Breast Cancer: Hope Through The Struggle
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Breast Cancer: Hope Through The Struggle
According to The American Cancer Society, in 2005, approximately 211,000 American women will be diagnosed invasive breast cancer (Stages I-IV). It is the second leading cause of Cancer deaths in women, claiming more than 40,000 lives every year.
Surprising to some, the human breast is composed of identical tissues in males and females. Knowing this, it should come as no surprised that there are approximately 1,700 men are diagnosed with breast Cancer, with nearly 1/3 dying from the disease each year.
But, what exactly is Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer occurs when a persons body produces an abnormally high amount of cells in the breast. When this growth exceeds the bodys limit of functionality, the abnormal cells continue to grow into anaplastic (less differentiated) cells. These cells, abnormal and anaplastic, continue to reproduce themselves, and eventually begin to attack normal, healthy cells. This attack leads to the spreading of the disease. This is called metastasis. Cancer, thus, is the growth and reproduction of abnormal, unhealthy cells. Breast Cancer is this process localized in the tissue of the breast.
Cancer is often discussed in two forms, benign and malignant. Benign Cancer is a form that has little or no detrimental effect. This type of Cancer is usually treated with various forms of medication and/or chemotherapy. The other type of Cancer is called Malignant. As the name implies, this form of cancer is highly injurious and life threatening. Once diagnosed, Malignant forms of Cancer must be treated aggressively and for long periods of time.
As age increases, the odds of contracting Cancer increase, as well. This should not lead a younger woman to believe that she is not at risk. It has been documented that women in the early twentys have been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Side Note: Researcher have discovered that the longer a woman waits to have children, the higher her chances of contracting Cancer. (This may be due in part to the strain that childbirth puts on a womans body.)
This fact can be traced back, in part, to an individuals personal and family health history. Caucasian women appear to be at a higher risk of Cancer, regardless of their age. Also, women who smoke and/or are overweight, tend to have a higher risk factor, as well. Another contributing factor directly tied to ones health, it the health history of family members. Since Cancer lives and grows in the human cells, it is logical to conclude that the cells of family members can offer a loose pattern of potential Cancerous activities.
Symptoms include a lump or whats called thickening of the breast or the underarm area, ridges or pitting of the breast, redness of the nipple, discharge or upward turning of nipple and/or any changing of the size or shape of the breast.
If any of these symptoms occurs, a person would be strongly advised to seek medical counsel immediately.
Although the root cause of Cancer has not been found, early detection and treatment may save your from this disease.
D. Brownlee www.Breast-Cancer-Free.com
About the Author
D. Brownlee is a gifted author of more than 20 years, writing on a host of topics pertaining to family, faith and finances.
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