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Breast Cancer – Causes, Types, Preventive Measures, and More

Breast Cancer – Causes, Types, Preventive Measures, and More

Breast cancer is characterized by the rapid and aggressive formation of cells in the breast tissue of individuals. The cancerous collective of cells, known as tumors, can be benign (harmless) or malignant (potentially life-threatening). Approximately one in three cancer-affected females in the country have breast cancer. Although the condition can be found in men and women, it is most commonly diagnosed in the latter. Here is everything you need to know about breast cancer:

What causes breast cancer?
While the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, researchers have identified specific hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle-related factors as its primary causes. There is no consistency in these factors as they differ from one affected individual to another. Breast cancer often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts growing abnormally. This results in the forming of lumps or cellular masses in the breast/s. Arguably, like most cancer types, the most accurate answer is that breast cancer is caused due to a complex interaction between a person’s genetic design and immediate environment.

Five to ten percent of breast cancer cases also involve inheritance. So, if individuals from a given generation have breast cancer, there is a faint possibility that persons from the next generation may also develop it.

What are the types of breast cancer?
There are multiple types of breast cancer, including:

Ductal carcinoma in situ
This is normally referred to as stage zero cancer. In this type of breast cancer, the malignancy in the cells has not spread beyond the milk ducts. While this condition is certainly treatable, professionals recommend special care to prevent the cancerous cells from becoming overly aggressive and invasive.

Lobular carcinoma in situ
Similar to ductal carcinoma in situ, this condition is not classified as cancerous even though it involves abnormal growth of cells in the lobules of the breast. Due to its potential to turn from a “precancerous” condition to a cancerous one in the future, health professionals recommend special care, frequent breast exams, and mammograms for individuals with this condition.

Invasive ductal carcinoma
In this type, the rapid cell growth begins in the milk ducts of the breast before spreading through the duct wall and spreading to neighboring cells and tissues. This is the most common form of breast cancer, making up approximately 80% of all cases.

Triple-negative breast cancer
It is one of the most difficult types of cancer to diagnose as it does not have the three identifiable markers associated with other forms of breast cancer, making prognosis and early-stage treatment overly challenging. This type makes up approximately 15% of all breast cancer cases.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer can be identified through several symptoms such as:

  • The emergence of dimples, flaky skin, redness, or irritation on the skin on and around your breasts
  • The thickening or swelling up of a part or the whole of your breasts
  • The emergence of single or multiple lumps in your breasts or underarms/armpits
  • Persistent pain in or around your breasts
  • Any change in shape or size of either or both breasts
  • The discharge of blood or fluids other than milk from the nipples

If you show any of these symptoms or other issues in and around your breasts, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

What questions should you ask your healthcare provider after a diagnosis?
If you receive a positive breast cancer diagnosis from your healthcare provider, you may want to know everything about the condition. So, here are some queries you can ask to get immediate clarity about your diagnosis:

  • Has the tumor begun spreading?
  • Where exactly is the tumor located?
  • What stage of breast cancer do you have?
  • What are the treatment options available to you?
  • Will breast cancer surgery be a viable option?
  • What are the resources available for treatment or care?
  • How long will the breast cancer treatment last?
  • What do the readings and results from the estrogen receptor (ER), HER2, and progesterone receptor (PR) tests mean for you?
  • Would you be able to carry on with your professional life during ongoing treatment?

What are the preventive measures for breast cancer?
Although there is no definitive detection factor of breast cancer, certain preventive measures can reduce the percentage of developing it. Some of these measures are:

  • Undergoing regular clinical breast exams and mammograms to detect abnormal cell growth.
  • Conducting self-exam of your breasts regularly. This involves touching your breasts and surrounding areas to detect any lumps, thickened skin, or other possible identifiers of breast cancer.
  • Participating in physical exercise daily to keep your body active and prevent the possibility of increasing BMI.
  • Eating healthy foods such as virgin olive oils, mixed nuts, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and leafy items is a must. Foods containing healthy fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids and fish (instead of red meat) are advisable. Apart from lowering the chances of breast cancer, these foods are healthy in their own right and can provide plenty of nutrients and energy daily.

