Rinnavähki

Rinnavähki is the Finnish term for breast cancer. It is a malignant tumor that originates in the cells of the breast. In most cases, breast cancer begins in the milk ducts or the lobules, which are the glands that produce milk. The disease can spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Risk factors for developing breast cancer include being female, aging, a personal or family history of breast cancer, certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, early menstruation, late menopause, never having children, or having children later in life, obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and exposure to radiation.

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary but often include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple inversion, redness or scaling of the nipple or breast skin, and nipple discharge other than breast milk. However, many women with breast cancer have no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Early detection significantly improves the prognosis for breast cancer.