Breast Cancer: Early Detection, Treatment Options, and Empowering Survivors

Let’s talk Cancer

The breast is a modified sweat gland of the body, derived from various germ layers. It begins developing around puberty and matures according to inheritance and genetics. During pregnancy, due to a surge in hormones, it activates its secretory function, lactation.

In 2022, there were 670,000 deaths due to breast cancer globally. Currently, in India, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in females, accounting for 28.2% of cancer-related deaths. According to a report, every four minutes, an Indian woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. This increase is largely due to a lack of awareness and education about self-care. Women can self-diagnose conditions, undergo screening at the right time, and visit healthcare providers.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Indian women, with a significant risk starting in their early thirties and continuing to rise until it peaks between the ages of 50 and 64. In India, approximately one in twenty-eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

Many celebrities around the globe are diagnosed with Breast cancer. The struggle is real for everyone. Recently Hina Khan underwent treatment for breast cancer. Read the blog to understand and fight the cancer better!

Common risk factors of Breast Cancer

• Age : Increasing age is one of the strongest risk factors associated with breast cancer, often found in women in their 40s or after menopause.
• Gene Mutation : BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are primary causes of breast cancer. Actress Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy due to a gene mutation.
• Family History : Get screened if you have a paternal or maternal history of breast cancer. Early screening can reduce the risk of breast cancer and increase the survival rate.
• History of Other Breast Conditions : These conditions include lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and atypical hyperplasia of the breast.
• Early Onset of Menstruation : Having your first period before the age of 12 can be a risk factor for breast cancer.
• Late Menopause : Beginning menopause after the age of 55 increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Alcohol : Frequent alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Breastfeeding : Breastfeeding is a protective factor for women. If you have never been pregnant or never breastfed, your risk of breast cancer may be higher.
• Obesity : Increased BMI can raise the risk of breast cancer. Free radicals increase with weight gain, so be mindful of your weight.
• Hormonal Therapy : Hormonal imbalances in women often contribute to an increased risk of cancer.
• Radiation : Exposure to radiation at any point in life increases the risk of breast cancer.

The exact cause of breast cancer is still unknown. It is often associated with the DNA and lifestyle of a woman. Genetics play a crucial role in determining the risk of breast cancer. Medicine is working on a molecular level to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with increased risk. All you need is early screening and a word with your healthcare provider.

What are the early symptoms of breast cancer?

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump in the breast or armpit. Less frequently, symptoms may include skin changes, breast pain, nipple retraction, or unusual nipple discharge.

• Painless lump around your underarm or on your breast.
• Swelling on breast like a marble or a pebble.
• Skin changes like redness, skin thickening or skin nodules.
• Overall change in the breast like shape, colour and size.
• Changes around nipples or areola of the breast.
• Skin over the breast might look like an orange peel.
• Unusual nipple discharge that may be bloody, clear or another colour.

If you find a lump or other change in your breast, make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Don’t wait for your next mammogram to see if the change you found is breast cancer. Report any changes in your breasts even if a recent mammogram showed there was no breast cancer.

Screening and early detection

Things you can do to lower the risk of breast cancer.

Talk to your healthcare provider : Discuss the risk factors and family history with your doctor. Look for lifestyle changes and screening while you get to know the advantages of being screened!

Self- examination of breast : Get familiar with your breast by regularly touching and observing changes. Take up a session with your doctor to learn about self-examination of the breast. This should be the mandatory practice for every woman around the globe.

Compulsory screening after menopause : According to research, menopause increases the risk of breast cancer and thus many women get cancer during or after menopause. Visit your doctor for a screening because prevention is better than cure.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle : Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well and exercising four days a week. Drink alcohol in moderation, a small drink impacts women’s body twice as much as a man.

Treating high risk patients

If you are at high risk for breast cancer, there are several options you might consider to lower your risk. Factors that can increase your risk include a family history of breast cancer or a history of precancerous cells in your breast tissue. It’s important to discuss your risk with your healthcare team, as they can suggest potential strategies to reduce it, such as:

Medicines : Oestrogen based drugs are proven to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Oestrogen is a female hormone responsible for feminine features of a woman. It is also used as a hormonal therapy for treating mastectomy.

Surgery : Removal of breast to avoid future risk is often opted by women. Angelina Jolie, a famous Hollywood actress choosed surgical method to prevent breast cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider and opt for better treatment choice.

Empowering the Survivors

Breast is one of the most beautiful features of a woman. The true sense of motherhood is experienced after feeding your baby. Breast develops right from puberty, making you feel a woman to mother, suddenly letting it go off can be emotionally daunting. As it is said that the true essence of womanhood is beyond the feminine features. Hold yourself up in the journey to survive for yourself and your loved ones because your contribution to the world is embarkable!

Faqs

What are the five warning signs of breast cancer?

The five warning signs of breast cancer include:

• Lump in the breast or underarm: A new lump or mass is the most common symptom. It may feel hard, irregular, or different from the rest of the breast tissue.
• Change in breast size or shape: Any unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast.
• Nipple discharge: Especially if it’s clear or bloody, this could be a warning sign.
• Skin changes on the breast: This includes dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaliness of the breast skin, or the appearance of an orange peel texture (peau d’orange).
• Nipple inversion or retraction: If the nipple turns inward or changes position, it can be a sign of breast cancer.

How long can I live after breast cancer?

Most of the women have a survival rate of 5 years, approximately 90% live after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Survival rate is governed by your age, lifestyle and stage of breast cancer. Talk to your healthcare provider and opt for the best treatment.

Can breast cancer be cured completely?

Breast cancer is a metastatic cancer which can come back. If only one of the breasts was diagnosed, the chances of spread of cancer increases. Talk to your doctor and look for preventive medicine to avoid recurrence.

What are the various stages of breast cancer?

Breast cancer stages range from 0 to IV. Stage 0 (in situ) indicates non-invasive cancer. Stages I to III involve increasing tumor size and spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage IV is metastatic, where cancer spreads to distant organs like bones, liver, or lungs, indicating advanced disease.

Can I have a normal life after breast cancer?

It’s a yes! Many people lead normal, fulfilling lives after breast cancer. Recovery depends on factors like the cancer stage, treatment, and overall health. With advances in treatment and ongoing care, many survivors experience long-term remission. Support, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular follow-ups are key to maintaining quality of life.