What are the treatment alternatives for breast cancer?
There are multiple kinds of treatment for breast cancer, including:

Surgery
This could include the surgical removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue (lumpectomy), the removal of an entire breast/s (mastectomy), the removal of a few affected lymph nodes (sentinel node biopsy), the removal of the healthy breast to prevent the spread of cancer (contralateral prophylactic mastectomy), or the dissection or removal of lymph nodes (axillary lymph node dissection).

Chemotherapy
This treatment option involves the usage of certain chemicals and solutions to destroy cancerous cells.

Radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, high-powered radiation beams from an external machine are used to target and kill cancer cells.

Hormonal therapy
Hormone therapy involves the surgical blocking of the production of estrogen and progesterone, two hormones in a woman’s body that can stimulate breast cancer cell growth.

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Known Signs of Hemophilia and Anemia

Bleeding disorders refer to a group of conditions like hemophilia or anemia that interfere with normal blood functions in the body. Hemophilia affects the ability of the blood cells to clot naturally, while anemia lowers hemoglobin count in the red blood cells. These conditions exhibit a unique set of symptoms that can be identified. Early diagnosis helps doctors form a viable healthcare plan. So, it pays to know and identify the following symptoms. Hemophilia and Anemia: Understanding the difference Both conditions are common bleeding disorders. However, anemia & hemophilia signs are distinctly different from each other when it comes to the disease progression. The latter is a genetic disorder that affects the red blood cell’s ability to clot and close wounds. Certain clotting factors in the blood bind with the red blood cells to prevent uncontrolled bleeding. Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells in the first place. Also, a low hemoglobin count affects the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen to vital organs and extremities via the circulatory system. Genetic mutation triggers most known types of hemophilia, while certain nutritional deficiencies in the body trigger common forms of anemia. Symptoms of hemophilia The absence of essential clotting factors in the blood can trigger a variety of noticeable and unusual symptoms. Uncontrolled bleeding Bleeding is one of the primary symptoms of hemophilia. It can happen under the skin or in the joints. As the red blood cells are unable to bind and clot, this pool of blood can trigger swelling, pain, and tightness in the joints. This symptom is most commonly noticeable in the knees, elbows, and ankles. Blood collecting under the skin can lead to buildups under the muscle and soft tissue to cause more painful bruising. This symptom is called hematoma in medical terminology. Frequent nosebleeds When the bleeding is triggered externally, it can result in frequent nosebleeds that can be difficult to stop. Note that external environmental factors and physical injuries generally cause nosebleeds. So, any unexplained bleeding could indicate a developing condition. Bleeding caused due to cuts, bruises, and vaccinations Lack of essential clotting factor VIII can trigger bleeding from the lightest of impacts, cuts, bruises, or even after losing a tooth. Some people experience sudden bleeding after taking a vaccination. This could be the body’s reaction to producing antibodies, but the strain could be too much to bear, resulting in bleeding from the extremities. Blood in urine or stool Excess blood in the urine or stool is a clear sign of disease progression. The urine and stools appear dark red or even blackish due to the presence of red blood cells mixed with the excreta. Immediate medical assistance is advisable for visual symptoms. Bleeding in infants Complicated pregnancies can be physically taxing for both the mother and the child leading to possible symptoms of hemophilia at birth. But in some rare cases, infants may experience internal bleeding in the head. Symptoms of anemia The most common types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiency anemia, develop due to the lack of nutrients in the body. Therefore, anemia exhibits more physically taxing symptoms as the condition worsens. Tiredness Increased fatigue and weakness for no apparent reason is one of the main indicators of nutritional deficiencies. An unexplained decrease in overall stamina with no physical exertion or any activity during the day could mean low iron in the blood. Without iron, the body cannot produce enough red blood cells. And low hemoglobin means not enough oxygen is being circulated around vital organs in the body, thus resulting in fatigue induced by low energy levels. Respiratory symptoms Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, and even noticing an irregular heartbeat could indicate a possible anemic condition. An iron deficiency lowers hemoglobin count, and this means not enough oxygen is being circulated by the blood. Low hemoglobin affects the breathing rate as the body struggles to extract more oxygen resulting in shortness of breath. The heart must also put in extra efforts to pump the low hemoglobin blood forcefully, thus resulting in irregular heartbeats. Doctors refer to this condition as heart palpitations. These symptoms can also induce chest pains due to the sheer stress being put on the organ. Pale skin and damaged hair Skin and hair symptoms are visible indicators of a developing anemia condition. An iron deficiency results in low red blood cell production and indirectly affects the shade of the skin. Pale skin is noticeably visible around the face, gums, lower lips, lower eyelids, and even on the nails. This symptom is more visually obvious among people who flaunt a lighter skin tone. Also, hair thinning, hair fall, and a damaged scalp is a clear sign of iron deficiency. Treatment options Note that anemia & hemophilia signs never overlap. Once the primary indicators are confirmed, doctors quickly suggest blood tests to identify the leading causes or triggers. Knowing the differences can help with prompt diagnosis even though both the conditions are bleeding disorders. It is even possible to recover from common forms of anemia within 2 to 3 months. Hemophilia is a more serious bleeding disorder that is treated by introducing the missing clotting factors. Doctors also suggest prescriptions that help stimulate the body to release more clotting factors. However, a transfusion offers more promising results for moderate to severe progression. Effective preventive measures and home remedies can help lower the risk of bleeding. These conditions cannot be completely cured. But it is possible to improve the quality of life by incorporating healthy lifestyle habits. Prescriptions and treatments only help slow down the disease progression.

