What Is Breast Cancer?

• Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably.
• It can occur in both women and men, though it is far more common in women.
• Cancer may begin in different parts of the breast, including ducts, lobules, or connective tissue.

Types of Breast Cancer

Common Types

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – Most common type; begins in the milk ducts and spreads.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) – Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands).
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – Non-invasive; confined to the ducts.

Less Common Types

• Inflammatory breast cancer
• Triple-negative breast cancer
• Paget’s disease of the breast
• Male breast cancer
• Metastatic (Stage IV) breast cancer

Causes and Risk Factors

• Hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors may play a role.
• Common risk factors include:
  • Age – risk increases with age.
  • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
  • Inherited mutations in genes (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2).
  • Hormone replacement therapy after menopause.
  • Obesity, especially after menopause.
  • Alcohol consumption and lack of physical activity.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lump or mass in the breast or underarm.
• Swelling of part or all of the breast.
• Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
• Nipple pain or inward turning.
• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk.
• Changes in breast size or shape.

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

• Clinical breast exam – physical check by a healthcare provider.
• Mammogram – X-ray of the breast; primary screening tool.
• Ultrasound – helps evaluate abnormalities.
• MRI – for detailed imaging.
• Biopsy – removal of tissue to confirm diagnosis and determine cancer type.
• Hormone receptor tests – to check for estrogen and progesterone sensitivity.
• HER2 test – looks for HER2 protein that promotes cancer growth.

Breast Cancer Stages

• Stage 0 – Non-invasive, confined to ducts.
• Stage I-III – Invasive, growing beyond original site.
• Stage IV (Metastatic) – Spread to distant organs like bones, lungs, or liver.

Treatment Options

Surgery

• Lumpectomy – removal of tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
• Mastectomy – partial or complete removal of one or both breasts.

Radiation Therapy

• Targets cancer cells with high-energy rays, often after surgery.

Chemotherapy

• Uses drugs to kill or slow cancer cells, often used before or after surgery.

Hormone Therapy

• For hormone receptor-positive cancers, helps block or lower estrogen in the body.

Targeted Therapy

• Targets specific cancer cells (like HER2-positive).

Immunotherapy

• Helps the immune system fight cancer (used in certain advanced cases).

Prognosis and Survival

• Depends on:
  • Cancer stage
  • Tumor type
  • Response to treatment
• Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
• Many women survive and live long, healthy lives after treatment.

Living With Breast Cancer

• Follow-up care is crucial to monitor recurrence.
• Rehabilitation, including physical therapy and counseling, may be needed.
• Support groups, mental health services, and lifestyle changes aid recovery.

Prevention and Risk Reduction

• Regular screening (mammograms, clinical exams).
• Healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, exercise, no smoking, limited alcohol.
• Genetic testing for those with strong family history.
• Preventive medications or surgery for high-risk individuals.

When to See a Doctor

• You notice any unusual changes in your breasts.
• You feel a lump or have persistent breast pain.
• You are at high risk and need screening advice.