Breast Cancer Awareness

The human breast contains milk-producing ducts, and glands that
transport lymph throughout the body. The majority of the breast is
composed of fat tissue, though it is in these milk ducts that breast
cancer usually develops. Breast cancer awareness is a big social issue
in the U.S., and the medical community has come along way in responding
to the public’s need for more advanced diagnosis and treatment options.

Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast
cancer awareness can save the life of you, a friend, or a family
member. Through awareness and research, cancer rates are continually
declining in the U.S. In fact, a woman is more likely to die from
cardiovascular disease that all the other types of cancer combined.
However, it is still important to be aware of the signs and symptoms so
that early treatment can be sought. Many treatments are available, and
there is a high rate of survival if the cancer is detected at a
relatively early stage.

Symptoms, Causes, and Breast Cancer Awareness

Monthly
self-examinations to detect changes or lumps in the breast are highly
recommended, as well as yearly clinical checks by your doctor. Starting
at age 40, your doctor will probably recommend regular mammograms,
which detect the presence of lumps or masses within the breast tissues.

There is no single great risk factor for getting breast
cancer than being a woman. While men can and do get cancer in the
breast glands, women are 100 times more likely to. Breast cancer
awareness campaigns have done an excellent job of educating the
nation’s female population about risk factors, which also include using
birth control pills, smoking, aging, using hormone replacement therapy,
and having a blood relative with a history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Treatments range from lump removal to complete breast removal,
radiation to shrink the cancer or mass, and chemotherapy to kill the
cancerous cells. Breast cancer awareness not only saves lives, but also
helps educate those living with the disease on how to live a fulfilling
and healthy life after detection, diagnosis, and treatment.