Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that starts in the cells of the breast("What's Breast Cancer"). A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body("What's Breast Cancer"). In this term paper I will briefly talk about cancer and its origins, then, in more detail, go on to address what breast cancer is, how it affects one's body, and how one can detect it.
Cancers have been known to mankind since ancient times(Mandal). Of the top 10 leading causes of death in the US, cancer is second(Nichols). Some of the earliest evidence of cancer is dated back to the fossilized bone tumors in human mummies of ancient Egypt(Mandal). But what is cancer?
Cancer is a disease of the
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Most people who have breast cancer symptoms and signs will notice only one or two("Symptoms"). The presence of these symptoms and signs doesn't necessarily mean that one has breast cancer(Vogel), but if any symptoms are noticed, it should be investigated as soon as it is discovered("Symptoms"). Symptoms can affect how the breast or nipple feels such as:
Nipple tenderness or a lump in or near the breast or underarm area
Changes in the skin texture
An enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast
Lump in the breast("Symptoms")
Other signs and symptoms involve changes in the appearance of the breast or nipple("Symptoms").
Unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast
Dimpling anywhere on the breast
Unexplained swelling of the breast (especially if on one side only)
Unexplained shrinkage of the breast (especially if on one side only)
Recent asymmetry of the breasts (Because it is common for women to have one breast that is slightly larger than the other
Slightly inward or inverted nipples("Symptoms") Women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once