Breaking down breast cancer is crucial in understanding the overall picture of this complex disease that affects millions of people around the world.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, and it is crucial to have the right information about it to make informed decisions about screening, treatment, and prevention.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease that affects the cells in the breast tissue. It can start in the ducts that move milk to the nipple or in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands.

Breast cancer can spread beyond the breast tissue and into the lymph nodes, bones, liver, lungs, and other parts of the body.

Types of breast cancer

There are several types of breast cancer:.

1. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

This is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts of the breast. It is also called stage 0 breast cancer.

2. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)

This is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in the milk duct and then invades the surrounding breast tissue.

3. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)

This type of breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast and then invades the surrounding breast tissue.

4. Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)

This is a rare type of breast cancer that makes the breast look swollen and red. It is caused by cancer cells blocking the lymphatic vessels in the skin of the breast.

5. Metastatic breast cancer

This is breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs.

Breast cancer risk factors

The following are some of the risk factors for breast cancer:.

1. Gender

Being a woman is the most significant risk factor for breast cancer. Men can also get breast cancer, but it is much less common.

2. Age

The risk of breast cancer increases as women get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over the age of 50.

3. Family history

Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast cancer increases a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.

4. Genetic mutations

Some inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase the risk of breast cancer.

5. Other risk factors

Other risk factors for breast cancer include factors such as alcohol consumption, early onset of menstruation, and radiation exposure.

Breast cancer symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of breast cancer:.

1. New lump or mass in the breast or underarm

A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm is the most common symptom of breast cancer.

2. Changes in breast size or shape

Breast cancer can cause a change in the size or shape of the breast.

3. Changes in the skin of the breast

Breast cancer can cause changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness, swelling, or dimpling.

4. Nipple discharge

If a person notices a bloody or clear nipple discharge, they should see a doctor as soon as possible.

5. Breast pain

Breast cancer can cause pain in the breast, but this is rare.

Breast cancer diagnosis

The following are some of the tests used to diagnose breast cancer:.

1. Mammogram

A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can detect breast cancer even before a person notices any symptoms.

2. Breast MRI

A breast MRI is a test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue.

3. Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the breast and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

Breast cancer treatment

The following are some of the treatments used for breast cancer:.

1. Surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for breast cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue from the breast.

2. Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given before or after surgery.

4. Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapy is used for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive. This type of therapy blocks the hormones that fuel the growth of breast cancer cells.

Breast cancer prevention

The following are some ways to lower the risk of breast cancer:.

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer.

2. Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity can lower the risk of breast cancer.

3. Limit alcohol intake

Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.

4. Breastfeed

Breastfeeding may lower the risk of breast cancer.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of people around the world. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer is crucial for making informed decisions about breast health.