Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects the cells in the breast. It can occur in both men and women, but is most common in women. The early signs of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and changes in the skin on the breast, such as dimpling or redness. If left untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes and bones. Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. In this article we will provide details about Breast cancer symptoms causes and treatment
Breast cancer overview
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, older age, family history of the disease, certain genetic mutations, and certain lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or mass in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and changes in the skin of the breast such as dimpling or puckering. There are many treatment options of breast cancer, such as radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Early detection and diagnosis through regular breast cancer screenings can improve outcomes for those with the disease.
Breast cancer definition
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and can also occur in men, although this is less common. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, changes in the size or shape of the breast, and changes in the appearance of the skin on the breast, such as dimpling or redness. Treatment options for breast cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy, and are typically determined based on the stage and characteristics of the cancer. Early detection through regular mammograms and self-exams can improve outcomes for those with breast cancer.
There are too many types of cancer and breast cancer is on of them. Breast cancer located in the breast cells. It can occur in both genders women and men, but mostly females suffer from this disease.
It typically starts as a lump or mass in the breast, but can also present as changes to the skin or nipple. There are different types of breast cancer, including ducal carcinoma (which begins in the milk ducts), lobular carcinoma (which begins in the lobules), and inflammatory breast cancer. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of survival for those with breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast cancer
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or thickening in the breast tissue, but there are other symptoms to be aware of:
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- Changes in the appearance of the skin on the breast, such as dimpling or redness
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Generally swelling with pain or without pain in the breast area
- Persistent itching, scaling, or rash on the breast or nipple
- Peeling, flaking, or crusting of the nipple or surrounding area
It is important to note that some of these symptoms may be caused by conditions other than breast cancer. It is always a good idea to consult a doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your breast tissue, as early detection can greatly improve outcomes.
Causes of Breast cancer causes
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but several factors that increase a person’s risk have been identified. These include:
- Age: As a person gets older the risk of breast cancer increases.
- Gender: It is observed that women mostly suffer from breast cancer.
- Genetics: Some people have a higher risk of breast cancer because of changes in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Family history: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer increases a person’s risk.
- Certain benign breast conditions: Some non-cancerous breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia, increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Personal history of breast cancer: A person who has had breast cancer in one breast has an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast.
- Hormonal factors: Women who have had a late menopause, early onset of menstruation, or never had children are at higher risk.
- Exposure to estrogen and progesterone: Women who have a long-term exposure to these hormones, either naturally or through hormone replacement therapy, have an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, radiation exposure, and some other factors are also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Age factor and breast cancer
As a person gets older the risk of breast cancer increases.Gender: It is observed that women mostly suffer from breast cancer, but it is not a exact fact, sometime, it can occur in younger women. About 11% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are found in women younger than 45 years of age. It is important for women of all ages to be aware of the potential symptoms of breast cancer and to have regular screenings, such as mammograms and clinical breast exams, to detect the disease in its early stages. Women should also be familiar with their own bodies and report any changes to their healthcare provider.
Genetics and breast cancer
Genetics plays a role in a small percentage of breast cancer cases. Certain inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can greatly increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.
Women who have inherited a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation have a 55-85% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Men with these mutations also have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other types of cancer, such as prostate and pancreatic cancer.
Other genetic mutations, such as TP53, PTEN, STK11, and CDH1 also increase the risk of breast cancer.
If you have a family history of breast cancer or other types of cancer, it may be a good idea to talk to a genetic counselor. They can help you understand your risk and recommend genetic testing if appropriate. If a genetic mutation is found, there are options to help manage that risk, such as increased screenings and prophylactic surgery.
It’s important to note that most breast cancer cases are not caused by genetic mutations. Other risk factors, such as age, lifestyle and environmental factors, also play a role.
Hormonal factors of breast cancer
Hormonal factors can also play a role in the development of breast cancer. Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that are present in both men and women, can stimulate the growth of breast cells. When breast cells divide and grow, there’s a higher chance of mutations developing, which could lead to cancer.
The following are some hormonal factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer:
Late menopause: women who have a late menopause (after age 55) have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, as they have had more years of exposure to estrogen.
