Understanding Breast Cancer?

Understanding Breast Cancer?  Breast cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases and ranks second as a cause of cancer deaths in the world. To raise awareness of the risk of this disease, every year, a number of organizations and activists organize various activities to sensitize the public on the importance of early inspection. Breast cancer is a disease caused by malignant cells (cancer) that grows in the breast tissue. These cells usually appear in the breast ducts or lobula. Cancer cells can spread between tissues or organs that exist and to other body parts.

How common is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the second biggest cause of death for women today. In Singapore, one of 16 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Chinese women have a higher risk compared with Malays or Indians approximately 10% to 20%. The highest cases occurred in the age group 55-59 years. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The good news now is that more women are now able to fight breast cancer because of early detection and improving the quality of treatment.

What Caused It?

Factors triggering this cancer is not yet known. But this can be traced from a family history of breast cancer, early menstrual cycle, or the possibility of other risk factors. Because it is so difficult to be sure, each of us has the risk of breast cancer, especially when we are aged 40 years or more. Although the causes are still unknown, but complete healing is possible with early detection through regular breast examinations.