Breast cancer is a problem caused by malignant cell growth originating from breast tissue, most likely from the milk ducts or the lobules of the breast. It generally occurs in women, although in rare cases, it can be found in men as well. Breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer in women, right after lung cancer. It is estimated that 1 out of 100 women are affected by this disease. It accounts for 22.9% of all cancer cases in women worldwide. It also accounts for 458,503 deaths worldwide in the year 2008.
This disease can be categorized into several types. The ductal carcinoma - which originates from the milk ducts - is the most common type; it accounts for 80% of all breast cancer cases. The second most common type is the lobular cancer (which develops in the lobules) which accounts for around 10-15% of all cases. The less common types include the inflammatory breast cancer, phyllodes tumor, medullary cancer, mucinous (colloid) carcinoma, mixed tumors, and a type of cancer which involves the symptoms similar to Paget's disease.
If you suspect that you might have this disease, you should consult a doctor immediately for examination. For effective breast cancer treatments and cures, your doctor should run some tests to determine which type of cancer you have. The stage, rate of growth, size, and other characteristics of the abnormal cancerous cells are also the keys to determine the type of treatments suitable for you. Conventional treatment methods include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drugs.
- Surgery is usually performed to remove a part or the whole of the affected breast. Most common surgeries performed are the mastectomy and lumpectomy.
- Chemotherapy is a systematic use of medication to kill the cancer cells. This treatment can cause uncomfortable side effects such as the loss of appetite, hair loss, nausea, and vomiting.
- Hormone therapy works by blocking the estrogen intake by the cancerous cells. As a result, the cancer is expected to shrink.
- Radiation therapy (also known as radiotherapy or radiation oncology) involves the use of high energy X-ray beams aimed at destroying the cancer cells. Side effects that may occur from this therapy include fatigue and a rash-like patch.
- Targeted drug therapy utilizes medications that are specially formulated in combating the anomalies in the cancer cell.
Thanks to the advancement in medical technology, scientists have come up with advanced breast cancer treatments and cures that can significantly decrease the number of death caused by this debilitating disease. Besides the advanced medical technology, people's awareness to perform breast self-examinations as well as regular screening is also increasing, and thus helps decreasing the death rates from breast cancer.
The accuracy of the diagnosis determines the effectiveness of breast cancer treatments and cures. Follow our link to learn more about this disease and how to prevent it.
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