Breast cancer affects about 12,000 women under the age of 40 each year, accounting for less than 5% of all breast cancer occurrences, although it is the most common malignancy in this age group. Here are few facts which every women should know to prevent breast cancer.
Breast cancer affects about 12,000 women under the age of 40 each year, accounting for less than 5% of all breast cancer occurrences, although it is the most common malignancy in this age group.
A woman’s lifetime risk of having breast cancer is one in eight. You must be aware of danger factors regardless of your age. Early detection of breast cancer is critical in many cases of the disease.
This article will teach you ten topics about breast cancer that every young woman should know.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women in the United States, and it is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women. (Each year, lung cancer kills nearly four times as many women as breast cancer.) Men are also susceptible to breast cancer, albeit it is uncommon. Each year, around 230,000 new instances of breast cancer are identified in women in the United States, compared to approximately 2,300 new cases in men.
Learning the anatomy of the breast is essential for understanding breast cancer. Ligaments, connective tissue, lymph vessels and nodes, and blood vessels are all found within the fatty (adipose) tissue that makes up the majority of the breast. There are 12-20 lobes (smaller lobules) in a female breast.
(1) Know your breasts.
Despite the fact that women under the age of 40 account for less than 5% of all confirmed breast cancer cases, breast cancer is the top cause of death among young women aged 15 to 34. Knowing your breasts is crucial. Know how they feel, and if you want, have your doctor teach you how to do a proper breast self-exam to help you discover when there are changes that require medical attention.
(2) Recognize the risk factor.
With the following risk factors, younger women may be more likely to develop breast cancer:
(a) Breast cancer (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2) is caused by inherited genetic mutation.
(b) Menstrual periods that begin early (before age 12)
(c) When you’re beyond 30, your first full-term pregnancy
(d) Breasts with lots of volume
(e) Excessive consumption of alcohol
(f) Obesity
(g) Sedentary lifestyle
(h) High red meat consumption, and poor diet
(I) Endometrial, ovarian, or colon cancer in the family history
(j) Oral contraceptive use within the last few months
(3) Notice breast changes
Keep an eye on your breasts for changes, and consult your doctor if you observe any of the following:
(a) A lump in or near your breast or beneath your arm is a sign that something is wrong.
(b) Breasts that have changed in size or form
(c) Skin that is dimpling, puckering, or bulging
(d) An inverted nipple or a nipple that has changed position
(e) Redness, pain, and a rash on the skin
(f) Swelling
(g) The discharge of nipples
Because natural breast tissue can be lumpy, it’s crucial to understand how your breasts normally feel. The majority of bumps are not cancerous. Many women opt to undertake breast self-exams in order to detect new lumps or changes in the size of existing lumps. These changes may or may not signal the presence of breast cancer, but they should be investigated.
(4) Know your medical background
It’s critical to be aware of your family’s medical history and to communicate it with your doctor. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer have approximately twice the risk of a woman without a family history of breast cancer. Tell your doctor about any family members who have had breast cancer or other breast disorders, as well as their ages when they were diagnosed.
(5) Be persistent and assertive
Make sure you tell your doctor about any changes or lumps in your breasts. Because some patients are “too young” to have breast cancer, their worries are disregarded. If you believe you are experiencing something, look for explanations. Don’t be hesitant to seek a second opinion and additional information.
Preventing breast cancer in young women.
There are several risk factors for breast cancer that you can avoid if you are a young lady.
(a) Smoking is prohibited.
(b) Exercise on a regular basis.
(c) Eat a balanced diet that emphasises plant-based foods.
(d) Consumption of red and processed meats should be limited.
(e) Limit or prevent alcohol consumption to maintain a healthy weight.
(f) Avoid shift work, particularly at night, if at all feasible.
Changing your lifestyle and behaviours may not fully prevent cancer, but it can reduce your risk, especially if you already have some unavoidable risk factors, such as a family history of cancer.
