Breast cancer is a disease where malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the breast tissue, forming a tumor. Common symptoms include a new lump, skin changes like dimpling or redness, nipple discharge, or a change in the breast's size or shape. Diagnosis typically involves physical exams and screening mammograms, and treatment options vary depending on the cancer's stage and type, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy

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Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide, though it can also occur in men. Early detection and proper treatment significantly improve survival rates.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer develops when abnormal breast cells multiply and form a tumor. These cancer cells can:

  • Remain localized in the breast

  • Spread to lymph nodes

  • Spread further to other organs such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain (metastasis)

There are different types of breast cancer depending on where it starts and how it behaves.

Types of Breast Cancer

1. Invasive Breast Cancers

These cancers have spread beyond the ducts or lobules into surrounding breast tissue.

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – most common (about 80%)

  • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)

2. Non-Invasive / Early-Stage Breast Cancers

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – contained within breast ducts

  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) – abnormal cells in lobules (not true cancer but increases risk)

3. Special Types

  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

  • HER2-positive breast cancer

  • Inflammatory breast cancer – aggressive form

  • Male breast cancer

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Common signs and symptoms include:

  • A new lump or mass in the breast or armpit

  • Changes in breast shape or size

  • Nipple discharge (especially bloody)

  • Dimpling or puckering of breast skin

  • Redness, thickening, or swelling of breast skin

  • Nipple inversion or pain in the breast

Not all lumps indicate cancer, but any new change should be checked by a doctor.

Risk Factors

Non-modifiable (cannot change)

  • Being female

  • Age over 40

  • Family history of breast cancer

  • Inherited genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)

  • Early menstruation or late menopause

Modifiable (can change)

  • Obesity

  • Alcohol consumption

  • Smoking

  • Lack of physical activity

  • Hormone replacement therapy

  • Poor diet

Having one or more risk factors does not mean a person will definitely develop breast cancer.

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is diagnosed through a combination of:

1. Clinical Exam

A doctor examines the breasts for lumps or abnormalities.

2. Imaging Tests

  • Mammogram – first-line screening test

  • Ultrasound – used for further evaluation

  • MRI – for high-risk individuals

3. Biopsy

A sample of breast tissue is taken and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer.

4. Additional Tests

To determine the cancer’s characteristics:

  • Hormone receptor status (ER, PR)

  • HER2 status

  • Genomic tests (e.g., Oncotype DX)

  • CT scan, bone scan, PET scan for staging

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is staged from 0 to IV, based on:

  • Tumor size

  • Lymph node involvement

  • Spread to other organs

Stage 0: DCIS (non-invasive)
Stage I-II: Early breast cancer
Stage III: Locally advanced
Stage IV: Metastatic breast cancer

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage and type of breast cancer.

1. Surgery

  • Lumpectomy – removal of tumor with some surrounding tissue

  • Mastectomy – removal of the entire breast

  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy

  • Axillary lymph node dissection

2. Radiation Therapy

Used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy

Given before or after surgery or for advanced disease.

4. Hormone Therapy

For hormone receptor-positive cancers:

  • Tamoxifen

  • Aromatase inhibitors

5. Targeted Therapy

For HER2-positive cancers:

  • Trastuzumab

  • Pertuzumab

6. Immunotherapy

Used in some cases of triple-negative breast cancer.

Prevention & Early Detection

Ways to Reduce Risk

  • Maintain a healthy weight

  • Exercise regularly

  • Limit alcohol intake

  • Avoid smoking

  • Breastfeed if possible

  • Discuss risks before taking hormone replacement therapy

Early Detection Methods

  • Breast self-awareness: report changes immediately

  • Clinical breast exams

  • Mammography

    • Recommended annually or biennially for women aged 40+ (guidelines vary by country)

Prognosis

Survival rates depend on stage and tumor characteristics.
Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.

  • Stage 0–II: High survival rates

  • Stage IV: Treatable but not curable; focus on extending life and improving quality of life

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a serious but increasingly treatable disease thanks to advancements in screening, diagnosis, and therapy. Awareness, early detection, and personalized treatment plans play a crucial role in improving outcomes.

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