Awareness of Breast Cancer
By: MarÃa José Gonzalez
10 A
Every October 19 is celebrated worldwide the International Day Against Breast Cancer, on the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about this illness and promote self-care, controls, and effective treatments for women and men.
Colombia reported 2,500 deaths of breast cancer in 2018 and more than 7,000 diagnoses, representing 15% of all female cancers at the time, being the second most common type of female cancer, just behind skin cancer.
Although this cancer is more frequent in women, 15% compared to men's 1%, this sickness could affect anyone, meaning that we all should be aware of it.
General information:
This type of disease originates when the cells of the breast start to change and reproduce without control, forming different kinds of masses and conglomerates of cells that are known as tumors. When these tumors are cancerous (the invasive type), they can expand through other body parts by the blood and lymphatic vessels; and this process is called metastasis. When a person has non-invasive cells, cancer does not go over other sites beyond the milk ducts or lobules of the breast.
Regarding the illness, it is crucial to mention that there are two possible ways in which a person can develop this type of cancer. The first one is sporadic, which means that the damages in the genes occur after the person is born. However, there exists another possibility in which the illness is inherited, being around 5% and 10% of all cases. The person inherits the condition through mutations that alter the correct functioning of the cells.
Risking factors and family antecedents
Early menstruation and late menopause: Women who started menstruating before the age of 12, or reached menopause after age 55, have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This because breast cells are exposed to estrogen and progesterone for a longer time. A woman's hormones production declines with age, with a pronounced decline near the menopausal period, and the more exposure to these hormones increase the risk of having cancer.
Physical activity: Doing exercise prevents the risk of suffering from this cancer.
Alcohol: drinking more than 1 or 2 cups per day increases the risk of cancer.
Age: the risk of developing the disease increases as a woman ages.
Personal history of breast cancer: When a woman has already been diagnosed, she presents a higher risk of raising breast cancer again.
Family history of breast cancer. Breast cancer can be inherited if your family has one or more of the following characteristics:
A family member who has developed breast cancer in both breasts.
First-degree or close relatives (such as mothers, sisters, grandparents, uncles and aunt, nieces, nephews, cousins, children, and grandchildren) who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially before age 50.
Among others
When looking at family history, it is also vital to consider the paternal side of the family as it can determine the risk of developing cancer; the maternal side isn't the only one that contributes to generating the disease.
Considering the risks of developing breast cancer, it is also vital to mention that a high percentage of women who have been affected by it hasn't suffered from any risk factor nor family conditioning history. The latter meaning that everyone, especially women, should take notice of any breast alteration. And if they notice so, of consulting a doctor.
Be conscious and take care of yourself.
Sources:
https://www.cancer.gov/espanol/tipos/seno
https://www.cancer.net/es/tipos-de-cancer/cancer-de-mama/introduccion
https://www.eltiempo.com/salud/cifras-del-cancer-del-seno-en-colombia-y-el-mundo-283162
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/what-is-breast-cancer.htm
https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/understanding-breast-cancer-basics