Right at Home Harrow Helps to Understand Breast Cancer: Risks, Impacts, and Prevention
Published: 12/10/2023
Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, and it's essential to understand what it is, how it impacts individuals, and the ways to prevent it. Breast cancer is not only a physical battle but also a deeply emotional and psychological one. Right at Home Harrow will explore what breast cancer is, how it affects people, and strategies for prevention.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that forms in the cells of the breast. It usually starts in the milk ducts or lobules and can be invasive or non-invasive. Invasive breast cancer means the tumour has spread to surrounding tissue, while non-invasive, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is confined to the milk ducts. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is far more common in women.
How Breast Cancer Affects People
- Physical Impact:
- Pain: Breast cancer can cause pain, discomfort, and tenderness in the breast.
- Fatigue: The treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often lead to fatigue.
- Changes in Appearance: Surgical procedures like mastectomy can alter a person's physical appearance.
- Emotional and Psychological Impact:
- Anxiety and Depression: The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can cause emotional distress.
- Fear of Recurrence: Many survivors live with the fear that cancer may return.
- Altered Body Image: Changes in appearance can affect self-esteem and body image.
- Social and Financial Impact:
- Relationships: Cancer can strain relationships due to the emotional toll.
- Financial Stress: The cost of treatment can be a significant burden on individuals and families.
Ways to Prevent Breast Cancer
- Self-Exams and Regular Check-ups:
- Monthly self-breast exams can help detect lumps or changes early.
- Regular mammograms are essential, as they can catch cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.
- Lifestyle Choices:
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is a risk factor for breast cancer.
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity can reduce the risk.
- Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can be protective.
- Limit Alcohol and Tobacco:
- Reduce alcohol consumption.
- Avoid or quit smoking, as it is linked to an increased risk.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy:
- Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider if considering HRT during menopause
- Genetics and Family History:
- If you have a family history of breast cancer, discuss genetic testing with a genetic counsellor.
- Breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of breast cancer for some women.
Breast cancer is a challenging and life-altering disease. While it can affect people physically, emotionally, and financially, there are various strategies to prevent its occurrence or detect it at an early and more treatable stage. Here at Right at Home Harrow we suggest regular self-exams, medical check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and awareness of risk factors. Combining them can contribute to reducing the impact of breast cancer on individuals and their families. Remember that early detection and prevention play a crucial role in the fight against breast cancer.
