H E A LT H
What causes it?
No precise cause has been determined yet, however
there are factors which can help predict the possibility
of contracting this disease:
&
W E L L N E S S
Larger tumours on the other hand, if deemed
inoperable, must be treated via hormonal or
chemotherapy – both of which come with side effects
like hair thinning, rapid weight gain or loss and a
severe effect on muscles and bones.
• It is two to three times more likely if there is a family
Ultimately, the treatment plan is completely dependent
history of it.
on the patient’s initial diagnosis and is therefore tailor-
• Diets high in fat pose a higher risk.
made to their respective condition.
• Five to 10 per cent of cases
can be traced to specific,
Prevention
inherited gene mutations
Be Proactive
such as the BRCA1 and
Research has shown that one-
BRCA2 mutations.
Along with going for timely
third of breast cancer deaths
• Overweight women after
can be prevented if the cases
mammograms, it is also important
menopause hold a 1.5 times
are detected and treated
to conduct self-exams at home to aid
higher chance of developing
early. In this context, the
in detecting signs early on. This is an
breast cancer.
World Health Organisation
important step you can and should
• Younger women who
lists two main components
take.
smoke also have more
through which the mortality
probability.
rate can be battled:
• Research has shown that
• Education: Ignorance is no
women who have a greater
defence against this disease.
exposure to oestrogen hold a bigger risk.
Raising awareness of this is necessary to help people
recognise early signs of cancer and then promptly seek
Treatment
medical attention
• Screening programmes: Age plays a factor, therefore
Unfortunately, there is no cure for breast cancer.
it is suggested to schedule a mammogram every three
Treatment options and recommendations, however,
years initially and then to attend to annually after
depend on a number of factors such as the size and
hitting your forties.
stage of the tumour as well as the patient’s age and
health.
Small tumours are often removed through surgery
wherein surgeons often get rid of a bit of the healthy
tissue surrounding the malignant growth to best ensure
a positive prognosis.
According to the American Cancer
Society, breast cancer is the most
common type of cancer among
women, and makes up 25 per cent of
all new diagnoses in women globally.
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