Breast Cancer
by: Khloe Penelope Cruise
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out
of control enabling them to invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body.
Collections of these out of control tissues are called tumors. However, not all
breast tumors are considered cancerous since certain types of large cells just
cannot be spread or threaten a person's life and this kind of tumor is called
benign tumor. On the other hand, the tumors that can spread all throughout the
body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancerous cells and are malignant.
Cancer cells usually comes from either ducts or glands in the breast that is why
it may take months or even years for a tumor to be notice in the breast. Breast
tumors are screened with the use of mammograms that are rather accurate in
screening tumor or cancer cells.
Women are much prone to develop breast cancer that men. Only 1% to 2% of men
have been known to have cases of breast cancer. The early onset of menstruation
in women at the age of 12 increases the risk for a breast cancer on the other
hand an early menopausal period may reduce the risk of breast cancer. The risk
for women to have breast cancer increases with age in fact a study shows that
women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer. Nevertheless, the
incidence of breast cancer among younger women is also increasing in an alarming
rate that is why more women of ages 20s to 30s have subjected themselves to be
diagnosed.
Breast cancer is not only acquired but also can be inherited. For women who have
genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 has an 80% risk of developing breast
cancer. Women who have first-degree relative diagnosed to have breast cancer
increase their risk of also acquiring breast cancer. Moreover, women with
first-degree relative that are diagnosed to have breast cancer before menopause
increase the risk for them in acquiring breast cancer.
Some factors contribute to the occurrence of breast cancer and these are as
follows: smoking, alcohol and radiation exposure. Women who are smoking will
increase their chances to have breast cancer. Aside from that, high intakes of
alcohol have been found to be a source of breast cancer. Radiation exposure is
another factor that contributes to breast cancer. Studies have shown that women
as well as children who have undergone high-dose radiation therapy have a much
higher chance of having breast cancer.
About the Author
She loves to read and write poems. A romantic at heart.
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