Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers among Indian women. It develops when the cells in the breast start to multiply abnormally at a very rapid pace as compared to other healthy cells of the body. These cells formed by abnormal cell division come together and start forming masses or lumps in the breast and also have the tendency to spread to lymph nodes or various other parts of the body. The breast cells that cause breast cancer to develop are milk-producing ducts, glandular tissues known as lobules, or other cells in the breast.
Scientists have recognized various risk factors responsible for the development of breast cancer. However, some cases have also been observed where women who are not at risk yet end up suffering from breast cancer, and those who are at high risk enjoy a healthy life. Thus, it can be said that some complex interlinkage between environmental factors and genetic makeup is responsible for breast cancer.
Causes of Breast Cancer
As mentioned above, breast cancer occurs due to abnormal division and multiplication of breast cells. But it is not yet clear what causes the initiation of this abnormal division of breast cells. However, some of the risk factors have been identified that are considered to be responsible for increasing the chances of breast cancer development. They are as follows:
- Family history and genetics
If you have a family history, like if your parents, children, siblings, or any closed one has suffered from breast cancer, then you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer at some stage of your life. Around 5 to 10 % of cases of breast cancer have been noticed to be inheritable in nature; that is, it has been passed on from parent to child. This inheritable nature can be traced by genetic screening.
- Age
If you are of 55 years or more, then you are at a higher risk of contracting breast cancer.
- Gender
It is one of the major causes of breast cancer. Women are more prone to breast cancer as compared to men.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
Tobacco smoking and excessive alcohol intake increase the chances of different types of breast cancer.
- Exposure to radiation
Your chances of getting breast cancer are high if you have undergone radiation therapy earlier, mainly for the chest, neck, or head.
- Obesity
Obese people are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy
Those using this therapy have more chances of developing breast cancer symptoms.
Above mentioned are some of the risk factors, and there are many other factors too.
Early signs of Breast Cancer
Here are some of the early signs of breast cancer that can help to suspect the development of breast cancer:
- Development of a new lump that does not subside after the completion of the following period.
- You may observe differences in the shape of your nipple.
- You may even notice a lump or swelling under your arm or near your collarbone.
- You may experience pain in the breast, which does not subside after your following period.
- Some early-stage skin breast cancer symptoms like undefinable redness, irritation, swelling, redness, or rash can be felt on the breast.
- Clear, red, brown, or yellow secretion from any one nipple is seen.
A hard lump having an irregular border has a higher incidence of being cancerous.
Also Read:- Did You Know about Breast Cancer (male)? Causes and Treatment
Later signs of Breast Cancer
Some of the later signs of breast cancer are as follows:
- There is dimpling on the surface of the breast
- The nipple gets retracted or shows an inward fold
- The texture of breast skin becomes orange peel like
- The size of the breast increases
- The size of the current lump increases
- Appetite starts deteriorating
- Veins of the breast become prominent
- The lymph node in the armpit shows an increase in size
- Weight loss occurs unexpectedly
However, it is important to be aware that having any of the above breast cancer symptoms does not exactly ends in breast cancer. Suppose even in breast infection, you may have secretion from a nipple. So it is advisable to consult a doctor when you notice such symptoms for the correct diagnosis.
Screening for Early detection of Breast Cancer
Getting screening done at an early stage may not help you to prevent breast cancer, but it can help to get diagnosed at an early stage when the treatment for cancer is less invasive and less difficult.
Breast self-check:
It is highly recommended that you check your breast regularly so that if there are any changes in your breast, you can notice them at an early stage. You should do this check every month, seven days after your periods, and after you cross 20 years of age. While you check your breast, you should carefully check all the parts of the breasts, extending up to the armpits and collarbone.
Clinical examination of the breast:
You should visit your doctor for a clinical examination of your breast. You should undergo a clinical examination for breast cancer symptoms once every three years when your age is between 20 to 30 years and every year once you cross 40 years of age.
Mammography:
The x-ray of a breast is known as mammography, which helps in diagnosing cancer at the initial stage, which is when the lump is too small to feel it. This should be performed on the recommendation of a doctor after 45 years of age on the basis of your chances of developing breast cancer. If the report is positive, that is, if some findings are seen, then the doctor will advise a mammogram for the next evaluation.
Diagnostic tests for Breast cancer
Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning:
This scanning is performed by healthcare professionals. They inject a special dye into the veins of the patient, and then with the help of the scanner, an image is taken. Thus, a special dye is used in this scanning in order to spotlight the areas of suspicion.
Biopsy:
A biopsy is performed with the help of a needle device that is supported by an imaging test like an X-ray. This special device is used to remove a core of tissue from the doubtful area of the breast. The withdrawn sample is then sent to a laboratory for testing and confirming if the specimen is cancerous or not, what type of cells are involved, the nature of the cancer cells, and what type of receptors the cancer cells are carrying, whether hormone receptors or any other receptors. These pieces of information are helpful in deciding the line of treatment for breast cancer.
Ultrasound of breast:
This scan uses soundwaves to take an image of the deeper cells and tissues of the breast in order to check for the presence of any lumps or abnormalities in the breast.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast:
In this screening, an MRI machine is used, which consists of radio and magnet waves. This helps in getting an image of the deeper tissues of the breast to confirm the presence of any abnormal development in the breast. Prior to MRI scanning, a dye is injected.
In addition to these, there are other diagnostic tests too that are used based on the condition.
Treatment for breast cancer
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Breast cancer surgeries
- Chemotherapy for breast cancer
- Hormone therapy
- Radiation therapy
Conclusion
Breast cancer can be treated and cured easily only if it is diagnosed at an early stage of its occurrence. So it is important for you to do regular self-checks, clinical examinations, and diagnostic tests from Reputed centers like Agilus diagnostics as and when recommended above. This will help you to fight cancer with less struggle, and treatment for breast cancer becomes easier.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
