Facts About Breast Cancer And The Risk Factors
Breast cancer is amongst the most prevalent malignancies that impact both men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, 2020 will see more than 276,000 new cases of invasive malignancy diagnosed in women and more than 2,600 invasive cases in men. After learning these statistics, two issues that often precipitates major concern are the associated risk factors and potential treatment options.
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Risk Factors For Breast Cancer
There are numerous factors that might contribute to an individual's risk of developing said malignancy, including:
Family History
A woman's family history is amongst the most significant risk factor said subject faces. Women who have had a close family member diagnosed with the said condition, such as a mother or sister stand at a 50 percent greater risk for developing the disease themselves.
Gender
Though men can develop the disease, women are 100 times more likely to develop the affliction.
Ethnicity
White woman are the most likely of any ethnicity to develop the disease. However, African-American women stand at the greatest risk of succumbing to it.
Age
Though five percent of all cases impact women under age 40, most diagnosed subjects occur in individuals age 55 and over.
Weight
Women who are grossly overweight or categorized as obese have an increased chance of developing the disease.
Alcohol Consumption
Women who consume several drinks per day increase their chances of breast cancer manifold.
Tissue Density
Women found to have thicker breast tissue are more prone to breast cancer development than those with more fatty tissues.
Potential Treatment Options
Several factors will dictate the specific type of treatment stricken women are administered. Such factors include the stage and aggressiveness of the offending malignancy, the subject's age, and their general health. That said, certain common therapeutic protocols are often employed, such as:
Surgery
Surgical intervention can take several forms depending upon the size, shape, location, type, and stage of the malignancy. In invasive cancers that have spread throughout the breast, mastectomy to remove the entire impacted organ might be indicated. However, when cancer has not spread to a marked extent, lumpectomies to remove tumors and adjacent tissues might suffice.
Chemotherapy
A combination of drugs is used to kill malignant cells. Said treatment is often used in combination with other therapies, especially if the malignancy has spread beyond the breast to other bodily regions.
Radiation
Significant dosages of X-rays are administered to cancerous tumors. Said remedial endeavor is also often used in conjunction with other treatment options.
Immunotherapy
Certain drugs are administered which stimulates the body's immune system to attack and kill malignant cells.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
