As per estimates, breast cancer attributed to over 0.45 million deaths in 2008, which was approximately 13% of all cancer deaths in females and 6% of all cancer related deaths. The incidence of breast cancer is relatively higher in developed nations like North America and Europe and relatively low in Asia and Africa. This global variation is attributed to life style and dietary differences, which play a crucial role in preventing breast cancer.
What is Breast Cancer? Breast Cancer in Women
Over the past few decades prevelence of breast cancer has increased globally. Modernization, Urbanization, Sedentary lifestyle practices, changing dietary practices, higher dependence of processed foods, etc are all considered to contribute towards the development of the condition. Though there are a host of factors responsible, there are certain predisposing factors which increase the risk of development of Breast Cancer.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Causes of Cancer Breast
Here are some common risk factors or predisposing factors that can contribute to the development of Breast Cancer,
What is Breast Cancer? Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer is the growth of a tumor within the breast tissue. Breast Cancer can be classified into different types depending upon the tissue which is affected (i.e. ductual tissue, breast paranchyma or fatty tissue). Further, breast cancer can be classifed based on the different stages of breast cancer.
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| Global prevelance of breast cancer |
Breast Cancer Risk Factors: Causes of Cancer Breast
Here are some common risk factors or predisposing factors that can contribute to the development of Breast Cancer,
- Personal history of breast cancer in one breast, makes the individual highly prone to the development of the carcinoma in the other breast as well.
- A family history of breast cancer is a potent risk factor.
- A high fat diet is linked to breast carcinoma.
- High alcohol consumption and tobacco smoking are other contributing reasons
- Poor physical activity and obesity.
- Surgery performed on the breast, including breast augmentation or breast enhancement surgery increase the risk significantly.
Breast Cancer Prevention: Diet for Improving Breast Cancer Prognosis
Reduce free radical formation in the body. Cancer develops when the DNA gets damaged by the free radicals. Thus, reducing the free radical formation in the body is the preliminary step in the fight against cancer. Diet plays a crucial role in not only preventing, but also improving the prognosis of Breast Cancer.- Limit your exposure to dietary, lifestyle, and environmental free radicals. There is a strong correlation between smoking and development of Cancer. Avoid consumption of alcohol completely. Limit the intake of Saturated and Trans Fats. Avoid Animal Fats and instead opt for a vegetarian diet.
- Increase your intake of foods that are rich in anti-oxidants. Anti-oxidants are free radical scavengers and destroyers. Free radicals are considered to be very harmful as they can result in DNA damage and result in mutation which are known to increase the risk of development of cancers. Fresh Fruits, Green Leafy Vegetables, etc are good sources of anti-oxidants.
- Turmeric is considered to have profound effect on the prevention and control of cancer. Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory properties which are considered to be highly beneficial in the management of cancer. Turmeric is considered to be a natural alternative for NSAIDS.
- Safforn is another herb which is considered to have strong and beneficial effect in prevention and management of Breast Cancer.
- Vitamin C and Vitamin E are also strong anti-oxidents which help boost immunity and prevent cancers.
- Avoid trans fats, and saturated fats. Limit your intake of poly-saturated fats. Up the consumption of mono-saturated fats such as olive oil and groundnut oil.
- Beware of medical prescriptions for breast augmentation or enlargement.
- Avoid the excessive usage of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement thearpy. Some studies have shown that use of oral contraceptives for prolonged peroid of time can increase the risk of development of Breast Cancer.
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| Fresh Fruit intake prevents breast cancer |
In additional to the dietary protocols, regular exercise is a must, and goes a long way in preventing breast cancer.Meditation and Yoga therapy along with Psychological and Family support is crucial in prevention and management of breast cancer
Breast Cancer Symptoms: Breast Cancer Screening For Better Prognosis
The first presenting symptom is usually a lump in the breast. Lumps found in the armpit could also be manifestations of breast carcinoma.
- There could occur, changes in the size of the breast, change in the shape of the breast, inversion of the nipple, discharge from the nipple, or dimpling of the skin over the breast tissue.
- Occasionally, there could be inflammatory processes, that are characterized by swelling, pain, redness and dimpling. This occurs due to the invasion of the cancerous cells into the lymphatic vessels.
- Metastasis or spread of the cancerous cells occurs to various parts of the body – lung, liver or bone.
- Women, 40 years and older, should have an annual mammogram and an annual clinical breast examination by a physician / health care professional. They should also perform, monthly, breast self examination.
- Women aged 20 to 39 years should have a clinical breast examination every 3 years. They should also perform a monthly breast self examination.
Early diagnosis and treatment play a crucial role in the management of breast cancer.. Consult your doctor immediately if you observe any of the changes in your skin tone or blood discharge from the breasts.
