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Zayna Khan '24 ~ November 2022
Many female teenagers and adult women may believe that if there is a lump on their breasts, it is cancer; however, these beliefs are not always true. At a young age, if a lump or breast causes you pain, this could simply mean your breasts are developing.
Breast cancer occurs when there is a tumor, which is when cells start to grow out of control–usually in the lobules, milk gland, ducts, or tubes that carry the milk for mothers. Typically, women get breast cancer in their late 50s and on. However, this does not mean that younger women as early as teen females can get breast issues. This can lead to many questions for young women about breast cancer. For instance, how can you identify early signs of breast cancer? How are you supposed to check? Moreover, how do young women lower their chances of having breast cancer?
There are two types of tumors that could form in the breast: benign and malignant tumors. Benign tumors are commonly found in women, but they are not cancerous. Regardless, benign tumors may cause other problems, like lumps, bumps, or pain. Usually benign tumors are not removed. In contrast, malignant tumors are destructive to tissue and are cancerous. Metastatic cancer is caused by malignant tumor cells continuing to grow in the blood and spreading throughout the body.
Breast cancer symptoms would appear on the breasts or nipples. A major sign of breast cancer is feeling a lump. Furthermore, there are other signs indicating breast cancer. The breasts may change in color, size, and/or shape. The change in color would be the breast(s) turning red due to inflammation; additionally, the skin can form dimples. The nipple may be inverted or a rash can form around it. There may also be nipple discharge, which is liquid released from the nipple, that can appear clear or bloody. If a woman experiences any of these signs, she should go to her doctor for a check up.
There are a couple ways to lower the chances of having breast cancer. Women who are forty should start getting annual mammograms. Additionally, women at high risk are recommended to get a mammogram and breast MRI five to ten years younger than the age a relative was diagnosed.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women; therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of breast cancer and what can be done to lower one’s chance of having it. This includes regulating alcohol intake, limiting hormone therapy, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and breastfeeding. Educating oneself about breast cancer is a crucial first step in spreading awareness about this to all women.
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