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Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue when normal cells change and grow uncontrollably. This usually happens in the milk ducts or glands, which are responsible for producing and transporting milk. While it mainly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can be classified into different types based on where it starts. Some types begin in the milk ducts and can be treated if caught early, while others start in the glands that produce milk and may spread to nearby tissue. There’s also a rare and aggressive form that causes swelling and redness without a lump, which needs quick treatment.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, including:
- Age: The risk increases significantly after age 40, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
- Gender: Women are much more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
- Family History: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer can increase risk, particularly with hereditary mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Genetic Factors: Specific genetic mutations can predispose individuals to breast cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A lump or mass in the breast or underarm area
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Skin changes, such as redness or dimpling
- Nipple discharge or changes in the appearance of the nipple
Diagnosis and Treatment Methods for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and is a significant health concern in India, being the most common cancer among women. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial in improving survival rates. Here’s an overview of the methods of diagnosis and treatment commonly followed in India.
Diagnosis Methods
1.Clinical Breast Exam (CBE):
- A healthcare professional examines the breasts for any abnormalities, such as lumps or changes in size or shape.
2.Mammography:
- This is the first-line screening tool for breast cancer, using low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of the breast. It can detect tumors that are too small to feel.
3.Ultrasound:
- Often used to further evaluate abnormalities found during a mammogram, ultrasound employs sound waves to create images of breast tissue, helping to distinguish between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
4.Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
- MRI provides detailed cross-sectional images of the breast using radio waves and a magnetic field. It is particularly useful for high-risk patients or to assess the extent of known cancers.
5.Biopsy:
- A definitive diagnosis of breast cancer is made through biopsy, where tissue samples are removed for examination. Types include:Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy
6.Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy:
- This procedure checks if cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes by removing a small number of nodes for testing.
7.Advanced Imaging Techniques:
- Techniques like PET/CT scans and digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography) provide additional information about tumor characteristics and potential metastasis.
Treatment Methods
1.Surgery:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Complete removal of one or both breasts, often recommended for larger tumors or multiple areas of cancer.
- Lymph Node Removal: Often performed alongside mastectomy to check for cancer spread.
2.Radiation Therapy:
- Uses high-energy waves to target and kill cancer cells, typically administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells.
3.Chemotherapy:
- Systemic treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, often used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to reduce recurrence risk.
4.Hormone Therapy:
- For hormone receptor-positive cancers, medications like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors block hormones that fuel tumor growth.
5.Targeted Therapy:
- Involves drugs that specifically target cancer cell characteristics, such as HER2-positive cancers treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin).
6.Immunotherapy:
- A newer approach that helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively.
Multidisciplinary Approach
In India, breast cancer treatment often follows a multidisciplinary approach involving a team of specialists, including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists. This collaborative effort ensures comprehensive care tailored to individual patient needs.The landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in India has evolved significantly, with advancements in technology and techniques improving patient outcomes.
Understanding breast cancer’s nature, types, risk factors, and symptoms is essential for early detection and effective management. Regular screenings, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, coupled with awareness of personal risk factors, can lead to timely diagnosis and treatment, significantly improving outcomes.Continuous advancements in diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected by breast cancer.
About the Author:
Sarah Fathima is a passionate science educator turned genome analyst who worked in cancer genomics, and is now a biocurator and bioinformatician at Nugenomics. Inspired young minds as a school teacher. Contributed to cancer research and patient care through report generation. Currently curates genomic data to advance understanding of genetic influences on health.