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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#PwoAgainstBreastCancer
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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.
#PWOAgainstBreastCancer
