ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

Breast cancer causes, types, and prevention tips

Breast cancer begins in the cells of the breasts, and it is the second most common type of cancer affecting women, the first being skin cancer. While the condition can affect both men and women, it is more prevalent in the latter. There are several types of breast cancer, and each case develops differently. Early detection and proper treatments can highly increase the chances of survival. Let’s look at this condition in detail.

Causes and symptoms

When the breast cells begin to grow abnormally in the tissue, it leads to forming a lump or a mass. This can spread through the breast to other lymph nodes and the rest of the body. Some of the symptoms to look out for are:

A breast lump or mass surrounding the tissue that feels abnormal.

Change in the size and appearance of the breast.

Change in the skin texture on the breast.

Pitting of the skin over the breast or a constant redness.

Any peeling, flaking, scaling or crusting of the skin around the pigmented area of the skin that surrounds the nipple region.

A noticeable inverted nipple

Types of breast cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, and treatment for these types differs according to the diagnosis by the health professional. Some may have other health complications, while others may not, and a doctor makes a treatment plan accordingly.

DCIS or Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

This is considered to be the earliest form of breast cancer to affect anyone. This type of cancer is low-risk and noninvasive, meaning it has not yet spread out of the milk duct (which is where it develops). It has a very low risk of becoming invasive. Since this is an early stage of cancer, treatment is highly successful, so it is essential to get a complete diagnosis and treatment plan as soon as possible to avoid any complications in the future.

Invasive lobular carcinoma

This is the type of cancer that develops in the milk-producing glands of the breast. The cancer cells in this condition have broken out of the milk-producing glands and can spread to other parts of the body. It is crucial to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for the same.

Angiosarcoma

This is a rare type of breast cancer that develops in the lining of the blood vessels and lymph vessels and rarely occurs on the skin of the breast. This disease also develops around the area where the skin has been exposed to radiation therapy in the past, so it’s risk of development is higher in patients with such a history.

Inflammatory breast cancer

This is another rare type of breast cancer that develops fast and results in swollen, tender, and red breasts. These symptoms are a result of cancer cells blocking the lymphatic vessels in the skin covering the breast. It is considered to be a locally advanced case of cancer. It is important to seek help immediately to ensure cancer does not spread to the rest of the body parts nearby.

Lobular Carcinoma in Situ or LCIS

This is an uncommon type of cancer. While technically, the abnormal cells formed in the milk glands here are not cancerous, they indicate an increased risk of developing cancer, so it is important to seek professional attention immediately to reduce cancer risk. It is also difficult to suspect as it does not show up on a mammogram and needs a breast biopsy to be detected. Since this type of condition does not have any signs or symptoms, the only way to stay alert is to get regular checks done and continue with preventive measures, which reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Male breast cancer

This affects the breast tissue in men, especially older men. It is not a common disease among men; however, it does occur in some who may be at a higher risk of developing this condition. When detected early, it is easy to treat the condition by removing the affected breast tissue.

Paget’s disease of the breast

This often develops in those who already have an underlying ductal breast cancer condition. The condition often affects those after the age of 50, and it is a rare type of breast cancer that starts at the nipple and extends to the areola.

Recurrent breast cancer

As the name suggests, the cancer returns after months or years of treatment. While the treatment is done to remove all the cancer cells, sometimes the cells survive and evade the procedure, resulting in the multiplication of the abnormal cells much later.

Preventive care for breast cancer

While there is no sure way to ensure breast cancer does not develop, there are some preventive measures to take to reduce the risk of getting this disease.

Maintain a physically active lifestyle

A sedentary life leads to several health complications like blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and so on. Making sure that you are active and are using your body’s potential in a healthy and sustainable manner can help you evade a number of complications.

Note any treatment side effects

If you are on any kind of treatment, especially birth control or hormone replacement therapy, it is important to have an open conversation about the side effects of this treatment plan with your doctor. Look out for any major signs or symptoms that can create complications in the future.

Opt for breastfeeding
If possible, it is recommended that new mothers breastfeed their newborns. Research suggests that the longer you breastfeed your kid, the lower your chances of developing breast cancer.

Check for a family history of breast cancer

If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak to your health professional about regular checkups. Also, it is advisable to try and address ways to reduce your risk of developing the disease. It is possible that you may have inherited the mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which can be responsible for a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.