Breast cancers are malignant tumors that develop in the mammary glands . These tumors are mainly located in the external upper half of the breast or nipple . They are more common in the left than the right breast and , in rare cases , they are present in both breasts . Some tumors evolve very slowly while others spread quickly to nearby tissues and create metastases, particularly among young women. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among the deadliest in the Western woman . The regular practice of screening , such as breast self-examination and mammography , however, can detect the disease at an early stage and increase the chances of recovery .
Risk factors for breast cancer :
Some factors increase the risk of contracting breast cancer . The most important are aging and genetic predisposition . In fact , women with several relatives ( mother, sister, daughter, etc. . ) Suffered breast cancer , particularly before age 50 have a higher risk of developing the disease. This is also the case for women with early puberty , pregnancy or menopause late , and those who have never been pregnant . Long-term use , the contraceptive pill slightly favors the onset of breast cancer while some hormone replacement therapy for menopause increases the risk significantly. An unhealthy lifestyle (obesity, physical inactivity) may also increase the risk of cancer.
Types of breast cancer:
About 95 % of breast cancers develop in the ducts ( ductal carcinoma ) or lobules in the breast ( lobular carcinoma ) . Ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer (80% of cases). It is usually an invasive cancer that creates metastases in the axillary lymph nodes ( the armpit ) and in the surrounding and distant organs. Less common than ductal carcinomas, lobular carcinomas also become less often invasive . They sometimes have no symptoms and can affect both breasts.
Mammography :
Radiographic examination of the mammary gland , called mammography is to detect breast cancer or to clarify the diagnosis of an abnormality detected by clinical breast examination . However, about 20% of cancers escape detection by this technique. Mammography should be performed every two years from age 50 , or age 40 for women who have a higher breast cancer ( family history) risk.
The breast self-examination
The breast self-examination is a screening test that is to observe and palpate her own breasts in order to detect an abnormality that may indicate cancer . Any changes must be reported immediately to a doctor. There may be a palpable mass, thickening of the skin , change in shape, size or color of the breast or nipple , a spontaneous bloody discharge , a bump at armpits, and nipple retraction or permanent redness . At age 25 , it is advisable to perform a breast self-examination once a month , 5-7 days after the onset of menstruation , in addition to regular examinations by a doctor.
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