:Breast cancer is a malignant growth of tissue in the breast. It is the prevailing cancer afflicting women, and is ranked the fifth kind of cancer that has caused death worldwide.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include but are not limited to pain or a painful lump in the breast, a persistent lump atop the collarbone or in the armpit, skin inflammation, changes in breast shape or appearance, and nipple changes. It is important to see a doctor immediately if these indicators are observed.

Diagnosing and Treating

Initial examinations and tests utilized in detecting breast cancer are mammogram, clinical breast exam (CBE), and breast self-exam (BSE). A yearly mammography is recommended to women in their forties and above. For women below the age of forty, a clinical breast exam should be included in the regular medical examination done once in three years. A CBE is also advised to women in their forties before they have their mammograms. Breast self-exam, on the other hand, can be practiced by women who are in their twenties and thirties, but should be supervised by a medical expert to make sure that it is done properly. Although a limited kind of examination, BSE helps a woman be familiar with the feel and appearance of her breasts, making it easy for her to detect even the slightest changes.

Breast cancer can be treated locally through radiation and surgery, or treatment can be systemic through injections or oral intake of medications. Hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are systemic treatments, while lumpectomy and mastectomy are the kinds of surgery used to remove breast cancer.