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Colon Cancer – Top Signs That One Should Get Tested

Colon or colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent cancer diagnosed in the country. The American Cancer Society shows a close relationship between food, body mass, and activity with the chances of developing it. Anyone over 50 has a higher risk of developing the disease, so it's advisable to get checked regularly. Herein, we highlight crucial signs that indicate a person should see a doctor and get tested for this disease. Colon Cancer The colon absorbs water and electrolytes, ferments indigestible food matter by bacteria, produces and absorbs vitamins, and forms, stores, and propels feces toward the rectum for elimination. Colon cancer is a disease where cells in the colon or rectum grow uncontrollably and abnormally, infiltrating and destroying normal body tissues. Stages of such a condition are based on the size of the primary tumor and its growth into the colon or rectum wall, whether the tumor has spread to nearby nodes, and whether it has metastasized to distant nodes or organs. Signs One Should Get a Tested As mentioned, the stages are determined by tumor size and how far it has grown into the wall of one's colon or rectum, whether the infection has spread to surrounding nodes, and whether it has metastasized to distant nodes or organs. In the early stages of the disease, it is often symptomless in most patients. Depending on the tumor's location and size, different symptoms may appear at different times. Here are some early signs of colon cancer that should prompt one to get tested immediately: Persistent Bowel Movement Issues Persistent changes in bowel habits can cause worry, such as watery loose stools called diarrhea, constipation, or a sudden change in the stool's consistency, like dry or hard stools with fluid leaking out around the stool. If any of these signs last for a long time, it can be a sign to get one's colon tested for cancerous cells. Rectal Bleeding Bloody stools often indicate rectal bleeding, a sign of colon or rectal cancer. The blood in the stool may look crimson red or maroon, or dark brown to black and tar-like, which is visible to the naked eye. The bleeding may be in the digestive tract and only detectable under a microscope, discovered after a stool sample during a lab test. Such a sign can also be that of hemorrhoids, which is easier to treat, but if the bleeding persists, is heavy, or is frequent, it's best to check it. Persistent Abdominal Discomforts Temporary discomfort or bloating may indicate a normal buildup of gas. But suppose one hasn't made any significant lifestyle changes and still persistently experiences excessive gas accompanied by abdominal pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness or nausea. In that case, it may signify a more serious underlying health issue. A Feeling of Incomplete Bowel Movements In this case, one experiences a constant sense that one's bowels are not emptying even if there is no remaining stool to expel. The feeling might be caused by other illnesses like Crohn's disease, inflammation, or colitis. The persistence of such an issue accompanied by pain or cramps necessitates that one gets their colon tested. Constant Weakness or Chronic Fatigue Cancer is known to cause chronic fatigue or weakness in patients, which the excess energy may bring on that abnormal cells consume and the strain they put on one's gastrointestinal tract. Although intermittent exhaustion is normal, chronic fatigue because of this disease does not go away with rest. Unexplained Mass Loss People dealing with advanced colon cancer often experience a combination of excess mass and muscle loss. Losing 10 pounds or