About Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer ?

Uncontrollable and abnormal growth or inorderly process of division of cells which form a mass of tissue or tumour, that do not function like the body's normal cells, is called malignancy (cancerous). Breast Cancer originates in the breast tissue mostly from the duct of mammary glands.

How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed ?

• Breast self examination.
• Diagnostic tests - Clinical examination, Mammography, Sonography, F.N.A.C., BIOPSY, Blood Test and MRI.

What are the risk factors ?

• Personal history of cancer in one breast.
• Family history of breast cancer involving mother, maternal grandmother, maternal aunts or sisters.
• Early onset of menstruation (before the age 12).
• Late menopause (after the age of 55).
• First childbirth after age 30.
• Breastfeeding children for less than six months or no breast-feeding.
• Consumption of alcohol (more than three drinks per week) and food rich in animal fat.
• Obesity.
• Smoking / chewing tobacco.

What are the warning signals ?

• Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
• Change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Discharge or tenderness of the nipple.
• Ridges or pitting of the breast (orange peel effect).
• Change in the look and feel of skin or the areola or nipple (scaly, warm, red or swollen).