Top facts about breast cancer

Breast cancer is an extremely common problem that, unfortunately, many women are faced with. Breast cancer usually manifests itself in the appearance of a bump in one’s breast, which can be detected with careful palpation. Moreover, a person may feel chest pains, as well as notice unusual discharge from the nipples. It is important to mention that the detection of a breast lesion does not necessarily mean the presence of cancer since there are benign and malignant tumors.

Read about the most important facts about breast cancer in order to protect yourself in advance with regular checkups and the ability to identify this disease.

People predisposed to breast cancer

Despite the widespread belief, breast cancer can be detected not only in women but also in men. However, women are much more disposed to this disease. According to statistics, about 20% of females face the detection of breast lesions.

Doctors recommend being especially attentive to women who are exposed to one of the following factors that increase the likelihood of breast cancer:

• the injury you received caused fat necrosis;
• you have found a benign tumor in your breast;
• you have lymphocytic mastitis;
• you are 35 or more years old.

None of these factors leads to the appearance of breast cancer in 100% of cases, but people with the characteristics mentioned above need to be checked on a regular basis.

How to detect breast cancer?

We have already mentioned that it is mandatory to check for breast cancer regularly. Now let us look at the ways to detect this type of cancer.

• Mammography is an X-ray of the breast that can help detect cancer in some cases;

• A physical examination by a doctor or even independent breast palpation is the easiest way to detect thickenings that are a sign of cancer;

• Computed tomography allows you to detect breast cancer even if other methods prove ineffective due to the large density of the breast or the deep location of cancerous formations;

• Ultrasound is another effective method of detecting cancer, but it should also be kept in mind that it is characterized by a large percentage of false indications;

• MRI is a more reliable method of detecting breast cancer than mammography, which can be prescribed after consulting a doctor;

• A biopsy is used when it is necessary to take material for analysis and develop a plan for further treatment.

Ways to treat breast cancer

A treatment plan cannot be drawn up on your own, so we recommend that you contact your doctor regularly. Treatment options may include:

• Removal of fluid from the breast area affected by cancer;
• Lack of medical intervention with constant monitoring;
• The surgical operation to remove the tumor.