more in such a way can be the first noticeable indication, and it's advisable to immediately consult a doctor. Other Risk Factors Here are a few more factors that may increase the risk of colon cancer: Family History According to numerous studies, people with a first-degree relative with a history of colon cancer, including parents or siblings, are at a higher risk of developing it. When a cell's DNA is damaged and continues to divide, even when new cells aren't needed, it forms a tumor. Some DNA mutations, known as hereditary mutations, can be passed down through generations. For example, for one with such a family history of this disease, it is recommended to do regular screenings starting from 40 instead of 50. Age The likelihood of developing colon cancer rises with age. Although it can occur in young individuals, it is considerably more typical in people over 50. For men, the diagnosis average age is 68, whereas it is 72 for women. Unhealthy Lifestyle Frequently consuming foods high in fat and calories and poor in fiber may be linked to colon and rectal cancer. While the findings of this research have been limited, people who eat heavily processed food and red meat and follow a sedentary or inactive lifestyle are at a higher risk of developing this disease. Diabetes The high sugar level and insulin foster an environment in one's colon that makes cancer more likely to grow. High blood sugar levels associated with Type 2 diabetes also cause an increase in overall body inflammation, which increases the risk of developing this disease. Inflammatory Intestinal Conditions People suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis or Crohn's, are at a higher risk of colon cancer. IBD is a condition where the colon is inflamed. If left untreated for a long time, it develops into dysplasia, wherein cells found in the colon or rectum lining appear abnormal but are not cancerous but may eventually develop into such a type. If one has IBD, it is recommended to get checked earlier. One should check with their doctor as soon as they notice such issues to get a treatment plan drawn out promptly.

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Top 7 Healthy Energy Bars

With energy bars gaining immense popularity, it comes as no surprise that their market is expected to grow by $1.09 billion this decade in the continent alone. These protein bars have become the go-to choice for a quick and healthy snack as people become increasingly conscious about their food choices. These nutritious mini-meals are highly preferred by young people and athletes alike. Let’s look at some of the leading healthy options for you. Boom If you are among those who love to start their day with a caffeine kick, Boom bars help you just the right amount of that jolt. A single energy bar contains about 150mg of caffeine, which is more than that in a single espresso shot or a regular cup of coffee. Not only that, but they also contain 11g of protein, making it a filling snack. Understandably, they cater to a niche market that specifically enjoys the deliciousness of edible coffee. Boom focuses on highlighting why eating caffeine makes for a smoother experience than simply drinking it. A box of 7 bars costs about $24.  GoMacro These are vegan bars made from sustainably sourced ingredients. These healthy energy bars are organic, Kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and even soy-free.

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Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

Invisible Braces – Benefits, Costs, and Top Brands

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Overactive Bladder – Common Causes and Management Techniques

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