What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cancer cells grow out of control in the breast. There are different types of breast cancer. The types of breast cancer depend on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Breast cancer can occur in different parts of the breast.
A breast consists of three main parts:
- Lobule glands: It Works to produce milk
- Ducts: Carries milk to the nipple
- Connective tissue: Holds everything together around it consists of fibrous and fatty tissue
Most breast cancers begin in ducts or lobules.
Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through both blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called metastasis.
Breast Cancer Definition:
Cancer is a disease characterized by abnormal cells that grow and invade healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer begins in the cells of the breast that can then invade surrounding tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
Sometimes cancer has not spread further, which is why it is called “in situ”. When cancer spreads outside the breast, the cancer is called “invasive.” It can only spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes, and it can metastasize through the lymphatic system or blood.
It is normal to feel lumps in the breasts just before menstruation. Normally one breast is smaller than the other. It is natural for your breasts to feel different at different times of the month.
- Younger women have more glandular tissue than fat in their breasts, which makes them larger.
- Your breasts undergo changes during pregnancy, they become bigger and feel more tender.
- After your menstrual period stop (menopause), fat gradually replaces glandular tissue, which is less large.
Where Does Breast Cancer Start?
Breast cancer usually begins in the cells that line the ducts of the breast.
70% out of 100 breast cancers will have no special features when the cells are viewed under a microscope. This is called invasive breast cancer no special type (NST). Invasive means that the cancer cells have spread outside the ducts and into the surrounding breast tissue.
About 15% of every 100 breast cancers are invasive lobular carcinoma. This means that cancer started in the lobules of the breast or spread outside the lobules to the surrounding breast tissue.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are different types of breast cancer depending on which breast cells turn into cancer. The type of breast cancer will help your doctor decide on the best treatment options. Breast cancer is said to be invasive (or infiltrating) and has spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
Two Main types of invasive breast cancer
1. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC):
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is invasive breast cancer that begins in the milk ducts. These are the ducts that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple. It is the first most common type of breast cancer. Ductal carcinoma is the most aggressive of all breast cancer types, accounting for 80%.
2. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC):
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is aggressive breast cancer that begins in the lobules, the glands in the breast that produce milk. It is the second most common type of breast cancer, with invasive lobular carcinoma accounting for about 10% of all invasive breast cancers.
Other Different types of breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of aggressive breast cancer that tests negative for estrogen and progesterone receptors and has additional HER2 proteins. Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 12% of all invasive breast cancers.
- Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and serious type of invasive breast cancer. Inflammatory breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all breast cancers in the United States.
- Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, is a type of aggressive breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. Breast cancer may recur in another site of the body (called metastatic recurrence) months or years after treatment, although some people diagnosed with metastatic disease for the first time have a condition called de novo metastatic breast cancer.
- Recurrent breast cancer: Invasive breast cancer that comes back months or years after treatment is known as recurrent breast cancer. Breast cancer can recur in the same breast (local recurrence), in lymph nodes around the armpit or collarbone, or in another part of the body (regional recurrence) (metastatic or distant recurrence).
- Male breast cancer is minimal, although it does happen. Men account for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. Most male breast cancers are of the invasive ductal carcinoma type.
- Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer in which cancer cells develop in or near the nipple.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
The first and most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (note that most breast lumps are not cancer). A hard mass that has irregular edges and is painless. Cancer is more likely to occur with this symptom. Apart from this, breast cancer can also be soft, round, tender, or painful.
Most breast lumps lead to breast cancer. However, your symptoms may be different depending on the specific type of breast cancer you have. Although most breast cancer patients have lumps, not all have them. It also has different symptoms so it is important to know the other signs and symptoms.
In general, your body produces signals with certain cancer symptoms. A breast lump can be located anywhere along your chest wall as well as under your armpit. You may also have bleeding nipples and associated pain. Swelling can occur in any part of the breast or in one breast and not the other. Your nipple may appear to be inverted.
If you have some of these symptoms or breast changes, it does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. There are many internal signs as well, not just external signs.
When it comes to breast cancer treatment, early detection of the type of breast cancer is important. If you have any new changes in your breasts, tell your doctor about your symptoms and seek their advice.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer Include:
- Swelling of all or part of the breast (even if no lump is felt)
- Pits on the skin (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction (turning inward)
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaky, or thick
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk)
Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone (Sometimes this can be a sign of the spread of breast cancer before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt.)
Early Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- Breast swelling
- Nipple discharge
- Pitting of the skin
- The nipple that turns inward
- Swelling or lump under the arm or on the collarbone
- Skin changes on the breast or nipple
Symptoms of invasive breast cancer
- Sore or itchy breasts
- Change in breast color
- An increase in the size or shape of the breast (in a short amount of time)
- Changes in touch (may feel hard, tender, or warm)
- Flaking or peeling nipple skin
- Lump or thickening in the breast
- Redness or indentation of the breast skin (like an orange peel)
It is important to remember that other conditions can also cause these changes. For example, changes in the texture of the skin on the breast can be caused by skin conditions such as eczema, and swollen lymph nodes can be caused by an infection in the breast or another unrelated disease. That’s why you should consult your doctor whether what you notice is a cause for concern or not.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Breast Cancer Causes Include:
- Getting older
- Genetic mutations
- Reproductive history
- Having dense breasts
- Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Previous treatment using radiation therapy
- Exposure to the drug
Read More Breast Cancer Causes
Breast Cancer Treatment
There are many many treatment options for breast cancer. It depends on the type of breast cancer and the level of its spread. People with breast cancer usually receive multiple types of treatment.
