What is Breast Cancer?

The cells grow unevenly and their multiplication process is difficult to control. These cancerous cells enter healthy cell areas and also spread fast to other organs. This disease becomes fatal if not detected in the early stages. Breast cancer is a treatable disease in early stages using different therapies in early stages. Whereas in advanced stages, only the symptoms of the disease can be reduced to a certain limit. Females are more prone to this disease as compared to other genders. According to WHO (World Health Organization), around 0.5 to 1% of cases of breast cancer are reported in men whereas the rest are women in 2024. The cases of breast cancer are reported in every country across the world. This disease can occur in females irrespective of their age and risk factors.

Basic facts to be known about Breast Cancer

● In 2022, around 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 6,70,000 deaths were reported across the world.

● Breast cancer is declared as the most commonly found cancer detected in women in 157 countries out of 185 in 2022.

● Gene mutations are considered one of the major risk factors causing 5-10% of breast cancer cases.

● The cases of breast cancer have increased by a rate of 0.6% yearly. This rate is slightly higher in women who are less than 50 years of age.

Signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer

Several risk factors lead to breast cancer. These factors can be genetic, external, and internal. The cancer cells start to grow when there is a change in the genetic makeup of DNA. The uneven cells come together and form a tumor which can spread to other parts of the body if not detected in early stages. Early detection of this disease can result in treating the disease completely. These risk factors are:

● Abnormal fluid starts flowing through the nipples.

● A lump-like structure or swelling in the breast area can be seen. They are mostly painless.

● Visible changes in shape, and size of the breast.

● Frequent pain in the breast area.

● Lymph nodes in the breast area start swelling indicating the spread of cancer.

● Redness observed in the skin.

Risk factors causing Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be prevented from spreading by detecting the risk factors. Following a healthy lifestyle can help the human body to avoid getting diagnosed with this disease. These factors include:

● Age: The chances of getting detected with breast cancer increase with age. This disease is mostly diagnosed after 50 years.

● History of cancer: having a case of breast cancer in a family history increases the risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer.

● History of breast or ovarian cancer: Any person in the family who gets diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer elevates the chances of getting diagnosed with this disease.

● Gene mutations: when the genes get mutated or transformed from a cancer gene.

● Dense breast: Dense breast is completely different from fatty breast. This condition of having dense breasts puts the person at high risk of breast cancer. It is difficult to perform mammography tests on dense breasts. It is the responsibility of the person doing the mammography test to tell the patient if she has heavy dense breasts.

● Menstruation: Starting menstruation at an early age or delay in menopause.

● Pregnancy: Avoiding pregnancy till 30 years of age, elevates the risk of breast cancer.

● External factors: These factors include smoking and drinking alcohol which can result in cancer.

● Obesity: Being overweight can lead to serious health issues.

● Radiation Therapy: History of undergoing radiation therapy in the neck, head, or chest area.

● Hormone Therapy: Taking hormone therapy after menopause, women become more prone to get detected breast cancer.

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is categorized into early and advanced stages. In the early stages, the disease can be cured completely. Whereas in advanced stages, only the symptoms of the disease can be reduced.

STAGE 0: Cancer cells are present only in the lining of a breast duct. O-stage cancers can be treated and eradicated.

STAGE 1: In this stage, the cancer cells have spread to the normal breast tissue. The size of the tumor in this stage is very small and it has not spread to the lymph nodes.

STAGE 2: This stage is also known as the early breast cancer stage. The cancer cells have started spreading to the lymph nodes. The rate of survival is high in this stage.

STAGE 3: The cancer cells have spread to the chest wall in the third stage. The size of the tumor has also grown above 5cm.

STAGE 4: Cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body including the liver, brain, and bones. In this stage, only the symptoms of the disease can be reduced. Moreover, this stage is considered as incurable.

Methods used in the detection of Breast Cancer

Several methods have developed over time with the help of science and technology to diagnose breast cancer. These tests are performed to decide whether you need to see a specialist for that particular disease. These tests usually include:

● Physical Examination: This test should be performed once a month by females above 15 years of age. Check if there's any lump, or swelling in the breast region. Any fluid discharge from the nipples should also be checked. It can be performed by the individual.

