Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, and the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer. Once in a lifetime, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. In some cases, breast cancer found after symptoms appear, but in most cases, women with breast cancer have no symptoms. Awareness of the symptoms and the need for screening are important ways of reducing the risk. If detected early, breast cancer can be treated before it spreads to nearby parts of the body.

Key Points on Breast Cancer:

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.
• Symptoms include a lump or thickening of the breast, and changes to the skin or the nipple.
• Risk factors can be genetic, but some lifestyle factors such as alcohol intake, make it more likely to happen.
• A range of treatments is available, including surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
• Many breast lumps are not cancerous, but any woman who is concerned about a lump or change should see a Gynecology doctor.

What are the Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The first symptoms of breast cancer are usually an area of thickened tissue in the breast, or a lump in the breast or in an armpit. Other major symptoms include:

• Pain in the armpits or breast that does not change with the monthly cycle
• Redness of the skin of the breast, like the skin of an orange
• Rash around or on one of the nipples
• Discharge from a nipple, possibly containing blood
• Sunken or inverted nipple
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Peeling, flaking, or scaling of the skin on the breast or nipple

What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?

After puberty, a woman’s breast consists of fat, connective tissue, and thousands of lobules – tiny glands that produce milk for breastfeeding. Tiny tubes (or ducts) carry the milk toward the nipple. In breast cancer, the body’s cells multiply uncontrollably. It is the excessive cell growth that causes cancer. Breast cancer usually starts in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. From there, it can spread to other parts of the body.

What are the Common Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

Even though the exact cause remains unclear, some risk factors make it more likely. Some of these factors are preventable as well, that include:

1. Increased Age

The risk increases with age. At 20 years, the chance of developing breast cancer in the next decade is 0.6 percent. By the age of 70 years, this figure goes up to 3.84 percent.

2. Family History

If a close relative has or has had breast cancer, the risk is higher.

3. Personal History

Women who have had breast cancer before are more likely to have it again, compared with those who have no history of the disease.

4. Dense Breast Tissue

Breast cancer is more likely to develop in higher density breast tissue.

5. Body Weight

Women who are overweight or have obesity after menopause may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, possibly due to higher levels of estrogen. High sugar intake may also be a factor.

6. Alcohol Consumption

A higher rate of regular alcohol consumption appears to play a role. Studies have shown that women who consume more than 3 drinks a day have a 1.5 times higher risk of breast cancer.

7. Radiation Exposure

Undergoing radiation treatment for a cancer that is not breast cancer can increase the risk of breast cancer later in life.

8. Hormone Treatments

The use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral birth control pills are linked to breast cancer, due to increased levels of estrogen.

9. Lack of Physical Exercise

Research shows a link between exercising regularly at a moderate or intense level for 4 to 7 hours per week and a lower risk of breast cancer.

What are the Types of Breast Cancer?

• Ductal Carcinoma: This type of breast cancer begins in the milk duct and is the most common type.
• Lobular Carcinoma: This type starts in the lobules – tiny glands that produce milk for breast-feeding.

Invasive breast cancer is when the cancer cells break out from inside the lobules or ducts and invade nearby tissue, increasing the chance of spreading to other parts of the body.

Non-invasive breast cancer is when the cancer is still inside its place of origin and has not broken out. However, these cells can eventually develop into invasive breast cancer.

How to Diagnose Breast Cancer?

A diagnosis often occurs as the result of routine screening, or when a woman approaches her doctor or a Specialist in Gynecology after detecting symptoms. Some diagnostic tests and procedures help to confirm a diagnosis.

Breast Exam

The General Surgeon will check the patient’s breasts for lumps and other symptoms. The patient will be asked to sit or stand with her arms in different positions, such as above her head and by her sides.

Imaging Tests:

Ultrasound – A type of scan that can help differentiate between a solid mass or a fluid-filled cyst.

Mammogram – A type of x-ray commonly used for initial breast cancer screening. It produces images that can help detect any lumps or abnormalities.

A suspicious result can be followed-up by further diagnosis. However, mammography sometimes shows up a suspicious area that is not cancer. This can lead to unnecessary stress and sometimes interventions.

MRI – A type of scan that involves injecting a dye into the patient, so find out how far the cancer has spread.

Diagnosis also involves staging the cancer, to establish:

• The size of a tumor
• How far it has spread
• Whether it is invasive or non-invasive
• Whether it has metastasized, or spread to other parts of the body

Staging will affect the chances of recovery and will help decide on the best treatment options.

How to Treat Breast Cancer?

The factors affecting the choice include the stage of the cancer, other medical conditions, and individual preference. The method of treatment depends on the:

• Type of breast cancer
• Stage of the cancer
• Sensitivity to hormones
• Patient’s age, overall health & preferences

Treatment Options Include:

• Radiation therapy
• Surgery
• Biological therapy, or targeted drug therapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy

How to Prevent Breast Cancer?

Even though there’s no sure way to prevent breast cancer, the following lifestyle changes can reduce the risk:

• Perform monthly breast self-examination
• Avoid excess alcohol consumption
• Follow a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit & vegetables
• Be physically active & do regular exercise
• Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI)

Conclusion

With proper treatment, a woman who receives a diagnosis of stage 0 or stage 1 breast cancer has an almost 100 percent chance of surviving for at least 5 years. If the diagnosis is made at stage 4, the chance of surviving another 5 years is around 22 percent.

Regular breast examinations and screenings can help detect symptoms early. Women should discuss their options with a Gynecology specialist regularly.

Remember, Early Detection Saves Lives!