Basics of Breast Cancer Causes and Breast Cancer Radiation
The incidence of breast cancer among women worldwide has been on the rise. An increasing number of cases are reported in the US too. This prevalence of breast cancer can be attributed to several factors. However, there are two major aspects that multiply the risks associated with this disease. The first risk is associated with aging. As you get older, your risk of being diagnosed with it increases. The second risk is linked to being female as this type of cancer is more common among women and rare among men. The radiation or surgery is one of the most common methods employed for treating such cancers.
Basics of Breast Cancer Causes and Breast Cancer Radiation
Over the years, extensive research has been carried out on this cancer to understand the conditions that lead to its occurrence. Here are some conditions that might be directly or indirectly responsible for causing this cancer among women:
If you have had a non-cancerous disease of the breasts, you are more vulnerable to being diagnosed with breast cancer in the subsequent years. The fact that you have heavy or dense breasts could also multiply your risks. Similarly, women who have been diagnosed with this could have a recurrence.
If women in your family (especially your grandmother, mother, sister, or cousins) have a history of this cancer type, your risk increases too. If you have such a family history, it is advisable to get genetic test done to assess your risk and take preventative measures at an early age.
Certain studies have also established that the intake of more than one alcoholic drink per day, or more than seven drinks per week could increase your cancer risk.
Your race could be another deciding factor. It is seen more commonly in White women than those of Hispanic, Asian, or Black descent.
Hormonal factors could also affect the occurrence of this type of cancer. For instance, prolonged estrogen-progestin hormone therapy has in some cases been linked to the prevalence of cancer. Having your first baby late or not bearing a child at all could also be linked to this cancer. There are several other hormonal factors that your medical doctor can throw light on.
The treatment options
However, in the unfortunate event that you are diagnosed with this cancer, surgery and breast cancer treatment can help treat your cancer. Both these treatment techniques have evolved and are often used in combination with each other for maximum results.
In a surgical procedure, the aim is to physically remove the cancer from the breast(s). Various methods such as lumpectomy, partial mastectomy or total mastectomy might be resorted to for this purpose. Breast cancer radiation aims to kill the cancerous cells to prevent them from proliferating further. Radiation has been proven to be effective in preventing the recurrence of cancer. While damage to the healthy tissues was a concern earlier, this aspect has been addressed today with the use of advanced breast cancer radiation that doesn’t damage surrounding healthy tissues.
Basics of Breast Cancer Causes and Breast Cancer Radiation
