Breast cancer is a global epidemic so it is a reason to worry for all of us. Let’s have a look at some important facts and figures about it to protect ourselves and our loved ones from this life threatening disease.
Breast cancer is one of the earliest types of cancers to be described by ancient physicians. 35, 000 years ago a record of its description is discovered in ancient Egypt.
After skin cancer it is the second most common type of cancer amongst American women. It is also considered as one of the leading causes of cancer related deaths after lung cancer. The ratio of breast cancer is higher in the United States then the rest of the world. Due to this cancer 112 women die daily in the U.S. Caucasian women are also at higher risk of developing this cancer. There are several reasons including modern life style, obesity, and long term use of hormonal therapy. Many other reasons are also there like family history, genetic involvement and pattern of reproduction.
The ratio of this cancer is higher in developed countries and comparatively lower in undeveloped ones. 1 in 8 women can be affected by this type of cancer any time in life .1.2 million cases is an approximate ratio of breast cancer diagnosis annually and among them 75 % are diagnosed in women at the age of 50 or above. That is why women are asked to go for screening in this age every 1 or 2 years because the risk rises with age.
Abnormal division of cells in the breast tissues cause this type of cancer and this division is rapid as well. Early detection can reduce the chance of dying with this very vindictive type of disease.
It has been reported that most of the cancers are found in left breast as it is more vulnerable to the disease. Although, the reason is still unknown.
Initially it was considered as the disease of nuns and from this a conclusion is drawn that they develop it because they don’t have opportunity of breast feeding. So, breast feeding plays a vital role in reducing the risk of being affected by the disease. The risk reduces with the duration of breast feeding as the longer as you feed your risk becomes smaller.
Breast cancer awareness should be informed and enlightened through all possible means to protect you from the deadly disease.
Adequate knowledge of this disease and all related factors is beneficial in diagnosing the disease earlier.
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