Breast Cancer Overview

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can be detected on an X-ray or felt as a lump. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, though it can also occur in men. Early detection and advancements in treatment have significantly improved survival rates.

Types of Breast Cancer

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive cancer confined to the milk ducts.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to surrounding tissues.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the milk-producing lobules and can spread.

Subtypes of invasive cancer: hormone positive, triple negative and HER2-positive breast cancers

Other rare types: Inflammatory breast cancer.

Risk Factors

  • Age and gender (mostly affects women, risk increases with age)
  • Family history and genetic mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2)
  • Hormonal factors and reproductive history
  • Lifestyle factors like diet, alcohol use, and physical activity
  • Previous radiation exposure

Symptoms to Watch For

  • A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering
  • Nipple discharge or inversion
  • Persistent breast pain or tenderness

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
  • Clinical breast exam
  • Imaging tests (mammography, ultrasound, MRI)
  • Biopsy to confirm cancer type and grade
  • Hormone receptor and genetic testing to guide treatment

Treatment Options

Treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage, type, and individual patient factors. Common approaches include:

Surgery

Breast-Conserving Surgery (Lumpectomy): Removal of the tumor and a margin of surrounding tissue.

Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast; may be recommended for larger or multiple tumors.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, Axillary Dissection or Targeted Axillary Dissection: To assess and remove lymph nodes if cancer has spread.

Radiation Therapy

Used primarily after breast-conserving surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells and reduce recurrence risk.

Systemic Therapies

Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, often given before or after surgery.

Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers to block cancer growth fueled by hormones.

Targeted Therapy: Drugs like trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancers.

Immunotherapy: An emerging option for certain types of breast cancer.

Follow-Up and Support

Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for recurrence, manage side effects, and provide ongoing support. Emotional and psychological support, nutrition counseling, and physical rehabilitation can also play important roles in recovery.