BREAST CANCER

Overview

Simply put, a cancer is an uncontrollable growth of cells which accumulate in a given part of the body. A breast cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer is one of the most diagnosed forms of cancer in women after skin cancer. Although it can occur in men and women, the side effects are far more lethal in women than in men.  

Due to the increasing awareness and research into the causes and cure of breast cancer, there has been a significant decrease in the overall diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The survival rates are on the increase and the total number of deaths recorded per year has drastically reduced. This has been attributed, however, too early diagnosis, new personalized treatment approach and a better understanding of the disease.

Types of breast cancer 

1. Recurrent breast cancer 
2. Paget's disease of the breast 
3. Male breast cancer 
4. Invasive lobular carcinoma 
5. Inflammatory breast cancer 
6. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) 
7. Angiosarcoma 

Symptoms

The major signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer may include; 

• A thickening or breast lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue
• The appearance of a newly inverted nipple
• Changes in the appearance or shape of the breast
• Dimpling over the breast
• The appearance of pigmented, flaking, crusting or scaling skin around the nipple or breast skin. 
• Pitting or redness of the skin over the breast which may appear like an orange.

Causes

Research has shown that breast cancer begins when the cells of the breast begin to grow abnormally and divide more rapidly than the healthy cells. These cancerous cells may accumulate and form a mass or lump. These cells spread through the breast to the lymph node or other parts of the body. 

Cancer usually starts growing from the milk-producing ducts and spread to other parts of the breast. 

Researchers believe breast cancer is caused by one of the following reasons; 

• Hormonal factors
• Environmental factors 
• The lifestyle of the individual
• Inherited breast cancer. 

Diagnosis

The following tests are used to diagnose breast cancer; 

• Biopsy and tissue culture. 
• Breast examination 
• Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Breast ultrasound
• Mammogram

Other tests and procedures may be used depending on your situation.

Stages of breast cancer

After a successful diagnosis of the breast cancer, the doctor may determine the extent (stage) of the breast cancer through 

• Blood tests, such as a complete blood count
• Bone scan
• Breast MRI
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Mammogram of the other breast to look for signs of cancer
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Treatment

The treatment of breast cancer depends on the stage of the breast cancer and this is carried out through; 

• Breast cancer surgery
• Chemotherapy for breast cancer
• Radiation therapy for breast cancer
• Hormone therapy for breast cancer
• Targeted drug therapy

Prevention

Breast cancer can be prevented by

• Frequent examination of the breast.
• Drinking less alcohol
• Reduction in postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Maintenance of a healthy weight
• Eating a healthy diet