Breast cancer is one of the most common and severe health issues in the world. It persists to be a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, highlighting the significance of early detection and preventative healthcare.
Breast cancer arises from abnormal cell changes in the breast tissue that lead to uncontrollably growing tumours or masses that, if untreated, can spread to other parts of the body.
For the purpose of preventing the disease and guaranteeing prompt intervention, it is essential to comprehend its early symptoms, possible causes, and range of treatment options. In this article, we will traverse over breast cancer, including its symptoms, causes, and available treatments.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is actually a assemblage of diseases that can differ in their growth, development, and response to therapy. Every type differs in certain ways that impact how it progresses and what kinds of treatments work best. It is essential to comprehend the distinctions between these kinds in order to provide individualised treatment and enhance results.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
A non-invasive breast cancer restricted to the gastrointestinal ducts, DCIS is a highly treatable early-stage form of breast cancer. Even though it hasn’t penetrated the surrounding tissues, untreated cancer can progress to more aggressive forms.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
The most widespread type of breast cancer, IDC, begins in the ducts and then invades nearby breast tissue. It can also spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment critical to prevent further spread.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):
This cancer starts in the lobules (glandular tissue) and spreads to surrounding tissues. ILC accounts for about 10% of breast cancers. Unlike IDC, ILC can be harder to detect on imaging tests because it tends to spread in a line rather than forming a distinct lump.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
This aggressive subtype lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it harder to treat with hormone therapies. Triple-negative breast cancer often affects younger women and tends to grow and spread quicker than other types.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Cancers with elevated levels of the HER2 protein grow quickly but often respond well to targeted therapies. Treatments such as Herceptin have significantly improved outcomes for HER2-positive patients, making this once high-risk cancer more manageable.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
An uncommon but severe kind that frequently leaves the breasts feeling warm, swollen, and red. Since inflammatory breast cancer often does not form a distinct tumour, early detection can be more complex, and the cancer can spread quickly.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can manifest with various signs and symptoms, but in the early stages, it may not cause noticeable symptoms. That’s why regular screenings, like mammograms, are essential for catching the disease before it progresses. Recognising these symptoms early on is crucial for timely intervention and better treatment outcomes.
Lump in the Breast or Underarm
One of the most common signs is a lump or mass that can be felt in the breast or underarm area. While not all lumps are cancerous, any unusual mass should be examined by a healthcare professional, as it could indicate an underlying issue.
Change in Breast Size or Shape
A perceptible change in the size or shape of the breast can indicate a potential problem. It could include swelling of part or all of the breast, even if no lump is felt. Such changes may occur gradually and can be overlooked without close attention.
Nipple Discharge
Any kind of discharge from the nipple, especially if it is clear, red, or resembles blood, should be evaluated. In some cases, nipple discharge could be due to benign conditions, but it’s important to rule out cancer to ensure proper treatment and peace of mind.
Inverted Nipple
If the nipple starts turning inward (retracting) or changes its appearance, it might be a sign of underlying breast cancer. Nipple changes can sometimes be accompanied by pain or discomfort, making it essential to monitor closely.
Skin Changes
Skin dimpling, redness, or weakening may be signs of inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease. These changes in texture are often an indication of cancer that has spread to the skin.
Pain
While breast pain is often related to non-cancerous conditions, persistent pain that does not go away with your menstrual cycle could be a warning sign of breast cancer. Pain accompanied by other symptoms should always prompt a medical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several risk factors have been found to raise the chance of getting breast cancer, even though the exact cause of the disease still remains unknown. It’s essential to understand which of these variables may have an impact on a person’s health because some of them are genetic, and others are connected to lifestyle and environmental factors.
Genetic Mutations
Gene mutations inherited from parents, especially those involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, substantially raise the risk of developing ovarian and breast cancer. Breast cancer can occasionally be prevented by early intervention, so women with a family history of the disease should think about genetic counselling to determine their risk.
Age
Women over the age of 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer. Regular screenings become increasingly crucial as one ages because genetic mutations in breast cells accumulate with age, increasing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Family History
A female’s risk of developing breast cancer is doubled if she has a first-degree relative (sister, mother, or daughter) with the disease. The fact that many breast cancer patients have no family history of the illness suggests that other factors could still contribute to the development of the disease.
Hormonal Factors
Breast cancer risk increases with prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), early menstruation (before the age of 12), or late menopause (after age 55). Sometimes, the risks can be minimised by carefully controlling hormone levels with medical guidance.
Radiation Exposure
Women who have received radiation therapy, mainly when they are young, are more likely to develop breast cancer in the future. Early detection can be significantly aided by knowing about and managing prior radiation exposure with your physician.
Treatment Options
The treatment course for breast cancer is determined by the disease’s stage, kind, and overall health and preferences of the patient. Depending on the patient’s needs, a standard treatment plan may consist of radiation, surgery, and medication to achieve the best results.
Surgery
The majority of the breast is preserved during this surgery by removing the cancerous tumour along with a small amount of surrounding tissue. It is often followed by radiation therapy to ensure that any remaining cancer cells are destroyed.
A mastectomy necessitates the removal of the entire breast, or occasionally both, in cases where the other breast bears a high risk of developing cancer. Modern surgical methods have reduced invasiveness and increased precision in mastectomy procedures.
After a mastectomy, a good deal of women choose to undergo breast reconstruction to rebuild the breast’s shape. Reconstruction can either be performed immediately after the mastectomy or at a later time, depending on the patient’s treatment plan and personal preference.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. It’s often used after surgery, particularly lumpectomy, to destroy any remaining cancer cells and lessen the risk of recurrence. Radiation can also be used in advanced stages of breast cancer to control symptoms and improve quality of life.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using drugs to impair cancer cells or shrink tumours. It can be given pre-surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to condense a tumour or post-surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells. Depending on the cancer’s aggressiveness, chemotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is employed to treat hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer. It blocks the body’s ability to produce hormones like estrogen that fuel cancer growth. Common drugs include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, which are typically prescribed for several years to prevent cancer recurrence.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) are used to target specific proteins that promote cancer growth, such as HER2-positive breast cancer. Targeted therapies are often more definitive and have fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, making them an important option for specific cancer types.
Immunotherapy
For certain types of breast cancer, especially triple-negative, immunotherapy drugs help the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is a newer approach and is often merged with other treatments to enhance its effectiveness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast cancer is a complex disease, but with advances in detection and treatment, the survival rates are improving. Early diagnosis and more successful treatment are possible when patients are aware of the symptoms and risk factors, as well as the significance of routine screenings. Many women with breast cancer go on to lead long, healthy lives with a personalised approach to care that includes hormone or targeted therapies, radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.
