Breast Cancer Awareness! Let's Go Pink This Month With These Facts

Insect Feces- treatment for breast cancer!

As repulsive as that may sound, topical application feces of insects like a wasp, beetle, etc were considered as a serious treatment option in the Middle Ages! Thanks to modernization, and development in science, we have a far better knowledge of breast cancer and the much-sophisticated, state-of-the-art treatment options.

Men are at risk too!

Yes! You read that right. Though men may not have breast organs, the presence of the tissue puts men at a risk for breast cancer. Though the prevalence is far less than in women, due to lack of awareness, it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. A man’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 1000, and a total of 2670 men in the US are predicted to be diagnosed with cancer in 2009. About 1 out of 5 men with this cancer have close male or female relatives with the disease. So, it's high time that men also start getting themselves diagnosed as a precaution.

Not all breast cancers start with a lump!

The presence of a lump is considered as a critical criterion in the self-examination of breast cancer. It is very important to remember that not all breast cancers can be self-examined based on the presence of a lump. The cancer can either cause a lump that cannot be felt or it may be too late before a prominent lump is felt. Hence, it is always advised to go for regular breast check-ups like mammograms.

Breastfeeding keeps breast cancer at bay!

The cancer also is known as nun’s disease due to a higher incidence among the community of nuns. The reason behind this is hormonal fluctuation in nuns due to the absence of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is considered to lower the risks of breast cancer.

Genes and breast cancer

Approximately 10% of breast cancer patients carry specific genetic mutations. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the breast cancer susceptibility genes, mutations in which have been reported. Cancer is a very complicated condition to treat, genetic testing helps in putting forth a tough fight against it. Individuals with a familial history of breast cancer, those with a positive report from a mammogram, etc are advised to take up genetic testing.

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Though cancer is the second-highest mortality causing condition, the good news is that there has been a steady increase in the survival rate of breast cancer. Thanks to rapid development in diagnosis and treatment options, there are several survivors. So this breast cancer awareness month, let us pin the pink ribbon and show some support!

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