Breast cancer is a disease whereby cells in the breast grow out of control. Women are mostly affected, though research has proved that both sexes can fall prey to this disease. Also, it is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in women, who are 50 year old or above, in various countries around the globe, after skin cancer.
Have you ever wondered where the first case of breast cancer appeared? Well, rumour has it that breast cancer can be traced right back to Ancient Egypt, with the earliest recorded case described in 1600 BCE in the Edwin Smith Papyrus.
Breast cancer often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts, a condition medically known as invasive ductal carcinoma. It may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules, invasive lobular carcinoma, or in other cells/tissue within the breast. In most cases where patients suffer from breast cancer, each division takes one to two months to occur, so by the time you can feel a cancerous lump, the cancer has already been in your body for two to five years. This mutation can occur anywhere in the breast, however the most common site is the upper, outer section of the breast. If ever breast cancer is found on your biopsy the cells will be checked for certain proteins or genes that will help the doctors on their choice and analysis of treatment due to the patient.
-Shana Venkatasamy
How to recognise breast cancer:
There are various types of breast cancer; but the symptoms are more or less similar in these instances, and involve:
● A new lump in the breast or in the underarm (armpit).
● Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
● Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
● Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
● Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
● Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
● Any change in the size or shape of the breast.
● Pain in any area of the breast.
If you have any of the above symptoms, contact a doctor right away. It has been found by researchers, that there are several factors that influence breast health among which are; hormones, lifestyle environmental factors, and most importantly your genetics!
-Urvi Elliah