The term “plague” usually brings to mind images of historic epidemics such as the Black Death, but there is a deadly health crisis affecting women today.

Although it is not a contagious disease like the bubonic plague, this issue affects millions of women worldwide and causes immense suffering. In this article, we will explore what this “plague” is, why it affects women disproportionately, and what can be done to address it.

What is the deadly plague affecting women today?

The deadly plague affecting women today is breast cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide.

In 2020, it is estimated that 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed globally, and 685,000 women died from the disease. These numbers are staggering and highlight the urgent need for more effective prevention, detection, and treatment methods.

Why does breast cancer affect women disproportionately?

One of the main reasons why breast cancer affects women disproportionately is biological. Female breast tissue is more susceptible to cancer than other tissues.

Additionally, women are exposed to various risk factors throughout their lives that increase their likelihood of developing breast cancer. These risk factors include:.

Age (the risk increases with age)
Genetics (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes increase the risk)
Family history of breast cancer
Exposure to estrogen (especially at a young age)
Excessive alcohol consumption
Obesity and physical inactivity
Use of hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy
Exposure to ionizing radiation
High levels of environmental pollution

These risk factors are not exclusive to women, but they affect women more frequently or severely than men.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Early detection is critical for the effective treatment of breast cancer. It is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, which include:.

Lumps or thickening of breast tissue
Changes in breast size or shape
Changes in breast skin texture, such as dimpling or puckering
Breast pain or tenderness
Nipple discharge other than breast milk
Nipple inversion or retraction

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

The diagnosis of breast cancer usually involves a combination of imaging tests and tissue biopsies. The most common imaging tests for breast cancer include:.

Mammography: A type of X-ray that uses low doses of radiation to detect abnormalities in breast tissue.
Ultrasound: A non-invasive test that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of breast tissue.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of breast tissue.

If an abnormality is detected, a tissue biopsy may be performed to confirm whether it is cancerous or not. There are several types of tissue biopsies, including:.

Core needle biopsy: A small sample of breast tissue is removed using a hollow needle.
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: A thin needle is used to extract a sample of fluid or cells from a breast lump.
Surgical biopsy: A larger sample of breast tissue is surgically removed for examination.

How is breast cancer treated?

The treatment of breast cancer depends on several factors, including the stage and type of cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences.

Treatment options for breast cancer usually include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. In some cases, hormonal therapy may also be used.

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. The most common types of surgery for breast cancer include:.

Lumpectomy: Only the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it are removed.
Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed.
Reconstructive surgery: After a mastectomy, the breast can be reconstructed using implants or the patient’s own tissue.

After surgery, radiation therapy may be recommended to kill any remaining cancer cells in the breast. Chemotherapy and targeted therapy may also be used to destroy cancer cells or stop their growth.

Hormonal therapy is used in cases where the cancer is estrogen or progesterone receptor-positive. This therapy aims to prevent the cancer from getting the hormones it needs to grow.

What can be done to prevent breast cancer?

Although not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented, there are several lifestyle changes that women can make to reduce their risk. These include:.

Eating a healthy diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in processed foods and red meat.
Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active.
Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day.
Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides and pollutants.
Discussing the use of hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy with a doctor.
Being proactive about breast health, such as performing regular breast self-exams and getting mammograms as recommended.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a deadly plague affecting millions of women worldwide.

Although there have been significant advances in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, much work remains to be done to address the underlying risk factors and disparities that contribute to its prevalence.

By advocating for public health policies that prioritize women’s health, promoting education and awareness about breast cancer, and supporting organizations dedicated to its prevention and treatment, we can work together to end this devastating disease.