Breast Cancer Flashcards, test questions and answers
Discover flashcards, test exam answers, and assignments to help you learn more about Breast Cancer and other subjects. Don’t miss the chance to use them for more effective college education. Use our database of questions and answers on Breast Cancer and get quick solutions for your test.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is an extremely serious and life-threatening disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a form of cancer which starts in the cells of the breast and can spread to other parts of the body. Because it is one of the most common forms of cancer, it’s important to be aware of its symptoms, its causes, and how to best prevent it from occurring. The most common symptom for breast cancer is a lump in or near the breast area; however, other symptoms such as changes in skin texture or color around the breast may also appear. If you find any suspicious lumps or changes on your breasts, you should immediately contact your doctor for a medical examination. Early detection can greatly improve your chances for successful treatment. The exact causes for breast cancer are not known yet; however, some factors have been associated with increasing risk for developing this disease. These include age (especially after age 50), family history (having close relatives with a history of breast cancer), certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1/2 gene mutation, obesity and lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, hormone therapy after menopause and ionizing radiation exposure. Reducing risk factors through lifestyle modifications can help reduce your chances of developing this deadly disease: exercising regularly; eating a balanced diet low in fat; avoiding smoking; limiting alcohol intake; maintaining healthy weight through diet and exercise; performing regular self-exams to check for any changes on your breasts; getting mammograms starting at age 40 (or earlier if you have high risk factors); talking to your doctor about any medications that might put you at higher risk; getting tested for BRCA1/2 gene mutations if needed (if there’s a family history). All these measures will help lower your risk significantly. Breast cancer is an extremely aggressive form of this deadly disease but early detection combined with proper lifestyle choices can help improve outcomes significantly. Make sure you stay informed about all potential risks so that you can take appropriate steps to protect yourself against this devastating condition.