What is Breast Cancer?

Any changes in the structure of the gene which regulates cell growth can be the leading cause of cancer. This is because these changes or mutations let the cancer cells multiply in an uncontrolled manner. Breast cancer is said to occur when these mutations occur in the breast, such as lobules, breast ducts, or fatty tissue within your breast.

The following are the most common types of Breast Cancer:

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma

In this case, cancer cells appear in the ducts, then grow outside to other parts of the breast tissue. They can also spread to other body parts.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma

Cancer cells begin in the lobules, spread to breast tissue, and then spread to other body parts.

The good thing about breast cancer is that its treatment is readily available and highly effective, with a 90% survival rate. Breast cancer treatment includes various combinations, such as surgery, therapy, and oral medications.  

What are the causes of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in your breast start to multiply, leading to a painless lump in the breast or breast thickening. These signs should not be ignored, and immediate medical consultation is needed. The following are the plausible causes of breast cancer:

Age

Fifty-five years or older women are at an increased risk of breast cancer.

Sex

Women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than men.

Genetics

People with a family history, such as parents, siblings, or other close relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, have a higher chance of developing breast cancer at some point in their life.

Smoking and Alcohol

Tobacco is the leading cause of several types of cancer, including breast cancer. Research indicates that increased alcohol consumption is also the leading cause of breast cancer.

Obesity

Being obese puts you at a greater risk of developing many diseases, including breast cancer.

Radiation Exposure

Any previous radiation exposure, especially to areas such as the head, neck, and chest, increases your chances of developing breast cancer.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include the following:

• A lump in the breast or thickening of the breast, which might feel a little different than a usual tissue
• Changes in the size, shape, and appearance of the breast. And changes in the skin over the breast
• Inverted Nipples
• Any lump or thickening in your underarm that stays until your menstrual cycle
• Changes in the look and feel of the skin of your breast or nipple
• Any redness on your breast, the skin around your nipple, or your nipple
• Blood discharge or any other discharge from your nipple
• Any feeling of a hardened area under the skin of your breast 

It is widespread that some people may not observe any early signs or symptoms related to breast cancer. Therefore, it is advisable to get a regular mammogram to cure and treat cancer at an early stage.

What is the treatment for Breast Cancer?

It is possible to treat breast cancer when it is identified early, and the treatment is given at the proper interval. Treatment of breast cancer varies depending on the breast cancer stage and includes therapies, oral medicines, surgery, and many more; however, the survival rate is 90% for this disease.

Earlier, the most common treatment for breast cancer was mastectomy, in which the breast identified with a tumor was removed. In cases where cancer is advanced, mastectomy may be required. However, most breast cancer today can be treated by performing a partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, wherein a small part of the breast where the tumor is removed. Further, radiotherapy is done to kill the reoccurrence chances of cancer.

Following is the list of treatments that you may undergo depending on what your doctor deems best:

Surgery

Under surgery, the portion wherein the tumor has developed and the area around cancer will be removed.

Chemotherapy

Your healthcare provider may recommend breast cancer chemotherapy before surgery to shrink the tumor. It might be possible that chemotherapy is Sometimes, it may be given after the surgery to kill any of the remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Radiation Therapy

This therapy is given after the surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells ad prevent them from reoccurring.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written after performing in-depth secondary research related to the topic from various articles, blogs, and journals that have expertise in writing for healthcare. In case of any lump in the breast, pain in the breast, or doubts related to breast cancer, we strictly advise you to visit the doctor, who may provide treatment as and when needed.