Welcome to October’s 3rd Edition!
What is Breast Cancer, Really?
By: Noor Malhi
Edited By: Mahima Singh
Breast Cancer is one of the most common types of cancers in women. Breast cancer symptoms include lumps in the breast or the area around the breast, swelling of nipples, and sometimes even a bloody discharge from the nipples. There are different types of breast cancer—and all are dangerous. Therefore, it is crucial to get yearly mammograms and perform a self-exam to feel any abnormality. You can detect abnormalities by feeling for lumps or swelling around your breast. Although breast cancer commonly forms in a women’s body, men can get it too.
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of breast cancer. The most common type of cancer is the one that forms in the ducts that carry milk, which is called ductal cancers. Another form of breast cancer is lobular cancer, which forms in the glands that make breast milk. Some women also get cancer that starts in the tissue of other breasts. These cancers are called sarcomas and lymphomas.
A lot of young teens around the age of 16+ are getting diagnosed with breast cancer. Studies show that teens who do get cancer at a young age got their period at an early age (10 or 11 years of age) and most teens also take birth control pills. It is highly encouraged by professionals that even girls at the age of 15 should be performing self-exams, since breast cancer can be detected.
Mammograms are said to not always be useful in detecting a tumor. Several breast cancer survivors said that the results of their mammograms were negative, but due to performing self-breast exams and familiarizing themselves with their breast, they were able to detect an abnormality and request an ultrasound.
Maintaining a good lifestyle will also prevent you from getting diagnosed with breast cancer. Eating a nutritious meal and incorporating exercise into your daily routine will decrease your chances of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Eating fruits and vegetables, proteins, and iron will make your body stronger and increase your immunity towards such diseases.
There is a high risk of breast cancer spreading if it’s not detected early. Breast cancer spreads when the cancer cells spread into the blood where they are carried to other organs. In conclusion, It is important to perform self-exams monthly and familiarize yourself with your breasts so you can detect an abnormality as early as possible to resist the spreading of the cancer cells.
Tools Used for Breast Cancer
By: Ashly Rodriguez Hernandez
Edited By: Cedelyne Petit-Frere
According to Science Direct, breast cancer is the most common cancer death among women. In awareness of breast cancer month it is important to learn and practice how to check for signs and symptoms of breast cancer. But how do we know what goes on behind the scenes? With many different kinds of procedures done within breast cancer, there is also a range of diagnostic tools that help us detect and check for signs of this type of cancer.
First I’ll be discussing the Digital Mammogram or Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT). This is the most common tool we often hear about. It uses x-rays to display a 3D image of the breast to examine if a lump is abnormal or not. Next, there is a Breast MRI, like the DBT it scans the breast to showcase detailed images of the breast. It can accurately show breast tumors. This device uses radio waves and magnets. Another tool that uses waves is the Breast Ultrasound. Instead of waves with radiation, this kind of wave uses sound waves to examine the breast. This may be used to further discuss/examine a mass or lump found in the breast. Apart from the breast a positron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) scans will be done to locate any other cancer cells in other parts of the body.
Another way to examine the breast further is diagnostic surgery or biopsy. A patient may need this procedure if they have shown signs of breast cancer. This is a procedure done by taking a small piece of tumor or tissue which then gets examined under a microscope to determine if it is benign or cancerous. There are multiple types of biopsies to determine how advanced breast cancer may be such as stereotactic core biopsy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Each has its own focus on tissue, surgery, and devices used to accurately diagnose and examine breast cancer.
Lastly, although this is not a psychical tool, it may be useful as a guide for those who are unsure of their symptoms. There are breast cancer assessment tools online that can help explain the signs and if you should seek a diagnosis. This type of online assessment cannot accurately estimate breast cancer as much as seeing a professional. It would be best to be on the lookout for signs, if you feel you may have breast cancer, talk to a professional. Even if it turns out to not be breast cancer be thankful you gave them a visit for your own peace of mind. It is important to learn how to accurately check for breast cancer and keep in touch with your physician if you are unsure and need help.
Works Cited:
What is Breast Cancer, Really?
American Cancer Society | Information and Resources About for Cancer: Breast, Colon, Lung, Prostate, Skin, http://www.cancer.org.
“Breast Cancer Foundation | Susan G. Komen®.” ww5.komen.org.
National Breast Cancer Foundation, 14 Nov. 2019, http://www.nationalbreastcancer.org.
Tools Used for Breast Cancer:
https://bcrisktool.cancer.gov/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001299810001625
Medical Wonders 