Breast cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment for Breast cancer

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Breast Cancer

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Breast cancer

Overview of breast cancer

Breast cancer or ‘breast carcinoma’ is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of death in women. This occurs when the abnormal cells multiply and go out of control. It begins with the formation of a tumor. If the tumor is malignant, it has the potential to grow and spread or metastasize to different parts of the body through the blood stream or the lymphatic system.

In the recent years, the frequency of breast cancer has increased and has become a source of suffering to the persons affected and also their families. Men also can get affected with the breast cancer but the frequency is very less. Breast cancer can be completely cured if detected early, if not it is very difficult to get rid of it completely through treatment. Treatment of breast cancer involves controlling the spread of the disease for years.

Breast cancer can be ‘invasive’ (spreading) or ‘noninvasive’ (do not spread and is confined to the original site).

Different kinds of breast cancer

There are different kinds of breast cancer and few of them are discussed below.

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is noninvasive type of breast cancer and the cancer occurs only in the ducts. If the women are diagnosed in this stage through a mammogram, it can be easily cured.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This condition is not a true cancer. It begins in the milk producing glands. Presence of this condition in women increases the risk of getting affected with breast cancer later.

Invasive (infiltrating) ductal carcinoma (IDC): This kind of cancer begins in the milk passage, breaks through the wall of the passage and spreads in the breast tissue. Later the cancer cells spreads to different parts of the body.

Invasive (infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (ILC): This condition begins in the milk lobules and spreads to different parts of the body.

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): This is a rare invasive condition where a tumor or lump is not seen, instead the skin of the breast looks red and warm to feel. The skin is thick with pitted appearance and looks like an orange peel. The breast becomes larger, firmer, tender and itchy.

Occurance of breast cancer in different groups

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. About 1 in 7 women have the probability of developing the disease in their lifetime. Approximately, 15% of the female deaths are caused due to breast cancer. It is 100 times less common in men when compared to women. The survival rate ranges from 98% if the patient is in stage I cancer to about 16% for patients who are in their stage IV cancer. The overall survival rate is 85% after 5 years of cancer, 71% after 10 years of cancer, 57% after 15 years of cancer, 52% after 20 years of cancer. Studies have shown that the incidence of breast cancer has increased recently but the death rates have declined.¹

Signs and Symptoms of breast cancer

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a detection of a palpable mass. The mass may be painful in 10–15% of the patients. The other symptoms seen later include²

Causes and Risk Factors of breast cancer

Causes and risk factors for breast cancer

Diagnosis of breast cancer

Diagnosis is based on detection and screening. Detection can be done through self-examination of the breast frequently and finding out for the presence of lumps, pain in the breast, thickness, changes during menstruation. Getting checked with a physician is necessary

Treatment for breast cancer

Treatment of breast cancer

Treatment of breast cancer is based on:

Size and location of lump

Stage of the cancer

Metastasis of the cancer

Family history

Age and other health problems

Management of breast cancer

Some non-modifiable risk factors causing breast cancer include age and female gender. Risk of getting affected with breast cancer can be lowered by prevention and management of modifiable risks. Here are some useful tips, which can help in managing this condition.

Avoid long-term hormone intake after menopause.¹¹

Breast-feeding will lower the risk.¹²

Conceiving before 30 years of age.

Loosing extra kilos, as extra fat increases estrogen production.

Consuming healthy food with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Exercising regularly.

Decrease alcohol consumption.¹³

If the risk level is high in some women, consulting with the physician and taking the medicines should be helpful in preventing this condition.

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: July 29, 2011

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References

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