All You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

Obstetrics and Gynaecology | Posted on 11/02/2023 by Dr. Namrata Gupta

Table of Contents

Introduction

Breast cancer is a strong adversary that crosses age, racial, and gender boundaries to impact millions of lives globally. It is an issue of utmost importance due to its ubiquity and the impact it has on people and their loved ones. Breast cancer is a complicated combination of environmental, behavioral, and hereditary components more than just a diagnosis. Gaining an understanding of its complexities might pave the way for timely diagnosis, efficient treatment, and eventually, the prospect of a brighter future.

If you are someone diagnosed with breast cancer and looking for treatment, then book your appointment with Rukmani Birla Hospitals in Jaipur. It is one of the best multispeciality hospitals equipped with the latest and advanced technology including highly skilled and talented medical professionals.

This blog is a reliable source of empowerment and knowledge, whether your goals are to improve your understanding, offer support to a friend or family member, or learn more about your breast cancer and overall health. However, please note that this write-up only involves information based on research and doesn’t interfere with the doctor’s consultation in any way.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is among the most prevalent malignancies striking women and people who identify as female at birth. It occurs when malignant cells in your breasts grow into tumors. More than 80% of breast cancers are invasive which means the spreading of tumors to other body parts. However, it usually affects women over 50, breast cancer can target women and people with AFAB under 50 as well. Breast cancer can also experienced by men and those who are assigned male at birth (AMAB).

What are the types of Breast Cancer?

Here are the following most common types of breast cancer:

DCIS, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ, is a non-invasive or pre-invasive kind of breast cancer in which abnormal cells are discovered in the duct lining but have not yet moved outside of it. It is frequently regarded as a breast cancer's initial stage.
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) variety is among the most common type. It starts in the breast's milk ducts and subsequently spreads to the surrounding breast tissues.
Invasive lobular carcinoma is another type that starts the glands that produce milk and spreads to the tissues nearby.
Triple-negative breast cancer type is a complex one and is difficult to treat as it involves a lack of estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2/neu gene amplification.
HER2-Positive breast cancer makes the tumor more aggressive and causes protein overexpression. Targeted therapies are used to treat this type.
Inflammatory breast cancer is aggressive but a rare type determined by breast swelling and redness.
Male breast cancer is another type that involves IDC and ILC.
Metastatic breast cancer is not a particular breast cancer type but is referred to as a breast cancer that can spread to other body parts like the liver, lungs, bones, or brain. It is a stage 5 cancer.

What are Breast Cancer Symptoms?

Breast cancer might not lead to noticeable symptoms, but when it does they are:

Noticeable change in the shape of the breast’s size, shape, and contour.
The feeling of a lump or mass that feels like pea size.
Thickening or a lump near the breast area or in underarms persisting through the periods.
Visible changes when touching the skin or looking at the breast or nipple. The skin might appear inflamed, scaly, or dimpled. The color changes of the breast are also noticeable such as purple, red, or darker than before.
The feeling of marble is the hard area under the skin.
Discharge from the nipple, clear fluid, or blood-stained.

What are Breast Cancer Causes?

According to experts, breast cancer occurs when breast cells transmute and transform into cancerous cells dividing and multiplying to form tumors. It is unsure what are the causes of breast cancer. However, studies suggest that several risk factors contribute to the development of breast cancer. Here are these factors:

Age- When an individual is 55 or above, however, it might occur under 50 as well.
Gender- Females are more likely to experience breast cancer than males.
An individual is at risk of developing cancer due to family history. If breast cancer condition has been running in the family for ages, then it puts the coming generation at risk as well.
More than 15% of people experiencing breast cancer have this condition due to inherited genetic mutations that involve BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Smoking is one of the leading causes of several breast cancer types which also includes breast cancer.
Drinking alcohol is another factor that leads to increasing the risk of breast cancer.
People who are overweight are more likely to develop breast cancer.
People who are exposed to radiation therapy specifically on parts like the neck, head, or chest, can cause breast cancer.
Hormone replacement therapy is also one of the risk factors that put women at risk of growing breast cancer.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Healthcare experts initiate breast cancer diagnosis by involving physical assessment or mammograms to look for breast cancer signs. They might order the following test to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer:

Breast magnetic resonance imaging scan
Breast ultrasound
Breast biopsy
Immunohistochemistry test to look for hormone receptors
Genetic testing to determine mutations causing breast cancer

What are the options for Breast Cancer Treatment?

Breast cancer treatment options differ depending on the cancer stage, type, and the overall patient’s health. Here are some of the common treatments usually involved by a healthcare professional:

Surgery- Certain surgical options are recommended such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, and axillary.
Radiation therapy- Using high-energy X-rays or other particles to destroy cancer cells or shrink tumors or used after surgery to eliminate the risk of cancer recurrence.
Chemotherapy- It is involved after the surgery or depending on the particular case to kill or slow the cancerous cells' growth.
Hormone therapy- It restricts the estrogen effects on breast cancerous cells. The therapy is given through injections or orally.
Targeted therapy- It is intended to target some molecules or pathways linked to cancerous growth particularly.
Immunotherapy- This treatment option helps in stimulating the immune system of the body to determine and attack cancerous cells.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a powerful foe, but the medical field has the required treatment methods and techniques to defeat it. We have come a long way in the fight against this disease thanks to enhanced awareness, early diagnosis, support, and scientific advancements in medicine. By working together, we can strengthen research, spread awareness, and enhance the lives of those affected by breast cancer. You must know that breast cancer is a manageable condition and it is important to work with your doctor.

FAQs -

Is breast cancer hereditary?

Breast cancer is not hereditary and a very small number of people are at the risk of growing breast cancer due to hereditary reasons.

Is there a cure for breast cancer?

Breast cancer can be cured with several treatment options such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc.

Is nipple pain a sign of breast cancer?

Nipple pain doesn’t indicate breast cancer.