What is Breast cancer? Signs And Symptoms

There is an increase in cases of breast cancer worldwide. The main reason for this is that we do not take care of our health or our lifestyle is not the same as before.

You will be surprised to know that breast cancer is found in women and men. Yes, now medical science has advanced so much that the treatment options are more, and the death rate has decreased but the number of cases is increasing.

What is breast cancer?

Generally, when the number of cells in that part of the body starts to increase more than necessary, that part is called cancer. Similarly, when the number of cells in the breast starts to increase, breast cancer starts.

It also has different types depending on which cells in the basal layer turn cancerous.
cancer cells form a lump that you can see on an X-ray or feel as a lump or lump.

Symptoms of breast cancer

• A lump in the breast or armpit.
• A change in the shape of the nipple or a change in the color of the nipple.
• Any type of discharge or bleeding from the nipple.
• Thickening or swelling of any part of the breast.
• Irritation of the skin at the site Nipple stretching or pain in the nipple.
• Breast tightening.
• The skin on the breast or nipple peeling and tightening,
• Any change in breast shape or size or pain in any area,

Why is the risk of developing breast cancer higher in women?

• The risk of cancer is highest among women who started their periods before the age of twelve and after the age of 50, i.e. around 55, if menopause occurs.
• Carelessness in eating also increases the risk of cancer. Excessive intake of ketchup, sports drinks, chocolate, etc. increases cancer cells. Fat from processed foods is also harmful to the breast. Burgers, french fries, chaat, red meat, etc. can also cause cancer.
• Apart from this, our degraded lifestyle is also responsible for this women are not physically active as well as they gain weight, women avoid exercise if they can’t do heavy exercise then some light exercise like walking, yoga, meditation, etc. 30 minutes time should be given to oneself every day.
• Obesity Cancer also occurs due to increasing obesity in women, especially after menopause, the risk of this increases as fat accumulates in the body.
• Heredity
• Drugs given during hormonal therapy at an increasing age increase the risk of cancer if taken for more than five years. Taking too many birth control pills also increases the risk of cancer.
• Factors such as getting married at a late age and then planning a baby at a late age or not breastfeeding are responsible for cancer. Nowadays, women who avoid breastfeeding for fear of losing their figure are at higher risk. Breastfeeding maintains the balance of hormones. Women who do not breastfeed lose their hormonal balance and increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Excessive use of plastic increases the risk of cancer. The chemicals in plastic damage the hormonal system of the body.
• Alcohol consumption is increasing due to increasing addiction in women, which increases hormone levels.

Breast cancer screening

Breast screening means examining a woman’s breast when signs or symptoms of the disease appear.
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is the best way to detect breast cancer early. Regular mammograms reduce the risk of dying from cancer.

Can men get breast cancer?

This is not surprising to know as breast cancer affects not only women but also men; factors like alcohol and smoking are responsible for this apart from obesity.

Causes of breast cancer in men

In men, Klinefelter syndrome increases the risk of cancer. In men, when the X chromosome is increased, the level of a hormone called estrogen increases, and this syndrome occurs, causing rapid breast growth.
Changes in genes i.e. genetic mutations cause breast cancer apart from testicular problems and cancer.

Which way to watch out for?

If the breast starts to look swollen or a tumor starts to form, and the skin around the breast changes color, red, wrinkled, or fluid comes out of the breast, then get checked by a doctor.

What are the Stages of Breast Cancer?

It is typically categorized into stages to describe the extent and severity of the disease. The stages of breast cancer are determined by factors such as the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized (spread) to other parts of the body. The most common staging system used for breast cancer is the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Nodes, and Metastasis. Here are the stages of cancer according to this system:

1. Stage 0 (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ – DCIS): In this stage, cancerous cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not invaded nearby breast tissues. It is often considered a pre-cancerous stage.
2. Stage I: At this stage, the tumor is small (usually less than 2 cm) and hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
3. Stage II: This stage is divided into two sub-stages:

• Stage IIA: The tumor is either smaller than 2 cm but has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm (axillary lymph nodes) OR the tumor is between 2-5 cm but hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage IIB: The tumor is between 2-5 cm and has spread to the axillary lymph nodes, or the tumor is larger than 5 cm but hasn’t spread to the lymph nodes.

1. Stage III: Stage III is further divided into three sub-stages:

• Stage IIIA: The tumor is smaller than 5 cm, but it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, which are clumped together or attached to other structures.
• Stage IIIB: The tumor may be any size, and it has invaded the chest wall or the skin of the breast. It may or may not have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IIIC: Cancer has spread extensively to lymph nodes, either under the arm (axillary lymph nodes) or above or below the collarbone (infraclavicular or supraclavicular lymph nodes). The size of the tumor may vary.

1. Stage IV (Metastatic Breast Cancer): In this advanced stage, cancer has spread to other organs of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. It may also be referred to as Stage IV or metastatic breast cancer.

The stage of breast cancer is a crucial factor in determining treatment options and predicting the prognosis. Early-stage (Stages 0, I, and some cases of Stage II) often has a better prognosis and is more likely to be treated successfully. Advanced-stage breast cancer (Stages III and IV) may require more aggressive treatments and can have a more guarded prognosis.

It’s important to note that breast cancer staging can be more complex, and other factors such as hormone receptor status, HER2/neu status, and molecular subtype can also influence treatment decisions. Patients should work closely with their healthcare team to understand their specific stages and treatment options.

Types of Breast Cancer

It is a complex disease with various types, each having distinct characteristics and treatment approaches. The most common types of breast cancer include:

1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is considered the earliest form of this cancer. It begins in the milk ducts of the breast but hasn’t invaded surrounding tissues. It is often non-invasive and highly treatable.
2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. IDC begins in the milk ducts but then invades surrounding breast tissue.
3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC originates in the milk-producing lobules of the breast. It’s the second most common type of invasive this cancer. ILC can be more challenging to detect through mammography than IDC.
4. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This type lacks receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2/neu. It tends to be more aggressive and doesn’t respond to hormone therapy or drugs targeting HER2.
5. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: These cancers have an overexpression of the HER2 protein. HER2-positive breast cancers can be treated with targeted therapies like Herceptin.
6. Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer: These cancers have receptors for estrogen, which means they may respond to hormone therapy to block estrogen’s effects and slow cancer growth.
7. Progesterone Receptor-Positive (PR+) Breast Cancer: Similar to ER+ breast cancer, these cancers have receptors for progesterone, and hormone therapy can also be effective.
8. Inflammatory Breast Cancer: This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that can cause the breast to appear red and swollen. It’s often accompanied by breast warmth and tenderness.
9. Metastatic Breast Cancer: This is not a separate type but rather a stage of cancer. It occurs when cancer has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
10. Male Breast Cancer: Although breast cancer is much less common in men than in women, men can also develop it, usually invasive ductal carcinoma.

It’s important to note that there can be subtypes and variations within these primary types of breast cancer, and individual cases may have unique characteristics. Treatment options and outcomes vary depending on the type and stage of breast cancer, so a precise diagnosis is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan. Regular breast cancer screenings and self-exams can aid in early detection, which often leads to more successful treatment outcomes.