The Pink Ribbon: Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Part 1)
Every year, the world celebrates October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is established to increase awareness of the disease and also to be able to raise funds for the research that will help understand its cause, know what prevention to make, diagnosis, and find treatment and cure for it. This celebration also intended to give more information and provide support for those who are affected by breast cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells. This refers to a malignant tumor (which means it has the potential to be dangerous) that has developed from cells in the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Breast cnacer either begins in the cells of the lobules, the mil-producing glands, or the ducts, which is the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
The first and most common sign of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast that either you or you rdoctor can feel. Lump that is painless, hard and has uneven edges is more likely to be cancer. But breast cancers can also be tender, soft or rounded. Because of this, it is very important to have any new breast mass or lump or any breast change you notice be checked by doctors who are eperienced in diagnosing breast diseases cases.
Other signs of breast cancer may include:
- Skin irritation or dimpling (dent)
- Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is left)
- Nipple retraction (or the turning inward)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple discharge that is other than breast milk
- A lump in the underarm area
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
At present, the most effective technology for breast cancer diagnostic is mammography. But aside from this, there are many examinations and laboratories that can be used for screening. This may include:
- Medical history
- Physical examinations
- Imaging tests (x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves, radioactive substances)
- Ultrasound
- Digital Mammography
- Computer-Aided Detection
- MRI
- PET scan
- Electrical Impedance Scanning
- Ductal lavage
- Biopsy
Published at: 10/01/2014
