What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer. It begins when cells in the breast start to grow out of control, forming a tumor that can be seen on an x-ray. The tumor can also be felt as a lump in or around the breast. Not all tumors are dangerous, but if the tumor grows and invades other tissues, it is malignant and needs treatment. Benign tumors don’t pose a threat, but all tumors need to be examined by a medical professional.
Who Gets It?
1 in 29 women get breast cancer, and a woman is diagnosed every two minutes in the United States, but it is not exclusive to women! 1 in 992 men also gets breast cancer.
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
Women of all ages should conduct their own monthly examinations! Other ways to reduce risk is to maintain a well-balanced diet and exercise. Incorporating thirty minutes of exercise per day reduces the risk of getting breast cancer by 13%!
Another way to detect breast cancer early is through a mammogram. Women with average risk, or no family history of breast cancer, should start getting yearly screenings at age 40. Women with high risk, with a family history of breast cancer, should begin annual screening at age 30.
What is A Mammogram?
A mammogram can help to detect breast cancer early before symptoms develop and reduce the likelihood that a breast cancer patient will need aggressive treatments like surgery and chemotherapy.
How is Breast Cancer Treated?
There are two types of treatments: local and systemic. Local Treatments include surgical removal of the malignant tumor as well as Radiation Therapy. Systemic Treatments include Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, and Targeted Therapy.
How Can I Help?
There are dozens of organizations who collect donations to support Breast Cancer victims and survivors! Some organizations also collect hair donations to make wigs for Breast Cancer patients who have lost their hair during treatment.