WHAT IS BREAST CANCER? 

It’s is a disease in which cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. There are different kinds of breast cancer depending on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.

Breast cancer can begin in any part of the breast, lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together.  Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.

Most common type of breast cancer are: Invasice Ductal carcinoma and Invasive lobular carcinoma. The causes of breast cancer can be genetic, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase risk of breast cancer.  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF BREAST CANCER? 

• A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue

• Change in  size, shape or appearance, skin of a breast

• A newly inverted nipple

• Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple or breast

• Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Based on specific cases, one or more of the following tests and procedures may be advised to diagnose breast cancer: 

• Breast exam

• Mammography

• Breast ultrasound

• Biopsy

• Breast (MRI)

• Blood tests 

• Bone scan

• CT scan

• PET scan

Treatment:  The exact treatment protocol will depend on the type of breast cancer, its stage, size, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones.  

Surgeries used to treat breast cancer include:

• Removing the breast cancer (lumpectomy)

• Removing the entire breast (mastectomy)

• Removing a limited number of lymph nodes (sentinel node biopsy)

• Removing several lymph nodes (axillary lymph node dissection)

• Removing both breasts ( preventive)

Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and many also receive additional treatment after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or radiation therapy, etc. Palliative care is provided to them by a team of doctors, nurses and other specially trained professionals to improve their quality of life.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

1. If you notice a lump or other changes in your breast, you must consult your doctor immediately.

2. Some of the risk factors associated with breast cancer are family history, radiation exposure, obesitity, early puberty, late menopause, alcohol, post-menopausal hormone therapy. 

Some preventive tips are regular screening and check-ups, exercise, maintaining healthy weight and diet.