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Out of 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer, 670,000 died in 2022. The disease occurs in every country in the world and is the most common cancer in women in 157 countries. Learn more about what is breast cancer, its symptoms, causes and treatment.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the breast cells and grows out of control. If untreated, it can spread to different parts of the breast and gradually spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph vessels. The breast has three main components: lobules that produce milk, ducts, the tubes that carry milk, and connective tissue that holds everything together.
Most breast tumours start in the ducts, called ductal cancers. A tumour in lobules is known as lobule cancer. It's important to know that not all breast lumps are cancerous. Some are non-cancerous but with abnormal growth. But they do not spread outside the breast and are not life-threatening. That's why it's advisable to consult a doctor once you notice signs of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer in women is a lump or thickened tissue in the breast or armpit. While breast cancer symptoms can vary among individuals, some standard warning signs are:
- Persistent pain in the breast or armpit area that does not depend on the menstrual cycle
- Redness of breast skin
- Rash on one or both nipples
- Change in breast size or shape
- Fluid discharge from the nipple that may contain blood
- Inverted nipple
- Scaling, peeling, or flaking of the skin on the breast or nipple
If you experience any signs and symptoms of breast cancer in women, visit a doctor for a complete examination and discuss concerns.
Causes of Breast Cancer
While the exact cause of breast cancer is still unclear; It is estimated that approximately 50% of cases in women occur due to age, without any specific risk factors. However, certain risk factors make it more likely. Risk factors under your control should be prevented. Other causes of breast cancer include:
- Age - The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- Genetics - If it is in family history, the person's chances of developing breast cancer are increased.
- History of Breast Cancer or Breast Lump - Women who were previously diagnosed with breast cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
- Dense Breast Issue - Women with denser breasts should be more cautious because they are more likely to receive a breast cancer diagnosis.
- Exposure to Estrogen and Breastfeeding - Extended exposure to estrogen increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Bodyweight - Women who are overweight after menopause may also have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, possibly due to higher estrogen levels.
- Alcohol Abuse - Regular and high amounts of alcohol consumption play a major role in developing breast cancer. Studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have consistently found that women who consume alcohol have a higher risk of breast cancer than those who do not.
- Radiation Exposure - Undergoing chemotherapy for different cancer may increase the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
- Hormone Treatment - According to NCI studies, taking oral contraceptives may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer.
Please note that some women can develop breast cancer without any risk factors. Having risk factors does not mean you will get the disease, and not all risk factors will have the same effect.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is broadly categorized into three main types: invasive, non-invasive, and rare. These are detailed below:
Invasive breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): Causes swelling in the breast by blocking lymph vessels in the skin.
- Triple-negative breast cancer: It is a type that doesn't have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2.
- HER2-positive breast cancer: It has high levels of the HER2 protein, causing it to grow faster.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This type begins in the body's epithelial cells lining tissues and organs. In the breast, these carcinomas are called adenocarcinomas. IDC specifically begins in cells within the milk ducts or lobules.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): It starts in the lobules and is the second most common type of breast cancer.
- Male Breast Cancer: Approximately 0.5% to 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men. Men with breast cancer may experience symptoms such as a breast lump, nipple discharge, or breast pain in the nipples.
Non-invasive breast cancer
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): It is an early type of breast cancer that hasn’t spread throughout the tissue.
Rare breast cancer
- Soft tissue sarcoma: A very rare type of breast cancer that begins in the breast’s connective tissue, like fat, muscles, or blood vessels.
- Angiosarcoma: A rare and aggressive type that develops in lymphatic vessels or blood vessels in the breast and skin of the arms, and spreads rapidly.
- Paget's disease of the breast: An uncommon type of breast cancer that causes changes to the skin of the nipple and its surrounding area and causes red rashes.
Breast Cancer Screening Test
Timely screening is crucial for early detection and improved outcomes. Breast cancer can be diagnosed in the following ways-
- Mammogram: The most effective way to detect abnormalities or breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray for breast cancer.Screening guidelines vary by age and risk factors; consult your doctor for personalized advice.
