Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. Twelve percent of women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime. Each year in the United States, about 233,000 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Although breast cancer in men is rare, about 2,000 American men are diagnosed each year with invasive breast cancer.There are 2 main types of breast cancer:
- Ductal carcinoma starts in the tubes (ducts) that carry milk from the breast to the nipple. Most breast cancers are of this type.
- Lobular carcinoma starts in the parts of the breast, called lobules, which produce milk.
In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease.
Currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer, therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relief the suffering of patients and their families is needed.
What Are the Symptoms? Know what to look for. There are different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people have no symptoms at all. If you have any signs that worry you, see your doctor right away. Symptoms can include:- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (including blood).
- A new lump in the breast or underarm.
- Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
- Don’t drink alcohol, or limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- If you are taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills, ask your doctor about the risks.
- Breastfeed your children, if possible.
Northwest AHEC joined up on October 1st to Wear it Pink during our morning team huddle. Check us out below...
Other Breast Cancer Resources:
- Learn more about early diagnosis from World Health Organization
- Wake Forest Baptist Breast Cancer Page
- CDC Breast Cancer Awareness
