Breast cancer is a condition where the cells in the breast grow out of control.
Breast cancer begins in different parts of the breast, which include the lobules, ducts, and connective tissue.
- Lobules – Glands that produce milk
- Ducts – Tubes that carry milk to the nipple
- Connective tissue – Surrounds and holds the breast
- Nipples- Raised dark region of tissue on the surface of the breast
There are different breast cancers, most of which begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can also spread to other parts of the body.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
During the initial stages, the tumor may be too small to be identified. There may be no signs or symptoms of breast cancer in such cases.
The first sign of breast cancer is usually a lump in the breast, although not all lumps are cancerous.
The most common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Lump or mass in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- Pain in the breast
- Red or discoloured scarring of breast skin
- Breast swelling (complete or part of the breast)
- Nipple discharge
- Peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin on the nipple or breast
- Sudden or unexplained change in the shape or size of the breast
- Inverted nipple
- Lump or swelling under your arm
The above-mentioned symptoms may or may not be a sign of breast cancer.
However, consult a doctor for further examination and testing if you find a lump or mass in the breast or other symptoms mentioned above.
Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known. However, research indicates that several risk factors may increase your chances of developing breast cancer. Some of the major causes include-
- Age (55 years or older)
- Sex (more in women than men)
- Family history and genetics
- Smoking is linked to different types of cancer, including breast cancer
- Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of breast cancer
- Obesity is a significant cause of breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence
- Exposure to radiation can also increase the chance of developing breast cancer
- People under hormone replacement therapy are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer
- Women who are not physically active are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer
Breast Cancer Early detection and Diagnosis
Breast cancer is mainly diagnosed after the symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer will not have any symptoms at the early stages. Therefore, it is important to have regular breast cancer screening for early detection and treatment.
Being referred to a gynecological oncologist or breast specialist does not mean you have breast cancer.
It is important to know that regular screening helps in diagnosing any breast problems before they become more serious. Early detection is the key for breast cancer as it increases the survival rate by 98%.
Tests and procedures used for the diagnosis of breast cancer include:
Breast exam – The doctor will examine the breasts and armpits for any lumps, masses, or other abnormalities.
Mammogram – A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast commonly used for screening for breast cancer. If any abnormality is detected, the doctor may recommend further investigations to evaluate those abnormalities.
A breast exam and mammogram should be done every year for all women above 45 years of age.
Breast ultrasound – Ultrasound uses sound waves to provide images of structures within the body. Ultrasound may be used to find out the type of breast lump or mass that is newly formed.
Removing a sample of breast cells (biopsy) – A biopsy is the only definitive way to make a diagnosis of breast cancer. During a biopsy, the doctor uses a special needle device guided by an imaging test to extract tissue from the suspicious area of the breast. The collected samples are sent for analysis to detect if the cells are cancerous or not.
Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – An MRI uses a magnet and radio waves to create images of the interior of the breast. During the breast MRI, the patient will receive an injection of dye to view the images clearly.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
There are several types of treatment options for breast cancer. It is also based on whether the cancer is spread beyond the breast or based on the location (lobules, ducts, tissue, nipples) or type of tissue where the tumor has developed.
The treatment approach depends on the type of cancer and the tumour’s location. They include:
Surgery: Surgery is the removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. The 2 different types of surgeries used for breast cancer treatment are-
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the lump or tumor and a small part of the surrounding healthy tissue around the tumor
- Mastectomy: Surgical removal of the entire breast
Patients who have undergone a mastectomy or lumpectomy may consider breast reconstruction, surgery to recreate a breast from another part of the body or synthetic implants.
Chemotherapy: Using medications to shrink or kill cancer cells. The medications can be oral or given in the veins, or both.
Hormonal therapy (Endocrine therapy): In simple words, it is blocking the cancer cells from growing. Hormonal therapy is usually given in combination with other treatments or before surgery to shrink the tumor, making surgery easier and lowering the risk of reoccurrence.
Biological therapy: Using the body’s immune system to kill cancer cells or control cancer growth and its spread. Biological therapy has fewer side effects compared to other cancer treatments.
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy X-rays to kill the cancer cells. Radiation therapy will lower the risk of cancer recurrence and is given before or after surgery.
Patients with breast cancer usually receive multiple treatments.
How to Prevent Breast Cancer
- Breastfeed for one year or more if possible
- Limit using hormone medications
- Limit alcohol and smoking
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Eat healthy food
- Watch out for any changes in the beast
- Go for a breast checkup and mammogram, particularly after age 35
- Avoid using birth control pills, particularly after age 35
- Find out your family history
Early detection of breast cancer increases the survival rate by 98%. Do not forget to visit your doctor for regular check-ups and examinations.