- Clinical Breast Test: The doctor examines any lumps or breast changes in the individual.
- Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses magnets and radio waves and is often used for high-risk individuals or those with dense breasts, typically combined with a mammogram.
- Self-examination: Regular self-examination can help you become familiar with your breasts and notice any changes. If you have any pain or feel any lump in your breast, examine it and then visit a doctor promptly.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
Treatment for breast cancer is personalized and depends on factors like the type and stage of cancer:
Surgery
- Lumpectomy/ Breast-Conserving Surgery/Wide Local Excision: Removes breast cancer and some healthy tissue around it.
- Mastectomy: Removes all breast tissue from a breast.
Chemotherapy
- Shrinks or kills cancer cells with medicines.
Hormonal Therapy
- Prevents the cancer cells from using the cancer-growing hormone.
Radiation Therapy
- Kills and reduces the occurrence of cancer cells through high-energy radiation.
Targeted Therapy
- Targets specific pathways or proteins in cancer cells through drugs.
Immunotherapy
- Immunotherapy utilises the patient’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Foods to Eat and Avoid
No single food can cause or prevent breast cancer. All eating habits and dietary choices collectively contribute to one’s health.
Cancer-Fighting Diet
The following can be a nutritious diet, preventing breast cancer cells in the body-
- Foods rich in Vitamin D and other vitamins
- High-fibrous foods such as legumes and whole grains.
- Plant-based foods such as antioxidants.
- Foods with anti-inflammatory properties.
- Different types of fruits and vegetables.
- Fermented foods.
- Cruciferous veggies like brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collard greens, etc.
- Mediterranean diet.
What Can Develop Breast Cancer Cells
The cause of breast cancer is still unknown to us, but the following foods may lead to it-
- Ultra-processed foods
- Sugar
- Red and processed meats
- Alcohol
How to Identify Breast Cancer
Other than a lump, breast cancer has several other signs. Check out below-
- Skin Texture: The inflammation in skin cells can lead to changes in the texture, such as scaly skin around the nipple, skin thickening, sunburn, and extreme dryness. Texture changes can lead to eczema and dermatitis.
- Nipple Discharge: A thin or thick milky to green, yellow, or bloody discharge from the nipple can be cancerous.
- Dimpling: Skin starts resembling the surface of an orange due to lymph fluid in the breast.
- Change in Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are collections of immune system tissue that capture potentially harmful cells, including viruses, bacteria, and cancer cells. They travel to the underarm region of the affected breast, and swollen lymph nodes in the armpit may be signs of breast cancer.
Myths and Facts About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is among the most significant health risks in Indian women. It is a commonly occurring type of cancer in women. Nearly 2,000 new cases occur every day. Lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis are significant obstacles to ensuring timely treatment.
Furthermore, with so much information on the internet, several misconceptions about breast cancer are doing the rounds, thus creating panic and confusion.
Myth 1: Breast Cancer occurs only if there is a Family Medical History
Myth 2: Injury to the Breasts can cause Cancer
Myth 3: Only Older Women are prone to Breast Cancer
Myth 4: Breast Cancer can’t occur in men
Myth 5: Lumps in the Breast is always a sign of Breast Cancer
Myth 6: Mammography is Painful and Unsafe
Myth 7: Any Pain in the Breast is a symptom of Breast Cancer
When is the Right Time to Get Examined for Breast Cancer?
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), women in their 20s and 30s should take a self-breast examination every three years and women in their 40s should take it yearly. Women at an increased risk of breast cancer should do annual mammograms and MRIs.
The cost of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is high. A single session can cost you thousands; health insurance may be a saviour. It supports you in fighting the battle by taking off the financial burden. Comprehensive cancer insurance coverage lets you focus on your healing without worrying about medical expenses.
>> Also Read: Ways to Deal with Stress During Breast Cancer Treatment
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
