By the end of this year alone, 268,600 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although it can effect both men and women, breast cancer is far more prevalent among the female population. Facing the disease could be stressful, but there are many things we should know about it, as there are various types of diagnoses and different treatments that can be used depending on the type of diagnosis being faced.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
It’s a common conception that women should check their breasts for lumps frequently as a precaution for lumps and tumors, and this is a practice that women should familiarize themselves with and do at least once a month. Although this is a healthy habit that is definitely beneficial, there are other warning signs that should be considered, as lumps may sometimes not be present or can be difficult to notice.
Other symptoms, depending on type of diagnosis, will range from redness or pain around the nipple, swelling around the breast, or nipple discharge. These symptoms may not always directly correlate with a diagnosis, so be sure to check with your doctor if you notice similar symptoms or any changes around the breasts area.
Types of Breast Cancer
Different symptoms will also correspond with different diagnoses. There are five different types of breast cancers, which include: metastatic, ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, and inflammatory.
The attribute that these various types of diagnoses have in common is that abnormal cells have grown in or around the breasts. Some types are more easily treatable while others may be more aggressive and/or grow to other parts of the body, so be sure to check for lumps or other warning signs often and see a doctor if needed.
Breast Cancer Treatments
When it comes to treatment, the CDC discusses the different ways in which the disease could be treated. Chemotherapy is one that is most frequently pointed to, and it could come in the form of intravenous medicine as well as a pill. Surgery can also be performed to remove a tumor or cancer tissue, but this treatment will depend on whether the cancer has metastasized or is invasive.
Other treatments include biological therapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy. Hormonal therapy attempts to block cancer cells from receiving the hormones needed to grow, while biological therapy will assist the immune system in fighting the cells off. Radiation therapy is also relatively common, where radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
Fighting Breast Cancer
Unfortunately, breast cancer, among many other forms of cancer, can cause stress both on the mind and body, but knowing the symptoms can help you or a loved one get to cancer care more quickly. Be aware of the many potential forms of breasts cancers and the symptoms that may come with them, and know that there are different treatments available to treat or fight off the disease.
