape of your breasts, see your doctor right away. Early detection and treatment are the best ways to improve your chances of survival.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast. The cells in the breast grow and divide in an uncontrolled way, forming a tumor.
Breast cancer can be either non-invasive or invasive. Non-invasive breast cancer means that the cancer cells have not spread from the breast tissue to other parts of the body. Invasive breast cancer means that the cancer cells have spread from the breast tissue to other parts of the body.
How common is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. Other symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- Dimpling of the skin
- Nipple discharge
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast
- Redness or swelling of the breast
- Pain in the breast or armpit
Breast cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of women around the world. However, early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of survival