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Breast Cancer- A closer look
Breast cancer or cancer for that reason is a disorder in which cells become abnormal and grow and divide uncontrollably. Same goes with Breast Cancer, in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably.
The normal cells in the body grow and divide, die on a controlled basis. The nucleus of each cell contains genes made up of DNA that 'tells' that cell what to do and determines its lifespan. When cells grow uncontrollably, they will eventually form a mass, also called a tumor. All tumors are not cancer, but some may pose problems for other organs due to their size and interfere with a bodily function or put too much pressure on an organ or nerve.
The other type of tumor known as malignant tumors is made up of abnormal cells that are capable of invading nearby tissues. Harmful cells from this tumor break up and travel in the blood to other parts of the body. When these cancer cells grow in another organ, the cancer will still be named for the organ where it began.
Some substances like cigarettes are identified as carcinogenic by the doctors. When you come across such a substance which is carcinogenic, meaning it is capable of causing a spontaneous genetic mutation that can cause a cancer to begin. Most of the causes of cancer, however, remain unknown. Research is ongoing to understand exactly how each carcinogen causes mutation in cells in hopes of then finding a way to block it.
The majority of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts within the female breast; - the gland tissue that make milk. Most breast cancers slowly-grow and by the time it grows to the size of a lump, it's already 5 to 10 years in age. The early breast cancer is detected, the earlier it can be removed. Usually has no symptoms and the earlier a tumor is found, the better the chance of survival. For these reasons it is extremely important for women to be screened regularly by mammography or ultrasound since they may identify a cancerous tumor before it can be felt. In addition, if a lump or thickening can be felt, it is vital to seek a medical evaluation right away.
With regards to the treatment of breast cancer, there are a number of options available like Hormone Therapy, BMT, Immunotherapy, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy, Combination Therapy and surgery.
The good news about prevention of breast cancer is that by
eating monounsaturated fats like the kind found in olive oil,
canola oil, and nuts seems to have a protective effect against
these types of deadly diseases. Therefore, its important to
take preventive measures like avoiding drugs, alcohol, smoking
and highly fatty foods in order to protect oneself from cancer!
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