Pain isn’t a guaranteed side effect of cancer, but it can be part of the experience for some. Many hesitate to discuss cancer pain, but controlling it is important for your overall well-being. Discuss your pain symptoms with your treatment team.
Breast cancer forms in the glands (lobules) that help in milk production. It can also form in the ducts or fibrous connective tissues of the breast. Some of the symptoms include a lump in the breast, nipple peeling, and retraction or bloody discharge from the nipple.
The risk factors for developing breast cancer are numerous. Women from 45 years of age are more likely to get breast cancer, although it can occur in younger women as well. Those with a family member with the disease or ovarian cancer are at high risk. Other risk factors include hypertension, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, and taking hormonal pills.
If detected early, patients can get treated completely and even preserve their breasts and avoid the painful procedure of mastectomy. A self-breast exam at home can help detect breast cancer early. You can also take clinical examinations or mammograms. It is recommended to undergo screening every two years from the age of 50 years.
Breast cancer treatment varies with the size, location, and stage of the tumor. Treatment options include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal or targeted therapy.
However, other measures can be taken to minimize the risk of breast cancer. They include:
Exercise – Staying physically fit through daily exercising can help you keep breast cancer away. Living a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, which is the basis of many forms of cancer.
Diet – Eating a well-balanced diet filled with plenty of fresh vegetables, whole grains, nuts, legumes, and fruits can keep you free from cancer. Avoid oily, sugary, and junk food as well as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Screening – Screening for breast cancer is critical, especially if you are at high risk. If your family has a history of the disease, you should begin your screening 10 years earlier than the recommended age. Consult with your doctor immediately you experience symptoms.
A few changes in your lifestyle, combined with routine checkups, can help you avoid or reduce your breast cancer as well as many other forms of cancer.
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