what is Breast Cancer 🎀 ?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow abnormally and form tumors. These tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems. There are many different types of breast cancer, but the most common type is called invasive ductal carcinoma. This type of cancer starts in the milk ducts and spreads to other parts of the breast.

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in American women, and about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, but the good news is that deaths from breast cancer have been declining since the early 1990s.

The average risk of a woman developing breast cancer during her lifetime is about 12.4%. However, there are some factors that can increase or decrease that risk. For example, having a family history of breast cancer or having certain gene mutations can increase a woman’s risk, while getting regular mammograms and being physically active can lower a woman’s risk.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer 🎀

As mentioned before, having a family history of breast cancer is a major risk factor. About 20-30% of breast cancers are thought to be related to family history.

Other risk factors include getting older,The risk of breast cancer increases with age, and the majority of breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. In fact, about 2 out of 3 breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 55.

Being overweight or obese, Next. Being overweight or obese is another major risk factor for breast cancer. Women who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancer after menopause. The reason for this increased risk is not fully understood, but it may be related to hormones or inflammation.

drinking Alcohol Another risk factor for breast cancer is alcohol consumption. Studies have shown that women who drink two or more alcoholic drinks per day have a 20-30% higher risk of breast cancer compared to women who don’t drink. Alcohol can increase levels of estrogen, which is a hormone that can promote breast cancer. Alcohol can also damage DNA and lead to gene mutations.

and not having children or having them later in life. Women who have children have a lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who have never had children. The risk reduction is thought to be due to the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Women who have their first child before the age of 30 and who breastfeed for at least a year have the lowest risk of breast cancer.

Detecting Breast Cancer 🎀(screening)

Breast cancer screening is an important part of detecting and treating breast cancer early. The most common screening test is the mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45-54 should get a mammogram every year, and women ages 55 and older should get a mammogram every two years.

other screening methods in addition to mammograms. One is called a clinical breast exam, which is when a doctor or nurse palpates the breasts to check for any lumps or abnormalities.

Another method is called breast self-exam, which is when a woman checks her own breasts for any changes or abnormalities. These exams are not as reliable as mammograms, but they can still be useful in detecting breast cancer early.

Treatment for Breast Cancer 🎀

The treatment for breast cancer depends on a number of factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences.

The main treatments for breast cancer are

Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. There are different types of surgery, includin

• lumpectomy (removing the cancerous tissue and some healthy tissue around it),
• mastectomy (removing the entire breast),
• lymph node removal (removing the lymph nodes near the breast). The type of surgery that is recommended depends on the size and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s preferences.

Radiation therapy,

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for breast cancer. It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy can be given before or after surgery, or sometimes both.

It can also be given alone, without surgery. There are different types of radiation therapy, including

• External beam radiation therapy (which uses a machine outside the body) and
• Internal radiation therapy (which uses radioactive seeds or wires placed inside the body).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be used to shrink tumors, kill cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body, or prevent cancer from coming back.

There are many different types of chemotherapy drugs, and the type that is recommended depends on the type of breast cancer and other factors.

Chemotherapy can cause side effects, such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.

Hormone Therapy.

Hormonal therapy is another type of treatment for breast cancer. This treatment uses drugs to block or reduce the hormones that can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. Hormonal therapy is usually given after surgery, but it can also be given before surgery.

There are two main types of hormonal therapy drugs: estrogen blockers and aromatase inhibitors. These drugs can cause side effects, such as hot flashes, joint pain, and bone loss.

Targeted therapy.

Targeted therapy works by blocking the signals that cancer cells need to grow and divide. It can be used to treat different types of breast cancer.

There are different types of targeted therapy drugs, including Herceptin (for HER2-positive breast cancer) and Avastin (for triple-negative breast cancer). These drugs can be given with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. There are different types of immunotherapy, including

• checkpoint inhibitors, which help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
• adoptive cell transfer, which involves taking immune cells from the patient and growing them in a lab. These cells are then given back to the patient to help fight the cancer.
• These treatments are still being studied, but they show promise for treating certain types of breast cancer.

Some Role Home Carers play to support Breast Cancer Patients

Home carers play a crucial role in supporting patients who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

They can help with tasks such as meal preparation, housework, and transportation to and from appointments.

They can also provide emotional support and help patients manage the side effects of treatment.

Some patients may need additional care, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy. Home carers can help coordinate these services and ensure that the patient is getting the care they need.

That’s right! Home carers can be a real lifeline for patients going through breast cancer treatment. They can make the whole process a little less stressful and overwhelming. In fact, research has shown that patients who receive home care during treatment tend to have better outcomes. It’s not just about managing the physical aspects of treatment; it’s also about supporting the patient’s emotional and mental well-being.

Bottom Line

It’s important to remember that not all breast abnormalities are cancerous. In fact, most breast changes are benign (non-cancerous). However, it’s always important to get any breast changes checked out by a doctor. Early detection is key to successful treatment of breast cancer.

There are many different factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer. Some risk factors are related to personal or family medical history, while others are related to lifestyle. Let’s start with personal medical history. Risk factors related to medical history include a personal history of breast cancer, a family history of breast cancer, having had a biopsy showing certain breast changes (such as atypical hyperplasia), and having had radiation therapy to the chest.

There are many different risk factors for breast cancer, both genetic and environmental. It’s important for people to be aware of their personal risk factors, so they can make informed decisions about their health. Home carers can play a vital role in helping patients manage these risk factors and providing support throughout the treatment process.