Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Key Points
Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
As per reports, in 2022 India counted 1.41 million fresh cancer cases and breast cancer topped the charts.
With the increasing number of breast cancer patients, it is necessary to have a thorough knowledge of the chronic disease. The growing numbers aren’t restricted to women, one out of nine men is prone to breast cancer too. Any chronic disease requires the patient to be completely aware of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, especially breast cancer.
To keep you covered with knowledge on breast cancer, here is a detailed analysis.
Learning the Causes of Breast Cancer
Although the exact causes of breast cancer aren’t definite or fully understood, several factors can risk the disease:
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- Genetics: Having a family history of breast cancer, especially in close relatives, can increase your risk.
- Hormones: Exposure to hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, over a long period can increase the risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, and alcohol consumption can also contribute to the risk.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental toxins has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer, although more research is needed.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
In the case of cancer, it is important to know its symptoms. The sooner you notice them, the quicker you can start the treatment.
The symptoms of breast cancer are not noticeable. However, here are a few signs to notice in a physical examination:
- lump formation in breasts, especially of only one breast
- soreness of nipples
- changes in shape and size of the breasts
- swelling in the armpit
- discomfort in the armpit
- rashes on the breasts
- pain in one breast even after periods
- clear discharge from nipples
- scaly or inflamed breast skin
- changes in the nipple skin
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult with your doctor for a thorough examination.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Several diagnostic tests may be used to determine if you have breast cancer, including:
- Physical Examination: The first and easiest method of breast cancer diagnosis is physical examination. If you notice any suspicious symptoms, your general physician will check the lymph nodes on both breasts, the collarbone, and the above the arms.
- Mammogram: A low-dose X-ray of the breast is used to screen for abnormalities. The small nodes missed out in the physical examination are scanned in a mammogram.
- Ultrasound: A non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.
- Biopsy: A procedure to remove a small tissue sample for examination under a microscope. In this process, the doctor removes the tissue or the fluid from the breasts. Some biopsy procedures for breast cancer analysis are:
- Blood Tests: The doctors can also suggest three types of blood tests. The Complete Blood Count will test whether the bone marrow is functioning properly. Blood Chemistry reports on the functioning of the liver and kidneys.
Treatment of Cancer- Understanding the Treatment Plan
What is the optimum treatment for cancer? The treatment options for breast cancer depend on several factors, like
- Stage of Cancer– How far the cancer has spread is a prominent factor in finalizing the treatment plan.
- Type of Cancer– The various types of breast cancer with varied characteristics.
- General health– Your age, other medical conditions, and general health status can influence treatment decisions.
The healthcare team will carefully assess these factors and create a personalized treatment plan.
Common Breast Cancer Treatment Options
A detailed overview of the various breast cancer treatment plans is:
- Surgery- There are three types of surgeries doctors prefer for breast cancer treatment: lumpectomy, mastectomy, and sentinel node biopsy. The lumpectomy procedure removes the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue. This process protects the breast and only removes the lump part of the cancer. A mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast, including the nipples and areola. If the tumour is bigger than the usual size and the breast is deformed, there is a high risk of recurrence of cancer. Hence, doctors prefer to remove the breast through mastectomy. The last type of surgery is the sentinel node biopsy. In this procedure, the sentinel lymph node is injected with a dye to identify and remove the cancerous cells.
- Radiation Therapy- In radiation therapy, a machine delivers high-energy rays to the breast area, killing the cancer cells. There is also an internal radiation therapy called brachytherapy. Brachytherapy directly targets the tumour and its surrounding area and is often used after a lumpectomy.
- Chemotherapy- Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. These drugs can be administered intravenously (through a vein) or orally (by mouth). Chemotherapy can be used to shrink tumours before surgery, to prevent cancer from returning after treatment, or to treat metastatic breast cancer.
- Hormone Therapy- Hormone therapy is used to prevent or treat the recurrence of breast cancer. It involves taking medication to block the production of estrogen and progesterone. This therapy treats hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Targeted Therapy- Targeted therapy uses drugs that specifically target the unique characteristics of cancer cells. For example, HER2-positive breast cancers have too many HER2 receptors, which help the cancer cells grow. Targeted therapy drugs can block these receptors, preventing the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
- Combination Therapies- In many cases, a combination of treatments may be used to achieve the best possible outcome. For example, surgery might be followed by chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Clinical Trials- Clinical trials are ongoing research studies that test new treatments. If you’re interested in participating in a clinical trial, discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Your specific treatment plan will depend on your circumstances. It’s essential to communicate openly with your healthcare team to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.
Prevention of Breast Cancer
The field of medicine has expanded. However, there is no guarantee against developing breast cancer. Doctors usually prescribe adopting healthy lifestyle habits, significantly lowers your risk.
- Weight Management- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is always important for any disease and the same applies to breast cancer. Weight management is the first suggestion to prevent this disorder. Obesity contributes to estrogen levels, the hormone responsible for breast cancer.
- Regular Exercise- Regular exercise is a must for losing weight. It also reduces inflammation. Doctors suggest a moderate-intensity workout for optimal exercise.
- Alcohol Moderation- Alcohol consumption boosts estrogen levels and damages the DNA. It is crucial to limit the drinking dosage.
- Nutritious Diet- A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that can protect against cancer. Consider including foods high in fibre, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens.
- Regular Mammograms- Early detection of breast cancer is vital. Regular mammograms, as recommended by your healthcare provider, can help identify breast cancer in its early stages, when treatment is often most effective.
Remember, these are general guidelines. It’s essential to consult with your doctor for personalized advice based on your individual health and risk factors.
Why Should You Consider Veda Hospital for Breast Cancer Treatment?
Veda Hospital in Ujjain is the district’s first comprehensive cancer care hospital. With a linear accelerator (LINAC), the team of oncologists and radiotherapists work together to ensure the most precise and targeted for the best possible outcome through LINAC “Halcyon” (Varian).
Features of Veda Hospital that sets it apart:
- Advanced 100-bed hospital for cancer and multi-specialty setup
- 50+ medical specialist doctors
- Cutting-edge ICUs with ventilator support
- 24/7 intensive care team
The team of experienced oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists works together to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Veda Hospital offers a range of advanced treatments and support services to help patients throughout their journey.