Breast cancer is a common type of cancer. An early stage of breast cancer has no such visible symptoms except a lump in the breast area. Breast cancer cells multiply continuously which leads to a tumor in the breasts. It is important to know the type of breast cancer to get the right treatment.

Self-examining of the breast is an important healthcare routine which every individual should follow and if not then visiting a doctor for monthly checkups is advised.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 2 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

The various causes of breast cancer
Being overweight after menopause is a common problem in women and this leads to breast cancer. Exposure to harmful radiations is another important cause of breast cancer. Breast cancer is common in elder women’s because the age is an important factor that increases the risk of developing cancerous cells. Consumption of alcohol on a daily basis is an important cause of breast cancer. The use of contraceptive pills has a high risk of developing cancer. Childbirth at a later age causes breast cancer.

Estrogen levels and hormone replacement therapy undertaken by women can enhance the risk of cancer. Dense breast tissues in young ladies and menopause at an early age can also cause breast cancer later. An early age of menstruation in women also increases the chances of developing breast cancer.

Symptoms associated with breast cancer

The early stage of breast cancer is detected with a lump that originates in the breast area. It is to be kept in mind that all tumors are not cancer. But abnormal changes in the breast such as rashes near the nipples or change in color of the breast are visible symptoms of breast cancer.

• A sudden lump created near the surrounding of the breast.
• Pain in breasts that are prevailing for a longer time.
• Swellings near the nipples of the breast.
• An abnormal change in the size and shape of the breast.
• Swelling near the armpit.
• Discoloration of breast skin.

Treatments for breast cancer
The category and age of the cancer are important aspects to be noted before treating breast cancer because this determines the type of treatment that is appropriate.

• Surgical treatments : These are several types of breast cancer surgeries depending on the category of the breast cancer; this surgery is mainly done to remove the lump created in the breast. Though in extreme case, the whole breast might be surgically removed to prevent cancer from spreading further.
• Chemotherapy treatments : This treatment is done during the early stages of breast cancers or before the surgery to shrink the tumors. Adjuvant chemotherapy is mainly done to remove the cancer cells that are left after surgeries. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is mainly used to reduce the size of the tumor in the breast.