Breast Cancer - Symptoms, Types & Risk Factors

What causes breast cancer?

And what are the risk factors for developing breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects women. It is the second highest cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer. Many types of breast cancer are associated with specific risk factors, though some may be more common than others. There is no known cure for breast cancer, but treatments may offer a lower risk of the disease, so they can help reduce your symptoms and possibly even prevent its spread.

Breast cancer most often begins within the globules (tissue around the breast), called cancer cells. These cells then grow into other parts of the body and eventually spread to other organs. Around 40 percent of all breast cancers start from cells in the ducts. The first stage of breast cancer is when the cells divide at the surface of the ducts and move into the globules. When these cells reach the milk ducts they develop tumors. Women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have already had treatment can have recurrences. This is because many different treatment options can be used to treat breast cancer, and this means you have more choices available when it comes to medication. Some people have a family history of developing breast cancer, which increases their risk of developing the condition. Other risk factors include:

BRCA1 mutation:

If you and your mother had these mutations, then you are much more likely to get breast cancer as well as if you have a close relative with those same genes.

BRCA2 mutation:

If you have a brother or sister with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations and you have children, then you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer as well as having children who develop the same gene mutations.

Exposure to BPA:

Certain pesticides and hormone-related substances can make the development of certain types of breast cancer more likely. Exposure to bisphenol-A, hormone-related substances can also make it more likely you will develop cysts, which are lumpy lumps inside the breasts that sometimes bleed. You can find out your levels of hormones by using a pregnancy test to check your hormone levels, or if your doctor prescribes estrogen or progesterone to prevent pregnancy

Age:

Women of older ages may have a greater chance of having certain forms of breast cancer. Women whose bodies are less active when it comes to metabolism can be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to hormonal changes. Your immune system can weaken over time due to menopause and other things. As you age, your insulin and hormones can decline, making it harder for your body to produce enough insulin and cortisol. Hormone therapy is used to control symptoms and control hormone levels. Taking estrogen or progesterone helps maintain a healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone level.

Being overweight:

Being fat is one of the main risk factors for breast cancer. Obesity causes insulin resistance, which increases the amount of insulin produced and lowers the effectiveness of some types of drugs. An increase in obesity also raises your insulin levels and lowers your thyroid (which has thyroid glands). This means you need more vitamin D and calcium. Low calcium and vitamin D levels can also contribute to breast cancer as well as the development of osteoporosis, which leads to bone loss. One way to lose weight is through a healthy diet as well as exercise. Exercise also contains B-vitamins, which boost the immune system. A lack of exercise, on the other hand, can increase your insulin levels and lead to increased fat stored on your thighs and hips. Men and women of all shapes and sizes should work out regularly.

Genetics:

Genetic links may play an important role in why breast cancer seems to run in families. Studies have shown that there are genetic variations that lead to the development of various breast cancer types. Some hereditary breast cancer is passed from parents to offspring. Others are inherited from mothers or sisters or brothers. So you may have siblings or a parent with breast cancer or a sibling with breast cancer, however, none of them will have it unless you inherit them. Mothers may have a larger number of miscarriages than sons. Maternal inheritance can increase the presence of certain forms of breast cancer. If a sibling develops a mutation in one of the genes, then it is more likely you will develop breast cancer as well as being at a greater risk of developing a breast cancer when it comes to older generations. Parents can pass breast cancer to their children through paternal inheritance. However, breast cancer can also occur at birth if you are born with genes linked to breast cancer, so you are more likely to develop the condition than if you were not. Inherited genes play an important role in determining whether a child will develop breast cancer.

Symptoms of breast cancer:

The most common symptom when it comes to breast cancer is usually bleeding during periods. Most women do not notice any problems until the cancer has grown further and started to affect other areas of body. Here is a list of signs to look out for. Source: NHS Choices Advertisement

You may experience unexplained pain or discomfort between your periods or when your breasts start to hurt. Often, when the cancer has moved into your lymph nodes, it can feel like new lumps under your skin.

If you develop the symptoms of breast cancer, you will likely want to know as soon as possible. It can take up to five years for women to realize they have breast cancer. If it becomes known early enough, then you may receive better treatment or treatment that is tailored to your particular needs.

If you don't know what the symptoms are, ask a loved one for advice. They can tell you about the best course to take and help you plan your treatment.

What can I do if my breasts are lumpy with little blood flow?

The sooner you get checked, the sooner you'll get the right treatment. If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak to your doctor about using hormone-based therapy or if you are taking hormone therapy for your symptoms.

Where can I see a doctor?

There are several doctors who specialize in breast surgery. If you are worried about something that might look or feel wrong, a general practitioner is more qualified than a specialist.