BREAST CANCER

Cancer also called malignancy is an abnormal growth of cells. It is called "jejere" in Yoruba language, the Igbos call it "ure", while the Hausa people call it "ciwon daji" or "San arar". It is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of a body. Research has it that cancer is an illness that results from the deficiency of vitamin B17.

   There are over 100 types of cancer, but we are going to talk about breast cancer.  

   Breast cancer is when an unwanted growth occurs in the breast. It occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it too. 

   It starts when an abnormal growth occurs in the breast. The cell usually form a tumor (seen on an X-ray) or a lump (felt with the hand). It can start from any part of the breast, but majorly begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipples (called ductal cancer).

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   There are types of breast cancer but the most common ones are:

1. Lobular Carcinoma in Situ(LCIS)- this occurs only in the lobules of the breast.

2. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma- it begins in the lobules but later spreads to surrounding tissues. It is less common. 

3. Ductal Carcinoma in Situ(DCIS)- it occurs only in the milk duct. 

4. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma- it starts in the milk ducts but later breaks through the wall of ducts and invade the fatty tissues. It is most common. 

Note: situ means cancer has not spread beyond its origin. 

    

Stages of breast cancer

   The stages of breast cancer are:

1. Early or zero stage. 

2. Curable breast cancer stage.

3. Metastatic breast cancer stage. 

    Cancer can be diagnosed during physical examination. This can be done individually through "breast massage therapy" The therapy is done using the five fingers of the hand to massage the breast and check out for abnormalities.

   Signs or symptoms of breast cancer

   In noticing the symptoms of breast cancer, you have to be familiar with your breast. 

   The first sign of breast cancer often is a breast lump or an abnormal mammogram. 

Note: not all lumps are cancerous.

   Other symptoms to watch out for are:

1. A change in size, shape, or colour of the breast. 

2. Thickening of breast skin or tissue that lasts through menstrual cycle. 

3. Clear or bloody fluid coming out of the nipple accompanied with redness of breast or nipple. 

4. A hard, marble-like area under the skin. 

  Endeavor to visit a doctor(oncologist) immediately you notice any of these signs.

    Causes of breast cancer

There is no specific cause of breast cancer, although we do know that certain risk may put you at higher risk of developing it. The factors include:

1. Being female - female are at higher risk of having breast cancer.

2. Increasing age. 

3. A personal or family history of breast cancer - inherited genes that increase cancer risk. 

4. Radiation exposure - this dose not mean you should stop mammography.

5. Obesity or having excessive fats in the breast region. 

6. The use of oral contraceptives

7. Excessive alcohol intake 

8. Having never being pregnant - such women are at higher risk of having breast cancer because their ducts have never functioned.

    Preventive measures

  It all falls back on practicing healthy living and eating. 

1. Know how dense you are - know the type of breast you have. 

2. Know your family cancer history and work with it if found positive.

3. Minimize radiation exposure from screening test. 

4. Limit hormone therapy - avoid medications containing estrogen and progesterone.

5. Consider breast feeding.

6. Eat food containing amygdalin(vitamin B17) e.g fruit stones(apricot, apple), kernels, common beans and grains, berries, carrots, etc. 

7. Avoid excessive sugar intake. 

  Tips to those with breast cancer

   Don't give up because there is a reason to live. 

1. Get regular exercise.

2. Take steps to prevent lymphedema- lymphedema is a side effect of breast cancer treatment that involves swelling of the soft tissues of the arm, hand, or chest wall. 

3. Keep your bones healthy.

4. Call for financial help if need arise. 

5. Take good nutrition - eat more of raw vegetables. 

6. Always feel free to talk to your doctor about your improvement.

  General tips are:

1. Don't wear bra when sleeping. 

2. Avoid direct sun contact with your cleavage. 

3. Avoid hot drinks in plastic cups.

4. Use a deodorant  (don't use after shaving) not an anti perspirant.

5. Wash your bra daily. 

   Having breast cancer is not the end of life.

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