Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, which affect women majorly. Still a rarity amongst men, breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the breast. Beginning in the cells of the breast, breast cancer can destroy the nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing breast cancer. The first symptom of breast cancer is a hard lump formed around the breast area; this may not be related to a woman’s menstrual cycle.Doctors estimate that over 5-6 per cent of breast cancer patients are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of family. Some other common factors that may increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer are obesity, increasing age, history of breast cancer and postmenopausal hormonal imbalances.Breast tissue is found in the breast, upper chest and armpit. Each breast contains 15-20 glands called lobes, where milk is produced. Breast cancer usually begins in the lobes.In comparison to women, only one in thousand men are diagnosed with breast cancer, which is detected as a hard lump underneath the nipple area. There are various stages to this life-threatening disease – 0, I, II, III and IV. The higher the stage, the more serious is the patient’s condition. If diagnosed at stage 0, this means the cancer is limited to the breast duct (where milk is produced), making this the earliest stage.Some ways of detecting breast cancer are breast examination, breast MRI and breast ultrasound. Some common ways to self diagnose breast cancer are to see if there are any unruly lumps around your breast area or if you feel pain while stretching your arms during certain arm exercises.
Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-a-z/breast-cancer/diseasearticle/53979422.cms
