What is Breast Cancer?:
Breast cancer is so rampant these days that almost everyone knows someone whos had it. Thinking that you will never have it can be a folly. So it is important for every memsaab to be aware about this killer disease.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. It usually begins as a small lump that grows bigger with time. Breast cancer can also spread to other parts of the body and damage various organs (Bones, Lungs, Liver, Brain etc). All the lumps in the breast are not cancerous or malignant. Most of the lumps are benign and do not spread to other parts of the body. But every lump needs close examination by your healthcare expert.

How do you get Breast Cancer?:

Today, breast cancer is considered to be a result of damage to DNA. This may be because of increased exposure to ionising radiation, or inreased rate of mutation that occurs due to exposure to estrogens. Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, here is a list of high risk factors:

Age: The risk of having breast cancer increases with age. Almost three quarters of women have it after menopause. But breast cancer is much more aggressive when it appears in younger people.

Alcohol: Research in the area shows that a person consuming alcohol is more prone to having breast cancer than a person who does not consume alcohol. The risk also increases with every additional drink had in a day.

Environmental Factors: all men and women are at risk for breast cancer even if there is no genetic predisposition. Use of toxic chemicals and hormone mimicking compounds including chemicals found in mnay cosetics, pesiticeds and cleaning agents etc put you in high risk brackets.

Hormones: High levels of Estrogen, Progestrone, Androgens, Testosterone etc expose you to a risk of breast cancer. Circumstances like delaying the birth of first child, not having children, not breastfeeding, early onset of menstruation, delayed menopause etc expose you to the risk.

Obesity: Post menopausal obesity is another risk factor. Putting on extra 9.9 Kgs or more after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer by about 18%