Veronica: Hi! I am Veronica at watchmojo.com and today we are speaking with the Canadian Cancer Society to help raise awareness for breast cancer. What is breast cancer?
Lyse Ratelle: Actually cancer per se starts from the cell. It's a disease that starts from the cell. So in the case of breast cancer, cells multiply out of control and form a lump or a mask in the breast.
Veronica: Who is at risk for a breast cancer diagnosis?
Lyse Ratelle: Just the fact to be a women, you are more at risk of developing breast cancer. Of course as you age, there are other factors, for example, history of breast or ovarian cancer, being exposed to more than usual to estrogen either because menopause started late after 55, or menstruation started early before 12 or any type of hormonal therapy.
Veronica: What are some signs and symptoms that we should look for?
Lyse Ratelle: If there is a lump or a mass, whether it's on the breast itself or in the armpit. A change in the shape of the breasts. A change in color, or a change in temperature if the breast is warmer than it usually is. Puckering of the skin, also can be something to look for. Also any changes as far as the nipple is concerned. So either if discharge or some kind of dry skin around the nipple. If the nipples becomes inverted, then that could be an additional sign and is something to mention to a doctor.
Veronica: Is there anything we can do to avoid being diagnosed of breast cancer?
Lyse Ratelle: There are things as we can't control. Things we can control are being healthy in general. So as much as possible have a healthy weight, be physically active, eat well, eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, try as much as possible to be away from second hand smoke, avoid smoking of course, and not to go into hormonal replacement therapy on a regular occasion. Discuss it with your doctor to see the benefits and the drawbacks from hormone therapy, including the pill and HRT.
Veronica: Thank you very much.
Lyse Ratelle: Thank you.
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