- Surgery. A surgery in which cancerous tissue is surgically removed.
- Chemotherapy. Using specific medicines to shrink or remove cancer cells. The medicines may also be taken orally or intravenously, or sometimes both.
- Hormone therapy. Prevents cancer cells from getting the development hormones they require.
- Biological therapy. Is using the immune system to aid in the fight against cancer cells or to reduce the side effects of other cancer treatments.
- Radiation therapy uses rays with maximum energy (similar to X-rays) to kill cancer cells.
Read More about Breast Cancer Treatment
What Does Breast Cancer Look Like
The most obvious and well-known risk sign of breast cancer is a breast lump or mass. A breast lump may be visible to the eye or feeling with the touch during a self-breast check. However, lumps or swollen areas around the breast, under the armpit, or near the collarbone may possibly signify the presence of cancer.
A breast cancer lump forms like a pea- or marble-sized mass under the skin. In certain people, it may appear more like a ridge than a bump. Usually, they are hard and painless, but some might be unpleasant.
Monthly self-examinations can help in the identification of malignant lumps. However, it is important to have a doctor check any new ones quickly. If it turns out to be cancer, accurate detection is preferable.
What Does Breast Cancer Pain Feel Like
Breast cancer Feel like Painless, soft, round, sensitive, and even painful. Although it is understandable for a woman to be concerned that she has breast cancer if she experiences pain in that part, pain is uncommon to be a sign of the disease.
Numerous women have breast pain, but there are significant reasons.
Frequently, we cannot determine the cause. Infection is a common complication. It could be the result of excessive coffee consumption, stress, or old age. Sometimes ladies will come in and report they have pain in their breast but, upon examination, it’s a skin lesion or boil, not pain from a gland inside the breast.”
What is Breast Cancer Awareness?
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
Every October since 1985 has been declared Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote screening and prevention of the disease, which affects one in eight women in the United States and 2.3 million people globally. The month, which is most known for its pink theme color, comprises a variety of initiatives and programs — sponsored by groups ranging from breast cancer advocacy groups to local community organizations to big merchants — targeted. helping people diagnosed with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer.
Emphasizing the necessity of regular breast cancer screening beginning at age 40 or the age based on your personal breast cancer risk.
Day to Recognize the Effects of Metastatic Breast Cancer
The 13th of October is recognized nationally in the United States as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Around 30% of early-stage breast cancers later metastasize (spread to other parts of the body), and the purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the need for greater research on metastatic illness.
Breast Cancer Awareness Week for Men
Although breast cancer is generally more prevalent in women, it also affects men. President Joe Biden proclaimed October 17-23, 2021 as Men’s Breast Cancer Awareness Week. This year, an average of 2,710 American men will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and 530 will suffer from the disease. However, knowledge and stigma can be difficult to detect and treat. Some guys, trans men, and non-binary people refer to their cancer as chest cancer.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
While many people feel encouraged by Breast Cancer Awareness Month’s events, activities, and pink goods, others, especially those diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, despise the month. The pervasive pink ribbons and happy environment can be seen as a diversion from the serious need for a better understanding of the disease and more research leading to more effective therapies.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, despite its popularity, can be an excellent reminder to learn more about the disease, your risk factors — and how to minimize them — and the need of being screened for the disease.
Awareness of Breast Cancer: Statistics
- In the United States, breast cancer is expected to kill 43,780 people in 2022, including 43,250 women and 530 men.
- According to the CDC, around 9% of all new cases of breast cancer in the United States are detected in women younger than 45; the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- Black women are less likely than white women to be diagnosed with breast cancer, but they are 41% more likely to die from the disease.
- About 170,000 Americans are now living with metastatic breast cancer.
What is Breast Neoplasm?
A mass of abnormal tissue arises when cells develop and divide abnormally or do not die as they should. Neoplasms could be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancer). Benign neoplasms may grow large, but they do not spread to or invade nearby tissues or other parts. Neoplasms that are malignant can spread to or invade surrounding tissues. They can also spread around the body through the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems. Also known as a tumor.
What is Breast Adenocarcinoma?
- The term ‘breast adenocarcinoma’ is an over-arching term for breast cancers.
- Adenocarcinoma is a type of cancer that occurs in cells of glandular tissue with a secretory function.
- The ducts and lobules of the breast contain an abundance of glandular tissue. Therefore, the majority of breast cancers that begin in the breast ducts or lobules are classified as adenocarcinomas.
- As there are numerous glands supporting the organs of the human body, adenocarcinomas can also arise throughout the body. For instance, colon, lung, prostate, esophagus, and pancreatic cancers.
What is Male Breast Cancer?
Although rare, men can develop cancer. Learn about the symptoms of breast cancer in men as well as risk factors. Breast cancer is more prevalent in women, although men can still develop the disease. About 1 in 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States are diagnosed in men.
What is Breast Cancer Survival Rate?
The 5-year survival rate shows what percentage of cancer patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. The percentage indicates the number of things out of 100. 90% is the average 5-year survival rate for women with non-metastatic invasive breast cancer in the United States. 84% is the average 10-year survival rate for women with invasive non-metastatic breast cancer.
If only the breast is impacted by invasive breast cancer, the 5-year survival rate for women with this disease is 99 percent. This is the stage at which 65% of women with breast cancer are detected. In the United States, female teenagers and young adults aged 15 to 39 are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer at an early stage (47% of cases in this age group) than women older than 65 (68% of cases in this age group). This may be due to the fact that most breast cancer screenings do not begin until the age of 40 unless the person is at a higher risk.
