BREAST CANCER AT A GLANCE

Breast cancer is a malignant tumour that forms in the breast tissue, typically in the ducts or lobules. It occurs when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably.

Types of Breast Cancer:

Ductal Carcinoma: Begins in the milk ducts.

Lobular Carcinoma: Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands).

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: Aggressive and rare type.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Genetics: Family history, BRCA1/BRCA2 genes.

Hormonal Factors: Oestrogen, progesterone, and menopause.

Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, physical inactivity, and radiation exposure.

Age: Risk increases with age.

Symptoms:

Lump or Thickening in the breast or underarm area.

Change in Size or Shape of the breast.

Dimpling or Puckering of the skin.

Nipple Discharge or Change in the nipple position.

Pain or Tenderness in the breast.

Diagnosis:

Mammography: X-ray imaging of the breast.

Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves.

MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Biopsy: Removing tissue for laboratory examination.

Treatment Options:

Surgery: Lumpectomy, mastectomy, or breast-conserving surgery.

Radiation Therapy: External beam or internal radiation.

Chemotherapy: Medications to kill cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy: Blocking oestrogen or progesterone.

Targeted Therapy: Medications targeting specific cancer cells.

Prognosis and Survival Rates:

Early Detection: Improves survival rates.

Survival Rate: Varies as per stage of the cancer (I-IV).

Treatment Response: Depends on the effectiveness of treatment.

Prevention and Early Detection:

Regular Mammograms: Annual screenings starting at age 40.

Clinical Breast Examination: Regular examinations by a healthcare provider.

Self-Examination: Should be done once in a month.

Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption.

DEALING WITH CHANGE AFTER DIAGNOSIS

Although more than 90% of patients with breast cancer have early-stage disease at diagnosis, about 25% may eventually die of distant metastasis. Many patients with breast cancer seek information from a variety of sources about its risks and probability of recurrence. Please ensure that you seek advice from authentic sources.
Making positive lifestyle changes can also be psychologically beneficial to patients by empowering them, since the feeling of loss of control is one of biggest challenges of a cancer diagnosis.