● Clinical Breast Examination: Doctors perform this test on the patient feeling the symptoms of this disease. He looks for any kind of swelling, lump, hardness, and fluid/blood from nipples. If any kind of visible symptoms. It is advised to go for the tests which confirm the presence of this disease.

● Blood Marker Tests: This test is performed where blood samples are checked for proteins, genes, or other components. It indicates the presence of any disease.

● Mammography: It is an imaging technique in which the patient's breast is compressed and passed through X-rays. This test is performed to check for breast cancer.

● CT scan: This test is performedusing a computer and energy rays to get an internal picture of the organ. A clear and elaborated picture is received in this test.

● Biopsy: Asample is taken from the breast tissue to check the growth of cancer cells. This tissue is observed under microscope for cancerous cells.

● MRI: This test provideselaborated images of organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels.

7. Ways to prevent Breast Cancer

Keeping a regular check on the breast area can help us to prevent breast cancer. There are various things which we can keep in mind to avoid such diseases.

● Follow a lifestyle that includes physical activity, no processed food, less screen time, and proper sleep. These things are required to create a balance in the human body.

● Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol, exposure to chemicals can disturb the internal balance of the female body.

● Being overweight can lead to acute or chronic diseases. The risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer increases after menopause. Obesity and overweight increase the risk for menopausal women of getting diagnosed with this cancer.

● Breast examination should be performed once a month every month. After 40 years of age, go for a clinical exam once a year.

● In case of a family history of breast cancer, keeping a check on your health is essential. Get your tests done every year to prevent the growth of any disease.

8. Treatment methods for Breast Cancer

The treatment for breast cancer is decided considering various factors. Whether the tumor is benign or malignant, the size of the tumor, stage of the cancer, age and genetic mutations, etc. Doctors alter the treatment for every individual considering these factors. Here are commonly prescribed treatment options:

● Chemotherapy: Different medicines are given in this process for treating breast cancer. These drugs include albumin-bound Paclitaxel which is available at an affordable price on Magicine Pharma. This therapy reduces the size of the tumor by killing the cancer cells.

● Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays, such as X-rays, are used to kill cancer cells. This process reduces the size of the tumor.

● Immunotherapy: In this therapy, different substances whether produced naturally or chemically help the immune system to fight against the cancer cells and prevent their growth.

● Hormonal Therapy: Utilizing hormones for stopping the growth of cancer cells. These hormones block the synthesis of female hormones which are responsible for the development of cancer cells. You can purchase Exemestane 25mg tablet and Anastrozole 1mg tablet from Magicine Pharma for cancer treatment.

● Targeted Therapy: Drugs are used in this therapy targets the specific cancer gene. The medicine can also target the abnormal protein production or the surroundings that support the growth of cancer cells.

● Surgery: The doctor performs surgery to remove the lump-like structure or breast. It is performed in early stages so that cancer cells do not spread to other parts of the body. The type of surgery that should be performed is finalized considering the size of the tumor.

FAQ's

1. What is the survival rate after breast cancer detection?

Around 90% of women survive for 5 years after getting diagnosed with breast cancer.

2. Is it possible to cure breast cancer completely?

Yes, it is possible to cure breast cancer in the early stages as it has not spread to other parts of the body. This can be done with the help of surgery or chemotherapy.

3. What are the common symptoms observed in breast cancer?

Lump-like structure, fluid from nipples, and changes in the shape & size of the breast are commonly observed symptoms of this cancer.

4. Is there any blood test that can detect breast cancer?

Yes, mammography and ultrasonography are the tests that confirm the presence of breast cancer.

5. What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted cell therapy are the treatment options.

References

https://www.who.int/newsroom/factsheets/detail/breastcancer?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiArva5BhBiEiwAoTnXe6Vfiy0pt0eSe8q9HL6E7hHTXkMWgzS0b5tQQ3I4IQoaoZmfnA65BoCwpYQAvD_BwE

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20is%20the%20second,decline%20of%2042%25%20through%202021.

https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics

https://www.cdc.gov/breastcancer/symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/symptoms.htm

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breastcancer/understandingabreastcancerdiagnosis/stagesofbreastcancer.html#:~:text=full%20staging%20system,What%20are%20the%20breast%20cancer%20stages?,in%20much%20the%20same%20way.

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