Breast Cancer - Treatments, Symptoms, Causes

Breast Cancer - Treatments, Symptoms, Causes

What is breast cancer? What are the causes and treatment options?


Breast cancer is a disease that affects the breast tissues and can potentially spread to other parts of the body. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and involves a few men. In 2020, it was estimated that over 2 million new breast cancer cases were diagnosed, and over 600,000 women died. In the United States, it is estimated that over 300,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and over 40,000 will die from the disease. However, the survival rates for breast cancer have been improving, and many women can now live long, healthy lives after being diagnosed with the disease.


Symptoms 


The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast tissue. Other symptoms can include breast pain, nipple discharge, changes in breast size or shape, changes in the texture of the skin on the breast, or swelling in the lymph nodes under the arm. However, not all these symptoms necessarily indicate breast cancer, and some women may not experience any symptoms.


Causes and Risk Factors 

The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, but research has identified several risk factors that increase a person's chances of developing the disease. Some of the risk factors include:

  • Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as a person ages.
  • Gender: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
  • Genetics: Inherited mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk.
  • Hormones: Exposure to estrogen and progesterone over time can increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and being overweight or obese, can also increase the risk of breast cancer.

Treatments 


Treatment options for breast cancer depend on the stage of the disease, the person's overall health, and other factors. The main treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.


Surgery: Surgery is usually the first treatment for breast cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue from the breast. Depending on the stage of cancer, the type of surgery can vary from a lumpectomy, which removes only the cancerous lump, to a mastectomy, which removes the entire breast.


Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast.


Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used when cancer has spread beyond the breast or when there is a high risk of cancer spreading.


Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target cancer cells. These drugs block the signals that tell the cancer cells to grow and divide. Targeted therapy can be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.


Hormonal Therapy: Hormonal therapy is a type of targeted therapy that is used to treat breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones. It works by blocking the production or action of hormones that fuel cancer growth.


Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a newer cancer treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. It is still being studied as a potential treatment for breast cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer


Several different types of breast cancer are classified based on the cells in which they originate. The most common types of breast cancer include:

  • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is a non-invasive breast cancer originating in the breast’s milk ducts. It is considered a pre-cancerous condition because the abnormal cells have not yet spread outside the ducts.
  • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It starts in the milk ducts but can potentially spread to other parts of the breast and the body.
  • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC starts in the breast's milk-producing lobules and can potentially spread to other parts of the breast and the body.
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): IBC is a rare and aggressive breast cancer that accounts for about 1% of cases. It causes the breast to become red, swollen, and warm to the touch and can spread quickly to other body parts.
  • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): TNBC is a type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2/neu. It is more complex than other types of breast cancer and tends to have a poorer prognosis.
  • HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that has too much of a protein called HER2/neu. This type of breast cancer tends to grow and spread more quickly than other types.

Understanding the type of breast cancer a person has is essential for developing a personalized treatment plan. Different types of breast cancer may respond differently to various treatments, and some classes may be more aggressive than others. Therefore, women need to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the best course of action for their specific type of breast cancer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, breast cancer is a severe disease that affects millions of women worldwide. Early detection and treatment are critical to a successful outcome, and women should be aware of the symptoms and risk factors associated with breast cancer. Regular mammograms and other screening tests can also help with early detection.


In addition, there are several lifestyle changes that women can make to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol consumption, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.


Finally, it is essential to note that breast cancer treatment can be complex and involve multiple therapy types. Women must work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that considers their needs and preferences. With the proper treatment and support, many women with breast cancer can overcome the disease and go on to live whole, healthy lives.