Breast cancer is a type of cancer than affects mammary glands. Cancer is a disease wherein the genes that control cell division get mutated, and as a result, the cells start to divide in an arbitrary manner. This uncontrolled division of cells gives rise to new ones, which then form tumors. Luckily, the condition can be treated successfully if diagnosed in the early stages, and some of the common treatments for breast cancer include radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Causes
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two inherited genes that are known to increase the chances of a person getting affected by breast cancer. A doctor will most likely check the health history of your family and accordingly decide which treatment for breast cancer will be the most appropriate. There are several risk factors associated with the condition. These include the following:

• Gender: Although breast cancer affects men as well, women are several times more likely to get it.
• Age: Older people are at a higher risk. Women older than 55 have higher chances of developing breast cancer.
• Family history: Having a female blood relative with a history of breast cancer increases your risk of developing the disease. Multiple family members affected by the disease further increase the chances.
• Reproductive history: Women who have never been pregnant are more likely to develop the disease. The more estrogen there is in your body, the greater are the risks. Women who got their period early on in life and had their menopause delayed are also in danger of developing breast cancer.
• Obesity: Being obese means you have excess fat deposits in your body. If you are overweight and lead an inactive life, you are more likely to develop breast cancer.

Treatment
The treatment procedure for breast cancer depends on the stage to which the cancer has advanced. The more advanced the condition, the more difficult it becomes to treat it. Some of the common treatments for breast cancer include:

• Surgery: This is the treatment of choice if the cancer is still in the early stages. A procedure called mastectomy is used to remove the entire breast or just the tumor and surrounding tissues, depending on the severity.
• Radiation therapy : Here, high-powered radiation waves are used to kill the cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy: This treatment method involves the use of drugs to suppress hormones such as estrogen, which can promote the growth of breast cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs are used to kill cancer cells in a chemotherapy procedure. This can be administered orally or intravenously.
• Immunotherapy: In this treatment procedure, certain drugs are introduced into the body which boosts the immune system, thereby helping it fight the cancer cells.

Prevention
It is believed that prevention is better than cure and although common treatments for breast cancer a re available, it is better to take preventive measures to ensure you don’t get the disease in the first place. Diagnosing breast cancer in its early stages also helps in ensuring a higher chance of complete recovery. Some of the preventive measures include:

• Lifestyle changes: Since overweight people are at a higher risk of getting the disease, exercising regularly and monitoring your diet could help lessen the risk.
• Medicines: Drugs such as raloxifene, tamoxifen, exemestane, and anastrozole may help the individuals who belong to a high-risk group. It is crucial to medicate only if a doctor prescribes it and not otherwise.
• Cancer screening: Early detection of breast cancer increases your chances of survival and being cured of cancer completely. A mammogram is an imaging test used to detect abnormalities in your breast.
• Avoiding alcohol: Alcohol intake is known to increase the chances of developing breast cancer. You should cut down on your spirit consumption to lower the risk of having the disease.