Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, following lung cancer. However, increased awareness campaigns, advancements in early detection screenings, and significant improvements in treatment options have greatly enhanced survival rates. Currently, the mortality rate from breast cancer is estimated at approximately 2.7%, translating to about one in every 37 women diagnosed with the disease.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Women
The initial and most commonly observed symptom of breast cancer is the presence of a new lump or mass in one of the breasts, which is often painless and has an irregular shape. It is essential to note that not all breast lumps that do not fit these characteristics are necessarily cancerous. In certain instances, cancerous lumps may cause discomfort upon touch or have a rounded and smooth contour. Below are key symptoms and signs of breast cancer:
- Alterations in the shape or size of one or both breasts, such as swelling in an entire breast or part of it.
- Skin irritation on the breast appearing textured like an orange peel.
- Discomfort or pain in the breast or nipple area.
- Rashes occurring on or around the nipple.
- Changes in nipple appearance, possibly retracting inward.
- Redness of breast or nipple tissue and hardening of these areas.
- Non-milky discharge from the breast, which may be accompanied by blood.
- Swelling of nearby lymph nodes in the arm or collarbone region; in some cases, cancer may spread to lymph nodes before a lump in the breast becomes noticeable.
Causes and Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Breast cancer develops when specific breast cells start to grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Notably, these cancerous cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Several risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, but having one or more of these factors does not guarantee that a woman will contract the disease. Medical professionals have observed that some women with multiple risk factors remain cancer-free, while others with no apparent risk factors may still develop breast cancer. The precise reasons for these discrepancies are not fully understood; however, experts agree that genetic and lifestyle factors contribute significantly to the risk. Notable risk factors include:
- Genetic factors: Approximately 5-10% of breast cancer cases are attributed to inherited gene mutations from family members. Women with a family history of breast cancer are encouraged to undergo genetic testing to assess their risk.
- Age advancement.
- Exposure to radiation treatment during childhood or adolescence.
- Obesity.
- Early onset of menstrual periods before the age of twelve.
- Delayed onset of menopause.
- Having no pregnancies or having a first child later in life, such as after age thirty.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Use of hormone replacement therapy involving estrogen and progestin after menopause.
Treatment for Breast Cancer
The treatment plan for breast cancer typically depends on the specific type of breast cancer diagnosed, its response to hormonal therapy, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Additionally, the patient’s age and overall health play a crucial role in determining the treatment approach. The available treatment options for breast cancer include:
- Surgical removal: A surgical procedure is performed to excise the cancerous tissue. Subsequently, reconstructive surgery may be considered to restore the breast’s appearance. The surgeon may opt for one of the following surgical procedures based on the patient’s condition:
- Removing only the cancerous tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue to prevent further spread.
- Performing a total mastectomy, which may involve removing parts of the chest muscles or lymph nodes under the armpit.
- Excision of one or more lymph nodes.
- Radiation therapy: This treatment involves delivering calculated doses of radiation to the breast to eliminate cancer cells. This therapy may follow surgical removal to target any residual cancer cells. Each session typically lasts a few minutes, and treatment may be recommended for a duration of 3 to 6 weeks, with an average of 3 to 5 sessions per week.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is utilized when cancer has metastasized to other body parts or prior to surgery to shrink the tumor and facilitate excision. It is also employed post-surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence or spread.
- Hormonal therapy: This approach is applied when the type of breast cancer is hormone-sensitive, either pre- or post-surgery.
- Biological therapy: Certain breast cancer types may respond to targeted medications that specifically attack cancer cells, examples include trastuzumab and bevacizumab.