Breast cancer is a condition that is depicted by the unusual growth of cells in the breast. (CDC, 2020). It appears in both males and females but is far more common in females.

It is the most common cancer in females and the leading cause of cancer deaths among females (Bray et al., 2004). In 2020, according tothe World Health Organization (WHO), 2.3million women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 685,000 deaths were recorded globally.

Breast Cancer is caused by genetic alterations which can be linked to exposure to estrogen, inherited abnormalities or hereditary cancer-causing genes. Some of the risk factors are being female, increasing age, personal history of breast conditions, family history of breast cancer, obesity, alcohol consumption, exposure to radiation and hormone treatments.

The symptoms of breast cancer include the appearance of breast lumps, armpit or breast pain, changes
in the size, shape or appearance of the breast, peeling of the skin of breast or nipple, newly inverted
nipple, and abnormal discharge from the nipple.

Early diagnosis of breast cancer helps in effective treatment. At MedBioTechLab, an accurate
laboratory diagnosis is carried out through screening for CA 125 (a biomarker for breast cancer),
mammogram and biopsy.

At the moment, it is not possible to know if breast cancer can be prevented because the causes are
genetic and not fully understood. Meanwhile, the risk factors can be reduced through regular physical
exercise, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, maintaining healthy body weight, prolonged breastfeeding,
breast self-examination and limiting postmenopausal therapy.

References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/
https://www.who.int