Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that starts in the breast. It is the most common cancer in women in Kenya.
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Causes Of Breast Cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast cancer risk factors include the following:
*Family history as the risk is higher if a relative like a parent, sibling or child has had breast cancer
*Personal history as the risk is higher if a person has had breast cancer in one breast
*Breast conditions like lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or atypical hyperplasia of the breast increase the risk of breast cancer
*Beginning menstrual period when younger than 12 years increases the risk
*Beginning menopause when older than 55 years increases the risk
*Being female as women are more likely to get breast cancer than men
*Have dense breast tissue increases the risk
*Drinking alcohol increases the risk
*Having never become pregnant increases the risk
*Having the first child after the age of 30 may increase the risk
*Older age as the risk is higher as a person ages
*Genetic DNA changes as the risk is higher in BRCA1 and BRCA 2 gene changes
*Using menopause hormone therapy that has estrogen and progesterone increases the risk
*Obesity as the risk is higher in obese persons
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*Radiation exposure to the chest as a child or young adult increases the risk
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Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms include the following:
*A lump in the breast
*A breast nipple that is turned inwards or flattened
*Changes in the size, shape or appearance of the breast
*Changes in the skin on the breast such that it looks dimpled like an orange peel
*Peeling, flaking or scaling on the skin on the breast
When the breast cancer spreads from the beast to other parts of the body, it causes the following symptoms:
*Pain in the bones
*Feeling very tired
*Losing weight without trying to lose weight
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Breast Cancer Screening
Breast cancer is screened with the following:
*Mammogram
*Yearly breast exam which is done by the doctor
*Monthly breast exam which is done by the person
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Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by doing a breast biopsy after imaging tests like mammogram, ultrasound or MRI.
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Breast Cancer Treatment
The treatment of breast cancer includes the following:
*Surgery with procedures like mastectomy
*Chemotherapy
*Radiation
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Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer prevention involves doing the following:
*Using preventive medicines in those with a very high breast cancer risk. These medicines include estrogen blocking medicines called selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors.Â
*Having preventative surgery in those with a very high breast cancer risk. These surgeries include prophylactic mastectomy in which the breasts are removed and prophylactic oophorectomy in which the ovaries are removed.
*Not using menopause hormone replacement therapy as the risk reduces when one stops taking these medications.
*Stopping drinking alcohol as there are no safe amounts of alcohol when is comes to breast cancer prevention.
To learn more on how to prevent breast cancer, join our Cancer Prevention Retreats where you will learn the following:
*The protective foods to eat in order to reduce your chances of developing cancer and lifestyle diseases.
*The lifestyle changes to make so as to reduce your risk of developing cancer and lifestyle diseases.
*How to reduce toxins in your environment in order to lower your risk of developing cancer and lifestyle diseases.
Call 0721 963 156 or WhatsApp +254 721 963 156 to book today.
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FAQ
How much is breast cancer screening in Kenya?
A mammogram costs between Ksh 2000 and Ksh 10,000.
How much is breast cancer treatment in Kenya?
The cost of breast cancer treatment in Kenya varies from hospital to hospital and ranges from Ksh 100,000 to over Ksh 1,000,000.
How long can a breast cancer patient survive?
In Kenya, the survival rate from breast cancer is low with around 80% of women not surviving beyond 5 years. In the USA the 5 year survival rate is more than 99% because most cancers are detected early.