All You Need to Know About Breast Cancer

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can appear in several forms, and identifying the specific type is essential for choosing the most effective treatment plan. Below are the types of breast cancer:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type. It starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby breast tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and spreads to the surrounding tissues.
• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive form. Starts in the ducts but hasn’t spread beyond.

Less Common Types

• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. More aggressive and harder to treat.
• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): A rare and fast-growing cancer. Causes swelling and redness, often mistaken for infection.
• Paget’s Disease of the Nipple: A rare type that affects the skin around the nipple and may be linked to deeper cancer in the breast.
• Medullary, Mucinous, and Papillary Carcinomas: Rare subtypes with unique cell structures and behavior.

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. While it occurs due to a mutation in the DNA of the breast cells. Also, it’s believed that the following risk factors may trigger the occurrence of breast cancer.

• Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Increasing age, especially after 50
• Early menstruation or late menopause (longer estrogen exposure)
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use after menopause
• Personal history of breast cancer or benign breast conditions
• Radiation exposure to the chest
• Obesity, especially after menopause
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Low physical activity
• Having children late, not having children, or not breastfeeding
• Dense breast tissue, which makes detection harder and raises the risk

Key Statistics of Breast Cancer

Listed below are the key statistics related to breast cancer worldwide:

CategoryDetailsMost Common CancerBreast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer globally (2.3 million cases in 2022)Global Deaths (2022)Caused 670,000 deaths worldwideLifetime Risk1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancerFuture Projections (2050)Cases may rise by 38% and deaths by 68%, especially in low-income countriesBlack WomenThe highest death rate is due to the higher risk of aggressive triple-negative breast cancerWhite WomenMore likely to be diagnosed early (localized stage)Asian & Pacific Islander WomenThe lowest death rate from breast cancerHispanic, American Indian, Alaska Native WomenMore likely to be diagnosed at later stagesProgress in Some CountriesDenmark & Belgium are reducing deaths by 2.5% per year (WHO goal)

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer symptoms vary from one person to another and are sometimes mistaken for less serious issues. When noticeable, common symptoms may include:

• A noticeable change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• A mass or lump that may feel as small as a pea
• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm that persists across menstrual cycles
• Skin changes of the breast or nipple, such as dimpling,  scaliness, puckering, inflammation, or discoloration (red, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin)
• A hardened, marble-like area under the skin
• Unusual nipple discharge, either clear or blood-stained

Also, breast cancer can lead to several complications, including cancer spreading to other organs (metastasis), lymphedema (arm swelling), chronic pain, fatigue, and fertility issues. Treatments may also weaken the immune system and impact emotional well-being. Early detection and proper care help reduce these risks.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination?

Self-exams help you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can notice changes early.

Step-by-step guide:

1. In front of a mirror: Check for changes in shape, size, skin texture, or nipple appearance. Raise your arms to observe from different angles. Look for any fluid discharge.
2. While lying down: Use the opposite hand to feel each breast with circular motions, applying varying pressure. Start from the outer area and move toward the nipple.
3. In the shower: With soapy hands, feel for any lumps or thickened areas using circular motions.

If you notice any unusual changes, report them to your doctor immediately. While not all changes are cancer, early evaluation is crucial.

How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

The diagnosis often begins with a physical examination to check for any lumps or changes in the breast. If anything suspicious is detected, they may recommend further tests, such as;

• Mammogram – A low-dose X-ray to detect early signs of tumors
• Breast Ultrasound – Helps determine if a lump is solid or fluid-filled
• Breast MRI – Offers detailed imaging, especially in high-risk individuals
• Biopsy – A tissue sample is taken to confirm if cancer cells are present. This is the most definitive method

Once breast cancer is confirmed, additional tests help determine the stage, which is crucial for deciding treatment:

• CT or PET Scan – Checks for cancer spread to distant organs
• Bone Scan – Detects any spread to the bones
• Blood Tests – Assess overall health and organ function
• Lymph Node Biopsy – Evaluates if cancer has reached nearby lymph nodes

Stages of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is classified into stages based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether it has spread to other organs:

• Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Non-invasive; abnormal cells are confined to ducts or lobules
• Stage I: Cancer is small and localized to the breast
• Stage II: Cancer may have grown and spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage III: Cancer has spread more extensively in the breast and lymph nodes, but not to distant organs
• Stage IV: Metastatic cancer—spread to distant parts of the body like lungs, liver, bones, or brain

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment depends on the stage, type, and patient’s overall health. Often, a combination of therapies is used to improve outcomes and reduce recurrence. Common treatment options include:

• Surgery: The most common first step, involving either breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or full removal (mastectomy). Lymph node removal may also be done.
• Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to destroy remaining cancer cells post-surgery, especially in early-stage or localized cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Involves powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. It may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink the tumor or after surgery (adjuvant) to prevent recurrence.
• Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, this therapy blocks estrogen or progesterone that fuels cancer growth.
• Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific genes or proteins (like HER2) involved in cancer growth. It causes fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells, used in specific cases such as triple-negative breast cancer.

Recovery varies by treatment type. Some may face fatigue, pain, or emotional effects. Supportive care, regular checkups, and healthy lifestyle changes aid long-term recovery and reduce recurrence risk.

What are the Side Effects of Treatment?

Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment and individual response. Some are short-term, while others may last longer.

• Fatigue (common across all treatments)
• Nausea, vomiting, and hair loss (mainly with chemotherapy)
• Skin irritation and breast swelling (with radiation therapy)
• Hormonal changes like hot flashes or mood swings (with hormone therapy)
• Pain or stiffness after surgery
• Lowered immunity and risk of infection (especially during chemo or immunotherapy)
• Digestive issues such as diarrhea (with immunotherapy or targeted therapy)

Not all patients experience every side effect, and many can be managed with supportive care.

How Can You Prevent Breast Cancer?

While not all cases are preventable, adopting certain lifestyle habits can significantly reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Stay physically active
• Limit alcohol intake
• Avoid smoking
• Breastfeed, if possible
• Get regular screenings and mammograms
• Know your family history and consider genetic counseling if needed

Also Read:- Breast Cancer Treatment Cost in India

Key Takeaways

Breast cancer, a commonly occurring cancer in women, can be effectively treated if detected early through regular check-ups and screenings. Early diagnosis allows timely treatment, improving outcomes and survival rates.

With advanced care, expert oncologists, and world-class hospitals at affordable costs, cancer treatment in India has become a preferred choice for many international patients.