What is Breast Cancer? What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs due to the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in breast tissue. It typically starts in the breast glands or milk ducts. Over time, cancer cells can spread to surrounding tissues and even metastasize to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women, but it can also occur in men. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly affect the course of the disease and the success of treatment. Symptoms of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, changes in the breast skin, or discharge from the nipple.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the breast tissue multiply uncontrollably and form tumors. Over time, these abnormal cells can spread outside the breast tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and can be successfully treated if detected early. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, hormones, age, lifestyle factors and environmental factors. Symptoms include a lump or thickening in the breast, nipple discharge, pitting or crusting of the breast skin, and swelling in the armpit. Imaging methods such as mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy are used for diagnosis. Depending on the type of cancer, stage and the general condition of the patient, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy or targeted therapy.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing this disease. These risk factors range from genetic predisposition to lifestyle choices.
Some factors that may contribute to breast cancer include:
- Genetic Predisposition: Women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk. Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Hormones: Female hormones like estrogen and progesterone promote the growth and development of breast tissue. Prolonged exposure to these hormones can increase breast cancer risk. Factors such as starting menstruation at an early age, entering menopause late, or undergoing hormone replacement therapy can increase this risk.
Lifestyle Factors:
- Obesity: Particularly after menopause, obesity can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can raise breast cancer risk.
- Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Lack of Physical Activity: Not engaging in regular exercise can increase breast cancer risk.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain chemicals and radiation can also be risk factors.
In summary, the causes of breast cancer arise from a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, hormones, lifestyle, and environmental factors. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular check-ups can help reduce this risk.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a common disease among women, and when diagnosed early, the chances of successful treatment are quite high. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer is crucial for monitoring disease progression.
The most common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast: Usually painless and can be felt in any area of the breast.
- Discharge from the nipple: Can be bloody, clear, or yellowish.
- Dimpling or flaking of the skin on or around the nipple.
- Swelling under the arm.
- Redness or flaking of the breast skin.
- Changes in breast size or shape.
- Inward pulling of the nipple.
- "Orange peel" appearance of the breast skin.
Not all of these symptoms indicate breast cancer, but they are sufficient reasons to consult a doctor. Symptoms may not always be obvious, and some women may experience no symptoms at all. Therefore, it is important to perform regular self-examinations and have a mammogram once a year. Early diagnosis significantly increases the chance of success in breast cancer treatment.
How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Various methods are used to diagnose breast cancer. During the diagnosis process, your doctor will evaluate your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and request additional tests.
Methods Used in the Diagnosis Process:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will check for any lumps, masses, or other abnormalities in your breasts and underarms.
- Mammography: A method used to obtain X-ray images of breast tissue. It is one of the most effective methods for early detection of breast cancer.
- Ultrasound: A test that uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It is often used alongside mammography for better assessment of cysts or tumors.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): A method used to obtain more detailed images. It is preferred in women with dense breast tissue or when results from other imaging methods are inconclusive.
- Biopsy: A procedure in which a small sample of breast tissue is taken for microscopic examination. A biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis of cancer.
- Hormone Receptor Tests: Assessing the sensitivity of cancer cells to hormones (estrogen and progesterone) is important for treatment planning.
- Genetic Testing: Genetic tests, such as BRCA, may be conducted to identify risk factors, especially in patients with a family history of breast cancer.
How is Breast Cancer Treated?
Breast cancer treatment varies based on the stage, type of cancer, and the patient's overall health. Treatment methods for breast cancer can generally be categorized as follows:
Surgical Treatment:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small amount of surrounding healthy tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removal of all or part of the breast tissue. Mastectomy may be preferred in cases of invasive cancer.
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to destroy remaining cancer cells after surgery. It is often administered following lumpectomy.
Chemotherapy: Drug treatment aimed at killing cancer cells. It can be given before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery and is frequently used in advanced cancer stages.
Hormonal Therapy: Used for hormone-sensitive cancer types. In hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cases, medications (e.g., tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors) are used to lower hormone levels.
Targeted Therapy: Medications targeting specific genetic or molecular features of cancer cells are used. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin) is used for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Immunotherapies: Treatments that strengthen the immune system are experimental for some types of breast cancer.
Treatment is typically determined by a multidisciplinary team. Doctors, surgeons, oncologists, and radiologists work together to create the most suitable treatment plan for the patient. Additionally, seeking support and utilizing resources such as psychological counseling and support groups can be important during the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patients and their families often have many questions regarding breast cancer treatment and the post-treatment process.
Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?
While breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, certain lifestyle changes and health measures can reduce the risk. These include:
- Balanced Diet: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Regular Exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
- Healthy Weight: Avoiding excessive weight gain.
- Limiting Alcohol Consumption: Reducing alcohol intake.
- Avoiding Smoking: Steering clear of tobacco use.
- Regular Screening: Undergoing screening tests such as mammograms at regular intervals is crucial for early detection.
What Should Be Considered After Breast Cancer Treatment?
After treatment, patients can generally expect:
- Physical Recovery: The recovery process after surgery can vary based on the type of surgery and individual healing rate.
- Emotional Support: Psychological support may be important. Support groups or therapy options can be beneficial for patients' emotional well-being.
- Regular Check-Ups: Follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring the disease's progression and taking early action against potential recurrences.
- Side Effects: Side effects may occur after chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. These can vary from person to person, and communicating with your doctor for management is important.
Can Breast Cancer Recurrence Happen?
Yes, breast cancer can recur after treatment. The risk of recurrence depends on the type of cancer, its stage, response to treatment, and the patient's overall health. It is important for patients at risk of recurrence to undergo regular follow-ups and screenings. In the case of recurrence, treatment options may be available, so maintaining communication with the doctor is vital.
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
