- Types:
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive type of breast cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast ducts. DCIS may progress to invasive breast cancer if not treated.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of invasive breast cancer, where cancer cells invade the surrounding breast tissue outside the ducts.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast.
- Other Less Common Types: Include inflammatory breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Risk Factors:
- Gender: Breast cancer occurs predominantly in women, but it can also affect men.
- Age: The risk increases with age, with most cases occurring in women over 50.
- Family History: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases the risk.
- Genetic Mutations: Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase the risk.
- Personal History: Previous breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions increase the risk.
- Hormone-Related Factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and never having been pregnant or having the first child after age 30 increase the risk.
- Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity may increase the risk.
- Symptoms:
- A lump or mass in the breast or underarm area.
- Changes in breast size or shape.
- Breast pain or tenderness.
- Nipple discharge, other than breast milk, which may be bloody.
- Changes in the appearance or texture of the breast or nipple, such as dimpling, puckering, or redness.
- Inverted nipple.
- Screening and Diagnosis:
- Mammography: Screening mammograms are X-ray exams used to detect breast cancer in its early stages, often before symptoms develop.
- Clinical Breast Examination: A physical examination of the breasts by a healthcare provider to check for any abnormalities.
- Breast Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue and may be used to further evaluate breast abnormalities found on mammography or physical examination.
- Biopsy: If an abnormality is detected on imaging or physical examination, a biopsy may be performed to remove a sample of tissue from the breast for examination under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.
- Treatment:
- Surgery: Often the first treatment and may involve breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Lymph node removal may also be performed.
- Radiation Therapy: May be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in the breast or lymph nodes.
- Chemotherapy: May be given before or after surgery to shrink tumors, kill cancer cells, or reduce the risk of recurrence.
- Hormonal Therapy: May be used to block the effects of estrogen or progesterone on hormone receptor-positive breast cancers.
- Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs may be used to specifically target cancer cells with certain genetic mutations or characteristics.
- Prognosis:
- The prognosis depends on factors such as the stage of the cancer, the type of breast cancer, the woman's age and overall health, and how well the cancer responds to treatment.
- Generally more favorable for women with early-stage breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or nearby lymph nodes.
- Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes and increase the chances of survival.
Overall, breast cancer is a serious disease, but advances in screening, diagnosis, and treatment have significantly improved outcomes for many women. Awareness of risk factors, regular breast self-exams, and participation in screening programs are important for early detection and better outcomes.
