Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. After lung cancer, it is the second leading cause of death in women.
Since 1989, screening and treatment for breast cancer have improved. More than 3.1 million women have survived this disease in the US, as told by the American Cancer Society (ACS).
Symptoms
If you feel an area of thickened tissue or a lump in the breast or an armpit, then you need to get yourself checked as soon as possible. This symptom is very common.
Other symptoms include –
- pain in the armpits or breast that does not change with the monthly cycle
- roughness or redness of the skin of the breast
- a rash around or on one of the nipples
- discharge from a nipple, possibly containing blood
- a dipped or inverted nipple
- a change in the size or shape of the breast
- shedding or flaking of the skin on the breast or nipple
Most breast lumps are not dangerous. However, you should visit a doctor for an examination if you notice a lump on the breast.
Causes
During puberty, a woman’s breast contains fats, connective tissue and thousands of lobules. It produces milk for breastfeeding. In order to carry milk toward the nipple, there are tiny tubes or ducts.
It is a well-known fact that cancer causes cells to multiply uncontrollably. Hence, they do not die. This extreme cell growth causes cancer because the tumor uses nutrients and energy and deprives the cells around it.
This form of cancer usually starts in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules. From there, it can spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment
Cancer treatment depends upon several factors such as:
- the type and stage of the cancer
- the person’s sensitivity to hormones
- the age and overall health of the individual
Treatment mainly includes:
- radiation therapy
- surgery
- biological therapy, or targeted drug therapy
- hormone therapy
- chemotherapy
Radiation Therapy involves targeting tumor with controlled doses of heat that could kill any remaining cancer cells.
Many surgeries are depending upon the intensity of the disease. Some of the major surgeries are: Lumpectomy, Mastectomy, Sentinel node biopsy
Many doctors also use hormone-blocking therapy. It prevents hormone sensitive breast cancers to return after treatment. But this treatment might affect fertility.
There is also a biological treatment where target drugs are used to destroy specific cells of breast cancer. Thus, people should discuss the potential risks with a doctor and look at ways to minimize the side effects.
Chemotherapy is also an option if there is a higher risk of recurrence or spread of cancer.
