Breast cancer

As we come to a close of the breast cancer awareness month, let us take this opportunity to once more appreciate what we have learnt over the course of the month of October. World health statistics on breast cancer indicate that, there are more than 2.3 million cases of breast cancer that occur each year, which makes it the most common cancer among adults.(WHO, 2023)

Kinds of Breast Cancer

The most common kinds of breast cancer are Invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer cells begin in the ducts and then grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. Invasive lobular carcinoma is another type where cancer cells begin in the lobules and then spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body. (CDC,2023)

Symptoms

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary in individuals, and may present as, but are not limited to:

● New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).

● Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

● Irritation or dimpling of breast skin. Redness or flaky skin in the nipple or the breast.

● Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.

● Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.

● Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.

Pain in any area of the breast.

Treatment Breast cancer treatment include:

● Surgery, where an operation is performed and doctors cut out the cancer.

● Chemotherapy, which is described as the use of special medicines to shrink or kill the cancer cells. The drugs can be given as pills, or given through the veins, or sometimes both.

● Hormonal therapy, a form of therapy that blocks cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.

● Biological therapy, involves therapy that aids the body’s immune system to fend off cancer cells or to regulate side effects from other cancer treatments.

● Radiation therapy which involves the use of high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer cells.

● Eating higher amounts of foods with nutrients and antioxidants has proven to be useful in the battle against cancer. Foods to include in this diet include: 1. Dark Leafy Greens such as kale, spinach, and collard greens are some of the many dark, leafy greens that can fight breast cancer. Leafy greens are loaded with antioxidants that can destroy free radicals that cause cancer. 2. Berries contain antioxidants and vitamins that can protect cells, repair damaged cells, and slow the spread of cancer cells. 3. Citrus Fruits contain vitamin C, folate, calcium, and many other nutrients that may prevent and fight breast cancer. 4. Fermented Foods are high in live “healthy” bacteria and yeasts also known as probiotics, these are good for breaking down of food by the body.

They can also prevent your body from absorbing harmful toxins that cause breast cancer. 5. Fatty Fish, certain types of fish contain healthy fats and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation associated with breast cancer for example Pilchards, sadines, trout and tuna. 6. Allium Veggies, which include the garlic family of vegetables contain high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. They also have sulfurous compounds that can prevent blood clots and strengthen the immune system. (This is a repeat).