When a tumour forms in the cells of the breast it is known as breast cancer. It surprises many to find out it can occur in both women and men, but is far more common in women.
What is it?
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts.
How do I recognise it?
Symptoms may include:
A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
Bloody discharge from the nipple
Change in the size or shape of a breast
Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
Inverted nipple
Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
Causes
Scientists have identified things that may increase your risk of breast cancer. But it's not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex combination of your genetic makeup and your environment.
How do you treat it?
Like any disease, even if there is no cure, there is almost always something you can do to manage it and take control. There are three main areas involved in the treatment of any disease:
For information on medicines and therapies relevant to Breast Cancer, make an appointment at Lynch's Pharmacy, Broadale, Douglas, Cork on 021-4366923.
Learn all about the drugs used to treat the disease and any complementary medicines or therapies proven to help. Equip yourself with the tools to manage the condition and not be managed by it.
How do you live with it?
Certain adjustments may be needed to get on with your life, and often, some simple tips and advice can go a long way to making these changes.
When you come to a Lynch's Pharmacy Clinic we give you all the necessary information available to make your life easier and allow you to live better with your condition.
References
Breast Cancer, information for patients http://www.cks.nhs.uk/patient_information_leaflet/breast_cancer_female/introduction