All women can have breast cancer. This fact alone should encourage women not to take for granted the health of their bosoms.
Niagara Frontier Publications enumerates every important fact about breast health. There are many myths with regards to acquisition of breast cancer that many women have fallen into the trap of, consequently, leaving their breasts unattended. Here are four truths about the condition of breast cancer patients in the U.S.
1. Anyone Can Have Breast Cancer.
Anyone is at risk of acquiring the cancer regardless of genes. Seven out of ten women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. In fact, about 12.4 percent of women in the U.S. develop breast cancer in their lifetime and as of 2016, more than 2.8 million women are suffering and had been treated from the disease.
The risk is present for all but the chances double if a first-degree relative has been diagnosed of breast cancer before. While it can happen to anyone, the disease is also considered hereditary.
2. Breast Cancer's Death Rate Is Rapidly Increasing
Because of late detection of breast cancer and women's lack of awareness, it is one of the deadliest cancer types among American women. Statistics show that breast cancer almost go neck-to-neck with lung cancer in terms of death rate. Around 40,450 women are expected to die this year because of breast cancer.
3. Breast Cancer Is More Common Among African Americans
Breast cancer is more common in African Americans than whites for women under the age of 45. The survival rate for African Americans is lower because social status come into play and most African Americans don't have the medical coverage for detection, screening and treatment of breast cancer.
4. Mammograms Don't Cause Cancer.
Early screening of breast cancer is far better than a minute risk of acquiring the disease from a mammogram. The procedure is comparable to getting an X-ray, only using minimal radiation.
The biggest mistake a woman can do is to not undergo a mammogram in her life because if breast cancer does happen, it is easiest to cure at its early stages. Simply put, the only way to detect cancer early is for the person to take a mammogram once changes show.
As per Cheat Sheet, the five symptoms of breast cancer are changes in skin texture, sudden nipple discharge, presence of rashes and dilated veins, and changes in shape and size. Unless the woman is breastfeeding, there should be no liquid coming out from the nipple. Also, if the breasts appear red and swollen, then it's about time to visit the doctor.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, women would undergo series of tests to diagnose breast cancer. A breast specialist or a surgeon is the perfect doctor to assess if a woman has this type of cancer. If diagnosed with the disease, the doctor would immediately do additional tests to see if cancer cells have spread within the breast or to other body parts.
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