What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women worldwide. Breast cancer refers to a medical condition where the abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. The mutated cells in the breasts often form a tumour that can be felt as a lump or seen on imaging tests.
The breast is made up of lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts (tubes that carry milk), and connective tissue. Breast cancer most commonly begins in the ducts or lobules and may spread if not detected early.
While most breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), some can be malignant (cancerous), meaning they can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. A comprehensive breast cancer diagnosis is essential for early detection and choosing the best course of treatment.
What are the Different Types Of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer isn’t a single disease but includes several types of breast cancer based on where the cancer starts and how it behaves. Here’s an overview of the most common types:
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Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS):
A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but haven’t spread outside.
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Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):
The most common type of breast cancer starts in the milk ducts and invades the surrounding breast tissue.
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Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):
This type begins in the milk-producing lobules and spreads to nearby tissues, often harder to detect on mammograms.
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Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:
An aggressive form of breast cancer that lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, limiting treatment options.
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Inflammatory Breast Cancer:
A rare but fast-growing cancer that blocks lymph vessels, causing the breast to appear red, swollen, and warm.
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HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:
A type of breast cancer with high levels of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth but responds well to targeted therapies.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Recognising the early signs of breast cancer can lead to quicker diagnosis and better outcomes. While symptoms can vary from person to person, some common signs of breast cancer include:
- A new lump in the breast or underarm
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), including blood
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
These symptoms don’t always indicate cancer, but if you notice any changes, it’s crucial to consult an oncologist for a comprehensive diagnosis and early intervention.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer develops when normal breast cells undergo abnormal changes and begin to grow uncontrollably. While the exact cause isn’t always known, several factors are known to increase the risk:
- Genetic Mutations: Inherited mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly raise the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
- Hormonal Changes: Lifetime exposure to estrogen and progesterone, including through hormone replacement therapy, can influence cancer development.
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, especially after age 50.
- Family History: Having close relatives (like a mother or sister) with breast or ovarian cancer can increase your risk.
- Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the chest, especially during adolescence or young adulthood, is a known risk factor.
- Alcohol Consumption: Even moderate alcohol intake has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle: Being overweight, especially after menopause, and a lack of physical activity are associated with a higher risk due to increased estrogen levels and inflammation.
While some of these risk factors can’t be changed, adopting a healthy lifestyle and being aware of your family history can help with early detection and prevention.
Who is Most Likely to Get Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer can affect anyone, but certain individuals are at higher risk due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. Men can also develop breast cancer, though it is much less common. Recognising these risk groups can help with early screening and prevention.
- Women Over Age 50: The majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over 50, as risk increases with age.
- Those with a Family History: Having a close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast or ovarian cancer raises the risk.
- Women with Dense Breasts: Dense breast tissue can both increase risk and make cancer harder to detect on mammograms.
- Women Who Have Never Been Pregnant or had their first child after age 30: Hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may offer some protective effects.
- People with a History of Chest Radiation: Radiation therapy to the chest, especially during childhood or adolescence, increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer later in life.
- Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy Users: Long-term use of estrogen and progesterone hormone therapy after menopause is linked to increased risk.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnosing breast cancer involves a series of tests that help detect early abnormalities, confirm cancer, and understand its type and stage. Early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes, so recognising and investigating symptoms or risk factors is essential. Here are some tests and medical examinations recommended by the oncologists in some of the top hospitals in Gurgaon:
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Clinical Breast Exam
The doctor manually checks both breasts and underarms for lumps, skin changes, or other abnormalities. This is often the first step if symptoms are reported.
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Mammogram
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray of the breast that can detect tumours that are too small to feel. It’s the most common and effective screening tool for early detection of breast cancer.
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Ultrasound or MRI
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- Ultrasound helps distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
- MRI is often used for high-risk individuals or when more detail is needed, especially in dense breast tissue or when evaluating the extent of cancer.
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Biopsy
If a suspicious area is found, a biopsy is performed to remove a small sample of breast tissue for lab testing. This confirms whether cancer cells are present and identifies the type and hormone receptor status of the cancer.
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BRCA Test (Genetic Testing)
If there is a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, genetic testing may be recommended. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests check for inherited mutations that significantly increase breast cancer risk.
How is Breast Cancer Treated?
Breast cancer treatment is personalised based on the type, stage, hormone receptor status, and overall health of the patient. A combination of therapies is often used to remove the cancer, prevent its return, and treat any spread. Here’s an overview of the main treatment options:
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Surgery
Surgery is usually the first step if the cancer is operable. Some patients may also have reconstructive surgery after a mastectomy. The two main types are:
- Lumpectomy: Removes only the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast, and sometimes nearby lymph nodes.
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Radiation Therapy
This uses high-energy rays to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. It’s often recommended after a lumpectomy or if there’s a high risk of recurrence.
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Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumour or after (adjuvant) to reduce the risk of recurrence.
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Hormone Therapy
Used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, this treatment blocks estrogen or progesterone from fueling cancer cell growth. Common options include tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors.
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Targeted Therapy
This treatment uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells with certain characteristics, like HER2-positive cancers. It’s often used in combination with other therapies and causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
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Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the body’s immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. It’s typically used for certain aggressive forms, such as triple-negative breast cancer.
What are the Complications of Breast Cancer?
If not treated early, breast cancer can lead to several complications:
- Metastasis: Cancer spreading to bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
- Lymphedema: Swelling caused by fluid buildup after lymph node removal.
- Recurrence: Cancer returning after treatment.
- Emotional impact: Depression, anxiety, and stress are common among patients and survivors.
- Treatment side effects: Fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and infertility.
Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
While not all cases can be prevented, certain strategies can significantly reduce your risk. Awareness of early signs of breast cancer and regular check-ups are among the most effective preventive measures. However, here are some preventive tips that can reduce the risk of breast cancer:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking
- Get regular screenings (especially if you have a family history)
- Consider preventive medications or surgery if at high genetic risk
Conclusion:
Breast cancer is a complex but treatable disease, especially when detected early. Understanding the types of breast cancer, recognising early signs, and being aware of risk factors can lead to a timely diagnosis and effective treatment. With advancements in breast cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, survival rates continue to improve.
While some risk factors are beyond control, healthy lifestyle choices and regular screenings can play a key role in prevention. If you notice any unusual breast cancer symptoms, consult some of the best oncologists in Gurgaon for an accurate analysis and timely diagnosis. Empowering yourself with knowledge is the first step toward protection and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, although rare, men can develop breast cancer, usually between the ages of 60 and 70. It often presents as a lump near the nipple.
Is breast cancer painful in the early stages?
Typically, early-stage breast cancer is not painful. Most people notice a painless lump or changes in breast appearance first.
Does breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Yes, breastfeeding can slightly lower the risk, especially if done for a year or more, due to hormonal benefits and breast tissue changes.
What is metastatic breast cancer?
Metastatic breast cancer, also called stage IV, occurs when cancer spreads to other parts of the body, like the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Can breast cancer return after treatment?
Yes, breast cancer can recur months or years after treatment. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are crucial for early detection of recurrence.
Are there natural remedies to cure breast cancer?
No natural remedy can cure breast cancer. However, complementary therapies like a healthy diet, yoga, or acupuncture may help manage side effects when used with medical treatment.