Breast cancer is categorized by the abnormal growth of cells in the breast, and it can occur in one or both breasts. The condition can be of different types, depending on where the cancer cells originate in the breast. However, the disease’s intensity depends on the person’s age, the extent of the disease, and the type of cancer. According to studies, female breast cancer has become one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers.
Causes of breast cancer
Many risk factors contribute to breast cancer, the main ones being gender and age, as most of these are diagnosed in women after the age of 50. Apart from these, the following factors also play a major role in the development of breast cancer:
Lifestyle
The lifestyle factors that contribute to breast cancer are mentioned below:
- Alcohol consumption
It raises the risk of breast cancer in women, even among light drinkers. - Obesity
Obesity or rapid weight gain during adulthood, especially in the midsection, increases the chance of breast cancer in women. - Lack of exercise or a sedentary lifestyle
Reduced physical activity is also a lifestyle aspect that can cause breast cancer.
Genetics
Family history is another specific factor that contributes to around five to ten percent of unmodifiable breast cancers; that is, you cannot change anything about it. A mutated copy of genes from either parent results in the development of breast cancer in the child. The chances of cancer are higher when a first-degree relative or multiple family members have been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, including changes in the breasts, such as atypical ductal hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ, and diabetes, can increase the chances of abnormal cell growth in the breast. Sporadic breast cancers are often a result of hormones, especially an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone. It can also be due to the oxidative metabolites of estrogen, leading to DNA damage and mutations. An increase in prolactin levels can also raise the risk of breast cancer.
Common symptoms associated with breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer can be similar or entirely non-identical for different people. And sometimes, there may be no evident symptoms of the disease unless a comprehensive examination is performed.
However, some of the common warning signs that your body might exhibit for breast cancer are lumps that can be felt within the breast or under the armpit, an increase in the breast density or tissues, a recently inverted nipple, pain in the nipple area, discharge from the nipple when one is not breastfeeding, changes in the size, redness or flaking of the breast skin, irritation on the skin of the breast, and an unusual inverted nipple.
Furthermore, some of these may also be due to menstrual cycle, pregnancy, certain underlying health conditions, or specific prescription tablets. Hence, they may not necessarily be an indication of breast cancer.
Diagnosis
Doctors use different tests to identify breast cancer. This also includes various measures to assess the extent of the disease in the body, including a comprehensive breast examination, mammogram X-ray, an ultrasound of the breast, removing some cells to conduct tests (biopsy), and an MRI scan. A biopsy is required to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the breasts, which involves testing sample tissues in the laboratory. After diagnosis, certain procedures, tests, and scans will again be used to determine the cancer stage to understand the extent of the disease. The doctor will then choose the best possible treatment methods based on the type of cancer identified, symptoms shown, the age and health of the patient, and the result of the medical test and biopsy.
Treatment of breast cancer
The treatment of breast cancer is highly influenced by factors such as the subtype of the tumor, the particular stage or progression of the disease, age and general health of the patient, presence of mutated cells, and genomic markers. Patients diagnosed with early-stage cancer may have to undergo surgery to remove the tumor completely. A small part of healthy tissue from the surrounding area will also be removed to ensure the proper elimination of the tumor. However, sometimes, additional surgery may also be required to remove the microscopic cells left behind by the tumor. Those in an advanced stage of cancer may require systemic treatment and various therapies.
Breast cancer, though a fatal disease, can be diagnosed and treated successfully when identified early. So make sure to schedule regular checkups or do a self-examination to enjoy a healthy and long life.