Breast cancer is one type of cancer that has the most sufferers compared with other types of cancer. Let ladies, identify the characteristics of breast cancer early!
Breast cancer (breast carcinoma) is a malignant tumor that grows in the breast tissue. This type of cancer generally occurs in women, but it is possible if it occurs in men. The frequency of cases of this disease is relatively high compared to other types of cancer in the world. While in Indonesia, breast cancer is ranked second after cervical cancer.
Factors Causing Breast Cancer
The cause of breast cancer is not known for certain but there are several factors that allow a woman cause this disease, namely as follows:
- Family history of breast cancer.
- Women who have never been pregnant and give birth.
- The first pregnancy occurs after the age of 30 years.
- Received first menstruation at age under 12 years and menopause after age 55 years.
- Use of birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy.
- Postmenopausal obesity and alcohol use.
- Chemicals - Some studies have mentioned exposure to estrogen-like chemicals (contained in pesticides and other industrial products) may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Use of DES (diethylstilbestrol). Women who take DES to prevent miscarriage have a higher risk of breast cancer.
The characteristics of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer has typical symptoms and can be known clearly by way of breast self-examination (BSE). Here are the symptoms that arise when a person has breast cancer:
1. The texture changes
One of the symptoms of breast cancer is changing the texture of the breast itself. Therefore, you should check your own breasts to find out.
2. There is a bump
Breast lumps should be wary because it is one of the common symptoms of breast cancer. This is not always an indicator of someone contracting breast cancer, because someone could have been said to have breast cancer even if no bumps appeared. In addition, underarm lumps are also one of the most common breast cancer indications.
3. Exit Yellow or Blood Fluid
In patients with breast cancer, if the nipple is pressed will come out yellow liquid like pus or even blood. Therefore, try gently pressing the nipple and check, whether out fluid or not.
4. Skin Color Changed
In addition to lumps and changes in the breast, other symptoms of breast cancer is the change in skin color in the breast area itself.
5. The Nipple Shape Changes
Changes in the nipple like itchiness, as if burned and nipple as attracted to the inside is one indication of someone suffering from breast cancer.
6. There is a Mortar
Breast cancer is not always characterized by a lump in the breast, because the emergence of a basin like a dimple in the breast is also an indication of someone suffering from breast cancer.
In addition, there are some other symptoms that you need to be aware of like some areas of the breast or armpit swell, the emergence of small wrinkles such as orange peel on the breast area, if the nipple is not pulled back to normal shape, and arise pain after the nipple is withdrawn.
Well, immediately consult a doctor if the above characteristics of breast cancer appear to be handled properly. It is endeavored to make an early diagnosis because breast cancer is more easily treated and can be cured if it is still in its early stages. To detect early, breast self-examination can be done every 5-7 days after the menstrual period, with mammography (X-ray examination), or by biopsy (lifting up a little glandular tissue for diagnosis).