Breast Cancer

Cancer is a disease that can often scare people. There are different types of cancer, for example lung cancer, anal cancer, colon cancer etc but the most widespread type of cancer in women is the breast cancer. In most cases, breast cancer is detected after a mammogram test however seeking medical attention in case of noticing a lump or inconsistency in the breast tissue can act as a warning sign.

There has been an increase in the awareness levels about breast cancer in women in the past few decades and many people nowadays are undergoing mammography screening. This has resulted in detecting the cancer at the early stages and increase in the survival rates of breast cancer patients. Still it is the most common form of cancer in the world resulting in the highest number of recorded cancer deaths in women between the age group of 45 to 55 years. While the total recorded male deaths due to breast cancer is considered low or almost 1%.

The most common causes of breast cancer are hormonal and/or human genetic factors. Doctors have been able to develop staging systems to categorise the extent of cancerous growth and develop treatment methods accordingly. Depending on the extent of spread of the cancer and its type, there are various treatment options available like surgery, mastectomy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy.

To understand breast cancer better, it is important to understand how any cancer develops. Cancer is triggered by the mutations of genes that are responsible for cell division and growth. Cells are the basic units of life which form tissues and organs. Normally, cells follow a fixed chain of events of birth, growth and death which is controlled by the genes in the nucleus of the cell. But over a period of time, certain genes might mutate, altering the growth pattern of cells resulting in uncontrolled growth of these cells. These cells further divide producing cells like themselves and forming tumors. Tumors could be of two types, malignant or benign. Benign tumors are not dangerous, grow slowly and do not spread to other body parts. Malignant tumors are dangerous and cause cancer; they can spread to other body parts and eventually prove fatal.
Breast cancer is caused due to a malignant tumor that develops from breast cells. Each breast is made up of 15 to 20 lobes containing many smaller lobules. These contain tiny milk producing glands. Milk flows from lobules to nipples through small ducts. The space between lobules and ducts is filled with fat. Lymph vessels are present in the breasts too. These vessels lead to lymph nodes which are small round organs near the underarm, in the chest, above the collarbone and in other body parts. These nodes can also trap bacteria, cancerous cells and other harmful matters.

The spreading of cancer to other body parts is called metastasis. Cancer can spread to almost any body part through the nymph nodes like brain, lungs, liver and bones. The cells in the new tumor are similar in structure to the ones in the breast. Hence, treatments for these are along the lines of breast cancer if it originated as breast cancer.

The exact reasons for developing breast cancer are unknown however certain groups are more prone to develop it easier than others. Studies have shown that following reasons are associated with the development of breast cancer:

1. Age: Women above the age of 60 have a high risk of developing breast cancer. It is less common before menopause.
2. Past history: If one breast had cancer the chances of developing it in the second one increase.
3. Family history: If the mother’s or father’s side has a history of breast cancer then the chances of breast cancer increase.
4. Lifestyle: Few lifestyle factors like drinking, smoking and lack of exercise increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
5. Taking DES (diethylstilbestrol): Some women who were given DES during pregnancy from 1940 to 1971 are found to be at a higher risk for breast cancer.

Apart from the above there are other reasons like diet, breast changes, gene changes, reproductive and menstrual history, race and radiation therapy to the chest, certain substances in the environment  are found to be contributors towards breast cancer however further studies are needed to conclusively prove their contribution.

Screening for breast cancer before the appearance of symptoms is vital and in most cases, treatments can work only if cancer is detected early enough. The following tests are recommended for screening of breast cancer: Mammogram screening, clinical breast examination and breast self examination. A qualified doctor should be consulted before proceeding with any of these tests:

• Mammography: Mammogram is an X- ray picture of the breasts.  Mammograms can detect lumps in breast prior to it being felt. It can also detect tiny specks of calcium called micro-calcifications. Lumps and specks can be caused due to cancer and require further investigations. A mammogram can be followed up with more X-rays or also a biopsy to tell conclusively if cancer is present. However mammograms might always be unable to give the correct diagnosis. Also increased exposure to radiation through mammograms might be harmful.
• Clinical breast examination: A clinical breast exam is conducted by a health care provider. It usually consists of checking the breasts for any abnormal signs, dimpling, rash or fluids from nipples. The lymph nodes close to the breast are checked if they are enlarged. This breast exam normally may take up to 10 minutes.
• Breast self-examination: Women in the high risk groups mentioned above may self examine their breasts monthly. It should be noted that aging, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or taking of hormones or birth control pills might make the breast feel little uneven and lumpy. A health care provider should be immediately contacted for unusual changes in the breasts.

There are steps a person can proactively take to stay healthy like regular exercise, eating balanced diet, limiting smoking and alcohol. However one must know that breast cancer cannot be 100% prevented by these as it is also caused by genetic reasons.

Tags: Diseases

This article is filed under Breast Cancer.