Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Types & Treatment in India | Niva Bupa

The most frequent invasive malignancy in women is breast cancer. It is also one of the top causes of cancer death in women. It's critical to remember that the majority of breast lumps are benign and not cancerous (malignant). Breast tumours that aren't cancerous are abnormal growths that don't spread outside of the breast. Although benign breast lumps are not life-threatening, they can raise a woman's risk of developing breast cancer. Any lump or change in your breast should be examined by a health care specialist to determine whether it is benign or malignant (cancer), as well as whether it may alter your future cancer risk.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

A swollen tissue area in the breast, a lump in the breast, or a lump in the armpit is frequently the earliest signs of breast cancer.

• Armpit or breast pain
• Rash around one nipple
• Discharge from a nipple, which may or may not contain blood
• Inverted nipple
• Change in the size and shape of the breast
• Peeling, flaking, and/or scaling of the skin of the breast or nipple

Causes of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs as a result of DNA damage or genetic alterations. These can be linked to estrogen exposure, inherited genetic defects, or inherited cancer-causing genes like the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, among other things.

The immune system of a healthy person targets any aberrant DNA or growths. This does not happen when a person has cancer. As an outcome, cells in breast tissue multiply at an uncontrollable rate and do not perish as they should. This uncontrolled cell proliferation develops a tumour that depletes the nutrition and energy available to neighboring cells.

The inner lining of the milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk is where breast cancer generally begins. It can then spread to other areas of the body.

Stages of Breast Cancer

The size of the tumour and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or other places of the body are used by doctors to assess the cancer stage.

Stage 1: The tumour is up to 2 centimetres (cm) wide at this stage. No lymph nodes have been damaged, or there are small groupings of cancer cells in lymph nodes.

Stage 2: The tumour has grown to 2 cm in diameter and has begun to spread to neighboring lymph nodes, or it has grown to 2–5 cm in diameter but has not migrated to the lymph nodes.

Stage 3: The tumour has expanded to numerous lymph nodes and is up to 5 cm in diameter, or the tumour is larger than 5 cm and has spread to a few lymph nodes.

Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, brain, or lungs.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer comes in a variety of forms. Ductal carcinoma, which starts in a milk duct, is the most frequent type of cancer. Another form is lobular carcinoma, which starts in a lobule, one of the small milk glands. Breast cancer that is "invasive" means that cancerous cells have spread to adjacent tissue. The cancer is then more prone to spread to other places of the body.

Breast cancer that is "noninvasive" remains in its original location. These cells have the potential to become invasive in the future.

Treatment

For the greatest results, cancer care necessitates the collaboration of medical practitioners from several specialities to implement a tailored patient care plan. The following are the numerous treatments available:

• Breast Cancer Surgery
• Radiation Therapy
• IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy)
• IGRT (Image Guided Radiation Therapy)
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Hormonal treatment

Some of the preventive measures include following a healthy diet and healthy eating which leads to a healthy heart and overall good health.

FAQ

1. What is breast cancer, and how does it develop?

   Breast cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. It often begins in the milk ducts or lobules and can spread to other parts of the body if untreated. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.

2. What are the common symptoms of breast cancer?

   Common symptoms include a lump in the breast, skin changes (like dimpling or puckering), nipple discharge, pain in the breast or nipple, and swelling or redness. Noticing these signs early and consulting a doctor is vital.

3. Who is at risk of developing breast cancer?

   Risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), early menarche, late childbirth, nulliparity, or menopause after age 55. Lifestyle factors like excessive alcohol consumption or obesity also increase risk.

4. How can breast cancer be detected early?

   Regular self-exams, clinical breast examinations, and screening mammography are key for early detection. Mammograms are especially effective for identifying abnormalities in women over 40, though ultrasound or MRI may be used for denser breasts.

5. What are the treatment options for breast cancer?

   Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage and type but may include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy. A multidisciplinary approach is often used for the best outcomes.

6. Can lifestyle changes help prevent breast cancer?

   Yes, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, eating a balanced diet (like the Mediterranean diet), and staying physically active for at least 30 minutes daily can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Avoiding prolonged UV exposure also helps.

7. Why is health insurance important for breast cancer treatment?

   Breast cancer treatment can be costly, involving hospitalisation, surgery, and chemotherapy. A comprehensive health insurance plan, like those offered by us, can cover these expenses, reducing financial stress and allowing focus on recovery.