What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a malignant tumor.

It occurs mainly in women, but in rare cases it can also develop in men.

There is no single exact cause of breast cancer. 

However, several factors may increase the risk:

Family history of breast cancer

Increasing age

Obesity

Lack of physical activity

Alcohol consumption

Hormonal changes

Sometimes breast cancer can develop even without any known risk factors.

In many cases, the disease does not cause pain in its early stages.

Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the following signs:

A hard lump in the breast

Change in the shape of the breast

Skin changes that look like “orange peel”

Nipple turning inward

Bloody or unusual discharge from the nipple

Swelling or a lump in the armpit

To diagnose breast cancer, doctors may perform several tests:

Mammography – an X-ray examination of the breast

Breast ultrasound – an ultrasound scan of the breast

Breast biopsy – removing a small tissue sample for examination

Treatment options include:

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Radiation therapy

Hormonal therapy

The doctor chooses the treatment depending on the stage of the disease.

Can breast cancer be prevented?

The following habits may help reduce the risk:

Eating a healthy diet

Maintaining a healthy weight

Regular physical activity

Limiting alcohol consumption

Checking your breasts once a month for any changes

After the age of 40, regular mammography screening is also recommended.