Breast Cancer
In India, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women and ranks second in terms of causes of death for women, after lung cancer.
Cells lining the breast ducts or lobules develop abnormally, which leads to breast cancer. These cells can move to other areas of the body and are growing at an alarming rate. Although it is more frequent in women, breast cancer may strike men as well. Transgender women and non-binary individuals may be affected by breast cancer.
People who are transgender or gender nonconforming may get breast cancer. Breast cancer may be more likely to strike a transgender woman who takes medicine to boost female hormones and decrease male hormones.
Breast cancer types include:
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer that begins in the milk ducts and has not migrated to other tissues is known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most prevalent kind of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), begins in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): The milk-producing lobules are the initial site of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC), which has the potential to spread to other body areas.
- Other types: These may include less prevalent types such as medullary carcinoma and inflammatory breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Signs And Symptoms :
- Thickening or lump in or near the breast; swelling or enlargement of the breast
- Pain tenderness without a known reason
- Skin changes (redness or dimpling)
- Dimpling of the breast skin
- Armpit discomfort or swelling
Risk factors for breast cancer
The following are a few risk factors for breast cancer:
- Growing older
- Family history
- Hereditary mutations occur in the genes CHEK2, BRCA2, and BRCA1 (particularly prevalent in Ashkenazi Jewish families).
- Exposure to female hormones, both naturally occurring and artificially
- Starting your menstrual cycle before turning twelve
- A prior breast cancer diagnosis
- a history of breast disorders other than cancer.
- Drinking alcohol, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise are some lifestyle variables that might marginally raise the risk of breast cancer in both men and women.
Screening and Diagnosis:
- Mammography: An X-ray of the breast, particularly for women over 40, is frequently used for regular screening.
- Ultrasound: Frequently utilized to do a more thorough examination of tissues and lumps.
- Biopsy: To look for cancer cells, a sample of tissue is removed from the suspicious location.
- MRI: Women with thick breast tissue or those at higher risk may occasionally benefit from magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
- Surgery: Surgery, depending on the case, may involve a complete breast removal through mastectomy or only removal of the tumor.
- Radiation treatment: Radiation treatment involves the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy entails the use of medications to destroy cancer cells or to inhibit their development.
- Hormone therapy: In cases of hormonal receptor-positive cancer, hormone therapy works to block the hormones that promote the growth of such cancers.
- Immunotherapy and targeted therapy: Immunotherapy and targeted therapy are relatively modern types of cancer treatment that step up the body's immune system or selectively target cancer cells.
