Second only to deadly lung cancer, breast cancer is one of the most common cancer killers of women in the world. Breast cancer is a cancer that occurs in the cells of a woman's breast tissue. When cells grow abnormally and spread rapidly and out of control, they can cause cancer in that particular area of the body. The fact that cancer cells are so hardy makes for quite a tricky disease, and breast cancer is no different.
Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer does occur in males as well as females. Obviously, more women are affected by the disease than men, but it is only due to a much smaller chance of contracting the disease as men have significantly smaller amounts of breast tissue than women in most instances.
Depending on how old a woman is, she carries a different likelihood of actually contracting breast cancer. The target risk group for breast cancer is 40 and above, but some women with higher risks of breast cancer due to hormone treatments or genetic predisposition may start getting mammograms as early as the age of 25, just to be on the safe side. As with most other types of cancer, when breast cancer is detected and treated early, it significantly increases the afflicted person's chance of being able to go on and lead a healthy, normal life.
There are a variety of factors that are known to lead to breast cancer. Due to hormone levels, certain birth control methods increase a woman's risk of breast cancer significantly. Along with hormonal shifts, environmental factors, alcohol and drug abuse and overall health are also contributory factors in a person's personal risk of getting cancer. It is a proven fact that women who exercise and eat better significantly lower their risk of getting breast cancer, as well as other afflictions like heart disease and diabetes.
People get breast cancer for a variety of reasons. Contrary to what you might believe, most people do not get breast cancer as the result of a genetic predisposition. Most people contract breast cancer for other reasons, like heightened levels of estrogen or obesity, or a weakened immune system. Less than one-tenth of all breast cancer patients have a genetic history of breast cancer in the family.
The best weapon you have to arm yourself against breast cancer is knowledge and awareness. Regular mammograms (especially after the age of 40) are the first thing you can do to protect yourself against breast cancer. If breast cancer is caught early enough, it can be treated, and with little effect on the body.
What can you do to protect yourself against breast cancer? Avoid birth control products and other products that mess with the natural hormone levels in your body if at all possible. Be sure to eat the right amounts of fruits and vegetables for your body everyday. Watch your weight and exercise on a regular basis to keep your body and immune system functioning properly, and keep in contact with your doctor at all times.
Make it a great day!
Chris Walker, CFT, Coach
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