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Breast Cancer Overview: Causes, Signs, and Treatment Options

By Julia PoppeMay 27, 2024Health

With breast cancer being one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options is more important than ever. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself or a loved one, learning how to recognize the early warning signs and what steps to take could be crucial in detecting breast cancer early when it’s most treatable. 

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, but several factors are known to increase the risk of developing the disease.

  1. Genetic Mutations: Inherited mutations in genes, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. These mutations can be passed from parents to children.
  2. Hormonal Influence: Prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, such as through early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk.
  3. Family History: A family history of breast cancer can suggest a higher risk, particularly if close relatives were diagnosed at a young age.
  4. Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, and a diet high in saturated fats have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
  5. Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
  6. Radiation Exposure: Previous exposure to radiation, especially during childhood or young adulthood, can elevate the risk.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Early detection of breast cancer can significantly improve the outcome.

Common Symptoms

  1. Lump in the Breast or Armpit: A new lump or mass, which is often painless and hard, is a common early sign of breast cancer.
  2. Change in Breast Shape or Size: Any unexplained change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
  3. Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, or redness of the skin on the breast.
  4. Nipple Changes: Inversion of the nipple or discharge that is not breast milk, especially if bloody.
  5. Pain: Persistent pain in the breast or nipple, although breast cancer is often painless in the early stages.
  6. Swelling: Swelling of part or all of the breast, even if no lump is felt.

Treatment Options for Breast Cancer

The treatment of breast cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preferences.

Common Treatment Options

  1. Surgery
    • Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
    • Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts, either partially or completely.
  2. Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays or particles are used to destroy cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
  3. Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to destroy cancer cells, which can be administered orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy is often used before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to reduce the risk of recurrence.
  4. Hormonal (Endocrine) Therapy: Used to block the body’s natural hormones, like estrogen, that can promote the growth of breast cancer cells. Drugs such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors are common.
  5. Targeted Therapy: This approach uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, often while sparing normal cells. Examples include HER2 inhibitors like trastuzumab (Herceptin).
  6. Immunotherapy: A newer treatment that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Pembrolizumab is an example used for certain types of breast cancer.

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge, but advancements in research, early detection, and treatment have improved survival rates and quality of life for many patients. Regular screening and awareness of the signs and symptoms are essential for early detection and successful treatment. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer have a range of treatment options, and decisions should be made in collaboration with healthcare professionals to choose the most appropriate plan based on individual circumstances.

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