Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is breast Cancer? Breast cancer occurs when a malignant cancerous tumor originates in the breast. As breast cancer tumors mature, they may metastasize spread to other parts of the body. The primary method of metastasis is the lymphatic system that, ironically enough, is also the body's main system for producing and transporting white blood cells and other cancer-fighting immune system cells throughout the body. Metastasized cancer cells that are not destroyed by the lymphatic systems white blood cells move through the lymphatic vessels and settle in remote body locales, forming new tumors and perpetuating the disease activity.

How common is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S About 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. For women in the U.S., breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, besides lung cancer. About 2,600 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to diagnosed in men in 2016. 

Causes of Breast Cancer The main cause of breast cancer is yet to be found. Most likely cause is related to changes in the genetic material (DNA) in our cells. DNA changes are often related to our lifestyle, but some can be due to age and other factors.

Who can get breast cancer? The older you are, the greater your chance of getting breast cancer. It is not only common in women, but there are also men that can get diagnosed with breast cancer. Young children also have a chance of getting diagnosed. It is not very common for them but there are still some risks.

Symptoms Of Breast Cancer Lump in the breast Bloody discharge from the breast Changes in the shape of breast Changes in the texture of breast Pain in the breast area Redness, scanliness, or thickening of the area Skin annoyance or dimpling

What are some risk factors? Being a female Getting older Family history Genetics Overweight Drinking alcohol Not breastfeeding Being tall Having your first period before the age of 12

How to prevent yourself from getting breast cancer? A healthy diet and daily exercise is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from getting breast cancer. Limiting alcohol. Staying away from drugs especially smoking. Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Breast-feed. Take your supplements daily.

What are some possible treatments? Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy Hormonal Therapies Targeted Therapies