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Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer- A guide to Symptoms, Risks, Prevention and Cure
Breast Cancer- Causes, Symptoms, Prevention and Cure
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, and yet many people still have questions or fears about what it means. Early detection can significantly improve outcomes — in fact, when diagnosed in its earliest stages, breast cancer is highly treatable and often curable.
As a medical oncologist, I’ve seen firsthand how education and awareness can make a life-saving difference. This section is designed to help you understand breast cancer symptoms, risk factors, and what you can do to reduce your risk and catch it early.
Whether you're reading for yourself, a loved one, or simply to stay informed — you're taking an important step.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a tumor, which may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Breast cancer usually begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) or the ducts (the passages that carry milk). It can affect both women and men, although it is much more common in women.
Understanding the nature of breast cancer is the first step in recognizing its signs and seeking help when needed.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are many different kinds of breast cancer, but they can be largely categorized based on where they start and whether they have spread.
The main types include:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form, meaning the cancer cells are trapped inside the breast ducts.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer overall. It starts in the ducts and then breaks out, invading the surrounding tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) begins in the lobules (milk glands) and spreads into other breast tissue.
Less common, but important, types are inflammatory breast cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Because each type is biologically distinct, treatment must be tailored specifically to the diagnosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Recognizing breast cancer early can save lives. Here are some common signs and symptoms to watch for:
A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
Changes in the shape or size of the breast
Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or clear and from one breast)
Nipple retraction or turning inward
Redness or flaky skin around the nipple or breast
Persistent pain in one part of the breast
Note: Not all breast lumps are cancerous, but it’s important to have any new change checked by a healthcare professional.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Some people are more likely to develop breast cancer due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:
Being female
Age (most cases occur after age 50)
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Inherited mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2 genes)
Personal history of breast conditions
Early menstruation or late menopause
Modifiable Risk Factors:
Alcohol consumption
Obesity and lack of physical activity
Smoking
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Not having children or having the first child after age 30
Knowing your risk helps you make informed decisions about screening and lifestyle changes.
Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection
Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. Screening can find cancer before symptoms appear, when it's easier to treat.
Common Screening Methods:
Mammogram: A low-dose X-ray of the breast. Women aged 40 and above are usually recommended to have regular mammograms (every 1–2 years).
Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): Performed by a doctor or nurse during a check-up.
Breast Self-Exams: While not a substitute for medical screening, being familiar with your breasts can help detect changes early.
Talk to a doctor about the right screening schedule for you based on your age, risk factors, and family history.
When to See a Doctor?
Contact a Medical Oncologist if you notice:
A new lump or mass in your breast
Persistent pain or changes in breast appearance
Nipple discharge that is bloody or clear and unexplained
Skin changes or thickening
Don’t delay—early action can make all the difference.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
Treatment for breast cancer depends on the type, stage, and biology of the cancer, as well as personal preferences.
Common treatment options include:
Surgery: Lumpectomy (removal of tumor) or mastectomy (removal of the breast)
Radiation Therapy: Destroys remaining cancer cells after surgery
Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body
Hormonal Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: For certain subtypes
We can create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique case.
Some Facts vs Myths about Breast Cancer
Myths:
Breast cancer happens only to women.
A breast lump is the only sign of cancer.
No family history means no risk.
Wearing bras or using deodorants can cause breast cancer.
Mammograms are dangerous because of radiation.
Only older women get breast cancer.
Breast cancer always causes pain.
A healthy lifestyle completely prevents breast cancer.
Once treated, breast cancer always returns.
Breast implants increase the risk of breast cancer.
Facts:
Men can also develop breast cancer, though rarely (about 1% of cases).
Breast cancer can show other symptoms like nipple discharge or skin changes.
Most patients have no family history — lifestyle and age are major factors.
No scientific evidence links bras or deodorants to breast cancer.
Mammogram radiation is very low and safe; early detection saves lives.
Younger women can also develop breast cancer, not just older ones.
Early breast cancers are often painless, so regular screening is vital.
A healthy lifestyle lowers risk but doesn’t guarantee prevention.
Many patients live long, cancer-free lives after treatment