Early onset of menstruation: women who start their periods before age 12 have a higher risk of breast cancer, as they have had more years of exposure to estrogen.
Never having children or having them later in life: women who have never had children or have them after age 30 have a higher risk of breast cancer, as they have had more years of exposure to estrogen.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): women who take HRT to relieve symptoms of menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer. This risk is higher with combined HRT, which contains both estrogen and progesterone, than with estrogen-only HRT.
It’s important to note that these factors can increase the risk of breast cancer but it doesn’t mean every woman with these characteristics will develop breast cancer. Other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a role. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your individual risk and make recommendations for screenings and prevention based on your unique circumstances.
Exposure to estrogen and progesterone and breast cancer
Exposure to estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that are present in both men and women, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Estrogen and progesterone can stimulate the growth of breast cells, and when these cells divide and grow, there’s a higher chance of mutations developing, which could lead to cancer.
The following are some factors that can increase exposure to estrogen and progesterone:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): women who take HRT to relieve symptoms of menopause have a higher risk of breast cancer. This risk is higher with combined HRT, which contains both estrogen and progesterone, than with estrogen-only HRT.
Birth control pills: women who take birth control pills for a long period of time may have an increased risk of breast cancer, as these pills contain hormones that can increase exposure to estrogen and progesterone.
Obesity: obese women have higher levels of estrogen in their bodies, which can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Exposure to environmental toxins: certain chemicals and pollutants, such as pesticides and phthalates, can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and increase the risk of breast cancer.
It’s important to note that these factors can increase the risk of breast cancer, but it doesn’t mean every woman with these characteristics will develop breast cancer. Other factors like genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play a role. Your healthcare provider can help you understand your individual risk and make recommendations for screenings and prevention based on your unique circumstances.
Family history and breast cancer
Family history is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, meaning if a person has a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer, their risk of developing breast cancer increases. The risk is even higher if several family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer or if the breast cancer was diagnosed at a young age.
The risk of breast cancer is also increased if a person has a family history of other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer or prostate cancer, as these cancers may be related to the same genetic mutations.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your risk and about appropriate screening and prevention measures. They may also recommend genetic testing to determine if you have inherited a genetic mutation that increases your risk of breast cancer.
It’s important to note that most breast cancer cases are not caused by genetic mutations. Even if there is a family history of breast cancer, most people who develop the disease do not have an inherited gene mutation. Other risk factors, such as age, lifestyle and environmental factors, also play a role.
Breast cancer stages
Breast cancer stages describe the extent of the cancer’s spread in the body. There are several different staging systems used for breast cancer, but the most common is the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Node, and Metastasis.
The T (tumor) stage
The T (tumor) stage describes the size and location of the primary tumor.
The N (node) stage
The N (node) stage describes whether or not the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm.
The M (metastasis) stage
The M (metastasis) stage describes whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Based on the TNM system, Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV:
- Stage 0: Cancer is present in ducts but has not spread to surrounding tissue.
- Stage I: Cancer is present in the breast and nearby lymph nodes but is small in size.
- Stage II: Cancer is larger in size and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes and may be present in the chest wall or skin.
- Stage IV: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, or brain.
Staging helps to determine the appropriate treatment plan, and the prognosis for a patient with breast cancer.
Types of breast cancer
There are several different types of bone cancer, each with its own characteristics and treatmentoptions.Some of the most common types of bone cancer include:
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that develops in the milk ducts of the breast. It has not spread to surrounding tissue and it is considered as a precancerous condition.
Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It starts in the milk ducts and then invades surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive lobular carcinoma: This type of breast cancer starts in the lobules of the breast and then invades surrounding tissue. It accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancer cases.
Inflammatory breast cancer: This is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer that causes the breast to become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. It accounts for about 1-5% of all breast cancer cases.
Triple-negative breast cancer: This type of breast cancer does not have the three receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2) that are commonly found in other types of breast cancer. As a result, it does not respond to hormone therapy or targeted therapy.
HER2-positive breast cancer: This type of breast cancer has an overexpression of a protein called HER2. It can be more aggressive and tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types of breast cancer.
It is important to note that the type of breast cancer affects the treatment plan, so the accurate diagnosis is crucial.