Women's Health Matters: Comprehensive Breast Cancer Insights

02/22/2024

 

Most of the tumors found in the breasts are non-cancerous (benign). They do not spread to other parts of the body. It’s always good to stay vigilant and consult your doctor if you notice any lump in the breast. Early detection of breast cancer can ease the treatment.

Types of breast cancer and where do they begin?

The form of breast cancer is determined by the types of cells affected in the breast.

A breast comprises lobules, ducts, nipples, blood vessels, lymph vessels, fat, and connective tissues.

Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer that begins in the skin or tissues. Adenocarcinoma is its subtype and grows in the gland.

Lobules make milk in the breasts, and cancer starting in the lobules is called Lobular cancer.

Ducts are fine channels carrying milk from the lobes to the nipples. Cancer that grows here is called Ductal cancer. It is also referred to as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Generally, this is the place where breast cancer starts.

In Invasive breast cancer, the malignant cells spread from the ducts and lobules to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. They are of 2 subtypes: invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.

The nipple is the pore from where the milk comes out. An uncommon type of cancer found in the nipple is called Paget's disease.

The fat and the connective tissues help the lobules and the ducts stay intact. An unusual type of cancer called the phyllodes tumor could begin here.

Angiosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that is found in the lining of blood and lymph vessels.

Symptoms of Breast cancer:

• The most common symptom is the presence of a lump in the breast.

• Change in shape, size, and outline of the breast.

• Change in the appearance of the skin: it might look darker, reddish, or purple compared to other parts of the breast.

• The presence of a lump near the underarm may continue to exist throughout the menstrual cycle.

• Discharge of fluid from the nipple.

Causes of Breast Cancer:

The risk of breast cancer can be determined by the following factors :

Family history:

The risk of developing the disease increases if your parents, siblings, or close relatives have had this disease. 

Genetic makeup:

Breast cancer can develop due to genetic inheritance.

Age:

The probability of developing this disease increases in older women ( 50 and above). However, no age is exempted from it. It could be diagnosed in younger women, too.

Sex:

This disease is more likely to develop in women and assigned females at birth (AFAB) than males and assigned males at birth (AMAB)]

Smoking:

The use of tobacco causes various cancers and is associated with breast cancer as well.

Drinking:

Alcohol consumption may enhance the probability of breast cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy:

People who are or have been on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are more likely to develop this disease.

Exposure to Radiations: 

People who have had prior exposure to radiation therapy, especially in the areas of the neck, chest, and head, are more likely to develop this disease.

There could be other reasons for the formation of Breast Cancer than those listed above.

Various stages of Breast Cancer:

There are various stages of breast cancer, and it is determined by the size of the tumor, its location, and if it has metastasized.

Stage 0: Cancer cells are present in the breast, but they haven’t spread.

Stage 1: The cancer is small in size and hasn’t spread elsewhere (non-invasive).

Stage 2: The cancer cells have grown and have spread in the tissues and lymph nodes.

Stage 3: The cancer has spread from where it originated to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lungs, etc. This is called the Metastatic cancer.

Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer:

Breast cancer can be detected through mammography, ultrasound, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and Breast Biopsy.

The chief component of breast cancer treatment is surgery, in combination with chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonotherapy, along with other breast cancer medications. Your doctor will recommend the best breast cancer drugs that will suit the treatment. Generally, breast cancer medications are costly. However, you can go for generic breast cancer drugs after consultation with your healthcare provider.

The three types of Breast Cancer Surgeries include Mastectomy (removal of breast ), Lumpectomy (removal of lump or breast tissues), and breast reconstruction (to recreate breasts after a mastectomy or lumpectomy).

Talk to your doctor to know about the dosage and the duration for which the medication needs to be taken; also, if you could Buy generic breast cancer tablets for the treatment.

Side Effects of Treatment:

Every individual reacts differently to breast cancer drugs; the common side effects are:

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Weakness

• Hair loss

• Anaemia

• Appetite loss

• Depression etc.

Speak to your health provider to understand how the treatment might affect you and how to deal with them.

How to minimize the risk of Breast Cancer?

Although there is no certain way to reduce the risk of breast cancer, its development can be minimized through frequent mammography and self-check. Early detection can help avoid complications in the future.

Conclusion

There are several agencies and organizations working tirelessly to create awareness and minimize loss of life due to this disease. Breast cancer diagnosed at an early stage is treatable. However, recurrent breast cancer can develop at the original site or at a distant location. Recent clinical advancements and early detection have enabled a better understanding of breast cancer and have increased the survival rate. Living with breast cancer may be overwhelming; contact your health provider about programs that will help and motivate you in dealing with the challenges of living with breast cancer.