What is breast cancer ?
Breast cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. It happens when cells in the breast grow uncontrolled and create a tumor, which can be felt as a lump or seen by imaging. Breast cancer can begin in many different types of parts of the breast, most usually in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules.
The main types of breast cancer are:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, where cancer cells have spread beyond the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Starts in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and can spread to other parts of the breast and body.
Breast cancer symptoms :
Breast cancer symptoms can vary widely, but common signs and symptoms include:
- Lump or Mass in the Breast
- Swelling of All or Part of the Breast
- Skin Irritation or Dimpling
- Breast or Nipple Pain
- Redness, Scaliness, or Thickening of the Nipple or Breast Skin
- Nipple Retraction
- Nipple Discharge
- Change in the Size or Shape of the Breast
- Swelling or Lump in the Underarm Area
It is crucial to highlight that these symptoms are not exclusive to breast cancer. However, if you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a healthcare expert for an evaluation and diagnosis. Early identification of breast cancer can greatly enhance treatment outcomes.
What is the cause of breast Cancer in female?
The actual origin of breast cancer in women is unknown, although various risk factors have been found that enhance a woman’s chances of developing the disease. These risk factors fall into four categories:
- Genetic Factors
- Hormonal Factors
- Lifestyle Factors
- Environmental Factors
- Other factors
Genetic factors
Family History:
Having close relatives (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases the risk.
Inherited Gene Mutations:
Mutations in specific genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk. Other genetic mutations like TP53, PALB2, and CHEK2 also contribute.
Hormonal Factors
Reproductive History:
Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) increase the duration of hormone exposure.
Having children later in life or not having children at all can also raise the risk.
Hormone Replacement Therapy:
Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause, especially combined estrogen and progesterone therapy, has been linked to an increased risk.
Lifestyle Factors
Alcohol Consumption:
Regular alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Obesity and Physical Inactivity:
Being overweight, particularly after menopause, and lack of physical activity are risk factors.
Diet:
A diet high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables may contribute to a higher risk.
Radiation Exposure:
Previous radiation therapy to the chest area, especially during childhood or young adulthood, can increase the risk.
Environmental Factors
Exposure to Chemicals: Certain chemicals in the environment, such as those found in some plastics, pesticides, and personal care products, may disrupt hormones and contribute to breast cancer risk.
Other Factors
Age:
The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
Dense Breast Tissue:
Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer and may find it more difficult to detect lumps through mammography.
Stage of Cancer:
Early-stage breast cancer (Stage 0 and Stage 1): These stages have a very high cure rate. Treatments typically involve surgery, possibly followed by radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Stage 2 and Stage 3 breast cancer: These stages are more advanced but still potentially curable. They may require a combination of treatments, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
Stage 4 breast cancer (metastatic): This stage is considered incurable because the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. However, it is treatable, and many patients can live for years with a good quality of life due to advancements in therapies.
How is breast cancer treated?
- Surgery:
- Mastectomy (removal of the entire breast) or
- Lumpectomy (removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue).
Axillary lymph node dissection to remove affected lymph nodes. - Radiation Therapy:
Often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast, chest wall, or lymph nodes. - Chemotherapy:
May be given before surgery (neoadjuvant chemotherapy) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy) to kill any remaining cancer cells. - Hormone Therapy:
Used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers to block the body’s natural hormones that can promote cancer growth. - Targeted Therapy:
For cancers that have specific characteristics, such as HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) may be used. - Immunotherapy:
May be an option for certain types of breast cancer, aiming to boost the body’s natural defenses to fight the cancer.
Treatment plans are tailored to the individual based on the specific characteristics of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences.
What are treatment side effects?
The most common adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy include exhaustion, nausea, and vomiting. Targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy all have comparable adverse effects, including gastrointestinal difficulties such as constipation and diarrhea.
People respond differently to breast cancer therapies. If you are having treatment, ask your healthcare professional about how it will effect you, including your daily life. Ask your doctor about palliative care. Palliative care helps manage breast cancer symptoms and treatment side effects so you’re as comfortable as possible while going through treatment.
Complications of breast cancer surgery
Breast cancer surgery, like all other procedures, has the possibility for problems. When assessing your options, keep in mind that surgery can remove potentially life-threatening cancer. Overall, the dangers of breast cancer exceed the complications.
*If you are having breast cancer surgery, ask your healthcare professional to describe possible problems,
which may include :
– Infection at the surgery site.
– Blood clots can form after surgery.
– Nerve injury.
Is breast Cancer curable
Breast cancer can often be treated effectively, and many people are cured, especially when the cancer is detected early. The likelihood of a cure depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the tumor’s characteristics, the patient’s overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
Prognosis
Survival Rates: According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer (confined to the breast) is about 99%. For regional breast cancer (spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes), the rate is about 86%. For distant breast cancer (spread to distant parts of the body), the rate is about 30%.
Regular Screening: Mammograms and other screening methods can detect breast cancer early, improving the chances of successful treatment and cure.