Healthy Line: Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Breast cancer is a very prevalent cancer amongst women all over the world, but men can also have it. It begins in the breast cells, normally in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that breast cancer constitutes about 12 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the world, thus it is a major community health issue.

Survival rates have increased due to early detection and new developments in treatment, however, knowledge about the disease, its risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic means and treatment choices is essential in preventing the disease and ensuring effective treatment.

 

1. What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is the result of mutations in the breast cells causing them to grow uncontrollably creating a malignant tumor. These tumors may invade nearby tissues and spread (metastasize) to other bodies parts, including the lymph nodes, bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is divided into a few types according to the place of origin and the behavior:

A. Non-Invasive Breast Cancer (In Situ)

·        Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): The abnormal cells are within the milk ducts and have not been spread.

·        Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS): It is not really cancer but it increases the chance of getting invasive cancer.

B. Invasive Breast Cancer

·        Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most widespread (80% of all cases) one, in which cancer cells move outside the ducts.

·        Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in lobules and may spread to other tissues.

C. Less Common Types

·        Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): It is aggressive and does not have estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors.

·        Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Uncommon but grows quickly, makes the area red and swollen.

·        Paget -Disease of the Breast: Attacks the nipple and the areola.

 

2. Causes and Risk Factors

The precise etiology of breast cancer is unfamiliar, though a few risk factors predispose one to the probability of developing it:

A. Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

·        Gender: The females are more prone to it than the males.

·        Age: The risk rises as you get older (most cases after 50).

·        Genetics: Inherited mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genesis of high risk.

·        Family History: when a close relative has breast cancer it increases risk.

·        Personal History: A history of breast cancer or some benign breast disease.

·        Dense Breast Tissue: Makes it more difficult to detect and puts a person at more risk.

B. Modifiable Risk Factors

·        Hormonal Factors:

o   Menstruation at an early age (before 12) or menopause at a late age (after 55).

o   Replacement of hormones after menopause.

o   Having no children or delaying the birth of children to after 30.

·        Lifestyle Factors:

o   Obesity (particularly post-menopausal).

o   Consumption of alcohol (even moderate drinking is a risk factor).

o   Physical inactivity.

o   Smoking.

·        Environmental Factors:

o   Radiation (e.g., prior chest radiation therapy).

o   Long-term use of oral contraceptives (Small increase in risk).

 

3. Signs and Symptoms

Breast cancer at its early stage might not show any symptoms, however, as it advances the following symptoms might be experienced:

Common Symptoms

·        A bump or hardening of the breast or armpit.

·        Breast size or shape changing.

·        Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), may be bloody.

·        Nipple inversion or retraction.

·        Skin dimpling, redness or peeling (orange peel skin).

·        Constant pain in the breast or the nipple.

Symptoms of Advanced Breast Cancer

·        Bone pain (in case of spreading to bones).

·        Difficulty breathing (when it reaches the lungs).

·        Jaundice (provided it involves the liver).

·        Bad headaches or neurological symptoms (when it extends to the brain).

 

4. Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

The sooner it is detected the better. Diagnostic tools are:

A. Screening Tests

·        Mammography: An X-ray of the breast to find the tumor when it is still not palpable.

·        Breast Ultrasound: Can be used to differentiate between solid masses and fluid filled cysts.

·        MRI: It is applied in the case of high risk or thick breast tissue.

B. Diagnostic Tests

·        Biopsy: The excision of tissue to be examined in the laboratory (core needle biopsy, fine-needle aspiration).

·        Hormone Receptor Tests: Testing estrogen/progesterone receptors.

·        HER2 Testing: Shows whether cancer is HER2-positive.

·        Genetic Testing: In individuals at high risk with BRCA mutations.

C. Staging (Determining Cancer Spread)

·        Stage 0: Non-invasive (DCIS).

·        Stage I-II: Localized cancer which is early-stage.

·        Stage III: Locally advanced (spread to lymph nodes).

·        StageIV: Metastatic (to distant organs).

 

5. Treatment Options

The treatment is based on the type and stage of cancer, hormone receptors and the general health.

A. Surgery

·        Lumpectomy: The excision of the tumor together with a margin of tissue.

·        Mastectomy: This is the amputation of the whole breast (single or both).

·        Removal of Lymph node: Investigating whether cancer has spread.

B. Radiation Therapy

·        Attacks cancer cells that were left after surgery.

C. Systemic Therapies

·        Chemotherapy: Destroys rapidly dividing cells (administered before or after surgery).

·        Hormone Therapy: Inhibits estrogen/progesterone in hormone-receptor-positive tumors (e.g., Tamoxifen, Aromatase inhibitors).

·        Targeted Therapy: Medicine such as Trastuzumab (Herceptin) HER2 positive cancers.

·        Immunotherapy: Enhances the body defenses to attack cancer.

D. Palliative Care

·        In the case of advanced cancer, palliative care is given importance.

 

6. Prevention and Early Detection

Not every breast cancer can be prevented, but the risk can be minimized:

A. Lifestyle Changes

·        Being of healthy weight.

·        Engage in regular exercising (a minimum of 150 minutes/week).

·        Alcohol: limit (to 1 drink/day).

·        Avoid smoking.

·        Breastfeed (reduces risk).

B. Medical Prevention

·        Routine checks (mammograms every 40-50 years).

·        Prophylactic surgery (in high risk BRCA carriers).

·        Chemoprevention (e.g. Tamoxifen in high-risk women).

C. Self-Exams

·        This is because monthly self-examined breasts allow one to notice changes early.

 

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7. Living with Breast Cancer

Getting a diagnosis can be overwhelming, and there is help:

·        Emotional Support: Support group, counseling.

·        Financial Help: Insurance, charity help.

·        Survivorship Programs: Follow-up, rehabilitation.

 

8. Research and Future Directions

Some of the developments in the breast cancer research are:

·        Genetic medicine (personalized medicine).

·        Targeted drugs and new immunotherapies.

·        Early detection with the help of AI.

 

Conclusion

Breast cancer is one of the most serious health problems, yet awareness, early diagnosis and improved treatment methods have considerably increased the survival rates. Being aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and prevention methods, one may take some proactive actions in minimizing their risk and guaranteeing prompt medical help.

The fight against this disease should be based on regular screenings, a healthy lifestyle, and being informed. To obtain individual advice, contact a medical professional if you or a close one is in danger.