Know Abouts "Breast cancer"

** Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer. This disease has become a major problem all across the world including India.

** Breast cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells, which results in formation of lumps within the breast. It is one of the treatable forms of cancers. If not detected early, it can be a life threatening disease as it can also spread to other parts of the body.

** Breast cancer affects women both in the developed and the developing world. It can occur at any age but, it is most common in women above the age of 40 years. In India, Breast Cancer accounts for 25% to 31% of all cancers in women. The average age of developing breast cancer has also undergone a significant shift from 50 - 70 years to 30 - 50 years..

==> Risk Factors: ** Family History: Women whose mother or sister had breast cancer carry a higher risk of developing this disease.

** Breast lumps- Women who have had some type of non-cancerous breast lumps are more likely to develop cancer later on.

** Dense breast tissue - Women with dense breast tissue have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.

** Age: As women get older, they are at higher risk of breast cancer.

** Diet and lifestyle choices: Women who smoke, eat high fat diet, drink alcohol are more at risk of developing breast cancer.

** Radiation Exposure: Frequent exposure to X-Rays and CT scans may raise a women chance of developing breast cancer. Obesity: Overweight women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

** Oestrogen exposure ; Women who started having periods earlier or entered menopause later than usual are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because their bodies have been exposed to oestrogen for longer duration.