By: Wanish Tortes-Mcginnis

In the month of October every year we commend breast cancer patients and their strive and strength to overcome such a disease. Although many people don’t know how the human body is affected by breast cancer. Breast cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. Breast cancer can occur with both men and women although it is more common in women. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast. Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling or a newly inverted nipple. Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin. Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange. Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules or in other cells or tissue within the breast. To prevent breast cancer, ask your doctor for exams and tests such as a monogram. Make sure you keep yourself moderately healthy like food, water, and exercise if your doctor allows you to. And if you do drink alcohol, drink in moderation. Depending on the patient and how high risk they are, some patients get their healthy breast surgically removed.Some patients also take medication such as estrogen-blocking medications, selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors, reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with a high risk of the disease.