Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. One in eight women is currently affected by breast cancer. According to National Center for Biotechnology Information, in three-quarters of breast cancer cases, this disease is mostly found in women who are more than over 50 years old. It is the leading cause of death among women between 35 and 65 years old. Mortality decreases by 1.3% on average per year.

Risk factors

The following are some risk factors that could lead to breast cancer developing in women. However, remember that a large majority of breast cancer occur in women with no or few risk factors.

1. There is a family predisposition among women with close relatives of many people with breast cancer.

2. Consumption of regular alcohol - that is, drinking two or three glasses of wine a week - doubles the risk of breast cancer after menopause.

3. The habit of smoking increases the risk of breast cancer, especially if smoking started early and before the first pregnancy.

4. Obesity increases the risk of developing breast cancer.

5. The absence of regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes every day also represents a risk factor.

Symptoms

The first symptom of breast cancer is the presence of a lump in the breast, which corresponds to the tumor. The breast can gradually deform and ulcerate, which sometimes results from some abnormality around the nipples area. If the breast cancer is diagnosed late, the tumor can spread and trigger other symptoms such as nausea vomiting, weight loss, jaundice, bone pain or a headache, shortness of breath or coughing.

Treatments

The treatments of cancer will depend on the stage of the tumor, determined by the size of the tumor and the results of the extension assessment, depending on the number and location of the other affected organs. In general, the preferred solution is the removal of the tumor if the stage is not too advanced.

Lumpectomy, a conservative surgery, removes a tumor usually less than 3 cm in size and keeps the breast.

The mastectomy is another surgery which removes the affected breast entirely.

Some important precautions

1. Rehabilitation and exercise are crucial steps. They can help restore flexibility to the arm, shoulder located on the side of the intervention and also to reduce postoperative pain.

2. Avoid heavy loads or work that lasts for several weeks.

3. Wear loose clothing and avoid applying irritants. Avoid sun exposure and of course tobacco. Do not drink too much alcohol.

Final Words

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. Breast cancer develops from the cells of the mammary gland. Genetics may also be involved, which explains the increased risks when a breast cancer has already affected a family member. The development of organized breast cancer screening makes it possible to diagnose cancer earlier, and to allow for early management with improved survival that could change - or save - a life.