Breast Cancer

Overview

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that is most common among women. Men can also be prone to this cancer, but comparatively, women and transgenders are more likely to get breast cancer. In breast cancer, abnormal cell growth takes place in milk ducts and spreads throughout the body in the form of breast tumour or breast cancer cells.

Causes

Medical experts are still finding out breast cancer causes, but it is still unknown. Medical experts and researchers find out that cancer begins when DNA cells change their shape in the breast tissue. Most of  these DNA cells change their shapes in milk ducts or nipples. 

Here are a few factors that are involved in the development of breast cancer. Some of the major risk factors of breast cancer include:

– Age

Senior citizens or older people are at greater risk of getting breast cancer. Studies show that people aged 55 and above are more likely to get breast cancer.

– Gender 

Women and transgenders get breast cancer more often as compared to men. Women who start menstruating at an early age are at a high risk of breast cancer. Moreover, females with late menopause are also prone to breast cancer. There are more signs of breast cancer in women under mention.

– Family 

It can pass through genetics, as if anyone in your family had breast cancer in the past, then you are more likely to get the cancer. 

– Genetics

People who inherit genetic mutations are at greater risk of developing breast cancer. Parents can pass on these inherited DNA cells to their children. 

– Lifestyle

Common lifestyle activities such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy eating habits, tight sized bras, exposure to radiation, or a lack of physical activities will contribute to getting breast cancer. 

These are some of the breast cancer causes which require proper attention.

Symptoms

Breast cancer symptoms can vary for different individuals. It varies at every stage, depending upon the severity of the disease. One of the most common breast cancer symptoms in women is a small lump or tumour in the breast.

A few more first signs of breast cancer are:

• Both breasts are of different shapes and sizes.
• Fluid discharge from the nipple.
• Pain in the breasts
• Flattened nipple, or the nipple will turn inward.
• Change in the colour of the breast skin.
• Flaky or crusty skin on the breast.
• Red, inflamed, and sore breasts.
• Lump on the breast, surrounding are. 
• Breast tumour 

These are some of the main breast cancer symptoms.

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is a life-threatening illness and timely breast cancer diagnosis can give you a chance to live. Many people often ignore the first signs of breast cancer, like a lump in their breast or change in size of breast, and when they do notice it, its too late and the cancer becomes untreatable.

So if you are experiencing any breast cancer symptoms, immediately visit a health care provider – the examination may include the following tests:

– Breast ultrasound

Breast ultrasound is a safe and painless testing procedure. It is just like normal ultrasound, the machine will use sound waves to create sonograms.

– Breast Biopsy

Breast biopsy is a bit painful as it required incisions to take the sample of tissue or fluid from the infected part. There are multiple types of biopsies such as core, fine needle, and open. 

– MRI

In the MRI scan, the patient will be placed into the machine that uses magnetic radiation to create the detailed films of the infected part. 

– X-ray

Lumps, abnormal tissues or tumours in the breast can be scanned by mammograms. It is a detailed digital X-ray of a lump in the breast. 

Treatment

The survival rate from breast cancer has been increasing with time. In most cases, breast cancer is curable, and with proper treatment and medication, patients are now living a healthy, happy, and cancer free life.  Breast cancer treatment  depends on the severity and stage of the breast cancer. There are multiple ways to treat breast cancer:

– Cancer Surgery 

In cancer surgery, the doctor will remove the tumour from the breast.

– Chemotherapy

Special drugs are used to lessen or destroy cancer cells. It is in the form of pills or liquid. It is a very effective cancer treatment but also has some side effects like hair loss, anaemia, or infections.

– Radiation Therapies

Radiation therapy, or radiotherapy, is used in the treatment of cancer, using x-rays with a high range to kill cancer cells.

– Hormonal therapy

Cancer cells grow in particular environments. This therapy helps to block the environment for hormones that need cancer cells to grow. 

When To See A Doctor

If you are experiencing any signs of breast cancer shared above, like a lump on your breast or other changes shared above, then immediately visit a doctor. The healthcare provider will prescribe you essential medicines and other necessary treatments that will give you relief from any pain you are experiencing.

Remember that early diagnosis and timely treatment can kill the cancer in your body. Otherwise the effects of breast cancer can damage other organs, disrupt the person’s mental health, and change physical health also. 

Summary 

Breast cancer is a common cancer affecting mostly women, but men can also develop it. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 U.S. women (13%) will develop invasive breast cancer over their lifetime. Men, while less affected, still face a risk, with approximately 1 in 833 men being diagnosed in their lifetime. The exact cause remains unknown, but it often starts when DNA cells in breast tissues, usually in the milk ducts, mutate and form tumors. Several risk factors contribute to breast cancer development, such as age (people over 55 are more at risk), gender (women and transgender individuals are more likely to get it), family history, inherited genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2), and lifestyle choices like smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

 Breast cancer symptoms can vary, but common signs include lumps in the breast, changes in breast size, fluid discharge from the nipple, and pain. It’s crucial to recognize these early signs for timely diagnosis. Diagnostic methods include breast ultrasounds, biopsies, MRI scans, and mammograms (a type of X-ray). The National Breast Cancer Foundation notes that early detection increases survival rates significantly, with a 5-year survival rate of 99% when detected at a localized stage.

 Treatment options depend on the stage of the disease and can include surgery to remove the tumor, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy to block cancer growth. These treatments have been successful in increasing the survival rate of breast cancer patients. Early detection and proper treatment are key to managing the disease and ensuring a healthy, cancer-free life. If you notice any unusual changes, consult a healthcare provider immediately.

-Disclaimer-

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have concerns about Breast cancer or any other medical condition, please see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment suggestions.