Breast Cancer Facts and FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
What is Breast Cancer?
When cells in the breast start to grow in a strange way and form a lump or mass, this is the start of breast cancer. Men rarely get it, but it can happen to both men and women. Treatment is much more likely to work if you get regular check-ups and catch problems early.
Can all lumps in the breast be cancer?
No, most lumps in the breast are safe and not cancerous. But if you notice a lump, growth, or change in your breast, you should see a doctor to make sure it’s not cancer. The key to better results is getting a diagnosis early.
Could breast pain be a sign of cancer?
Not all the time. Period-related changes in hormones can cause cyclical breast pain. It’s normal and not a sign of cancer. In the early stages, most breast cancers don’t hurt. In later stages, pain may happen, but it’s not the only sign of cancer.
Who is likely to get breast cancer?
Several things can make you more likely to get breast cancer :
- Gender: Breast cancer is more likely to happen to women than to men.
- Age: The risk goes up with age, especially after age 50.
- Family History: The chance is higher if you or a close family member has had breast or ovarian cancer.
- Genetic Changes: Changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes raise the chance.
- History of having children: starting periods early (before 12 years old) or menopause late (after 50 years old) raises the risk.
- Pregnancy Factors: The risks are greater for women who are having their first child after 30 or who have never had a child.
- Lifestyle Choices: Being overweight, not being active, smoking, and drinking alcohol all raise the chance of heart disease.
Is it always true that breast cancer runs in families?
No, more than 95% of breast cancers are not passed down through families. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, your risk may be higher, but it doesn’t mean you will get it. No matter what your family background is, you need to get regular screenings.
What signs shows you have breast cancer?
Watch out for these symptoms and signs :
- A lump or mass in the breast or underarm area;
- Changes in the breast's size, shape, or appearance;
- Inverted nipples or unusual nipple discharge (like blood);
- Changes in the skin's texture, such as dimpling, redness, or puckering;
- Breast tissue that is swelling or getting thicker
How can I lower my risk of breast cancer?
You can't change some things, like your age or your genes, but living a healthy life can help lower your risk :
- Keep your body busy by working out regularly.
- Make sure you get enough fruits, veggies, and whole grains in your diet.
- Keep your weight in a safe range.
- Don't smoke and drink less booze.
- If you can, breastfeed your baby because it helps protect them.
- After age 25, check your breasts every month.
- After age 25, get a clinical breast check once a year from a doctor.
- Start getting a mammogram every year at age 40.
- Talk to a counselor about genetic tests and ways to avoid getting breast cancer if it runs in your family.
What can you do to check for breast cancer?
Screening for breast cancer includes :
- Self-Breast Exams: from age 25, check your breasts every month for lumps, growth, or changes.
- Clinical Exams: If you are between the ages of 25 and 40, you should get a full breast exam once a year.
- Mammograms: Starting at age 40, get an X-ray of your breasts once a year to find cancer early.
How do you get a mammogram?
A mammogram is a special kind of X-ray that looks for early signs of cancer in the breast tissue. It can find problems before they show up, which makes it an important tool for early evaluation.
When should I check my own breasts?
- The best time for women who are bleeding is two to three days after their period is over, when their breasts are less sore.
- For women who have gone through menopause, pick the same day every month to be consistent.
Are padded bras or deodorants more likely to cause breast cancer?
Not at all. Research has not found a link between using antiperspirants or wearing wired or thick bras and heart disease. Scientific study has shown that these myths are not true.
Does a biopsy stop the growth of breast cancer?
Without a doubt not. A biopsy is a necessary and safe way to find out if someone has cancer. It doesn’t make cancer cells move around. For more details on breast cancer – Click here.
Do all women who have breast cancer need to have a mastectomy?
No, not all people need to have their breasts completely removed. Breast-conserving surgery (BCS), in which only the growth is removed and most of the breast is left alone, can help with many cases. In many early cases, BCS works just as well as a mastectomy.
Is chemotherapy always needed to treat breast cancer?
No, not all people need to go through chemotherapy. Treatment plans are made for each person based on their stage and type of cancer. In the early stages, some people may not need chemotherapy. Instead, they may be able to be treated with surgery, radiation, or hormone treatment.