Breast Cancer: A Growing Concern

Breast cancer, stemming from the unchecked proliferation of cells within breast tissue, is a prevalent form of cancer, second only to skin cancer in terms of diagnoses among women. It's vital to recognize that breast cancer isn't exclusive to women. Regardless of gender, it can be affected by the presence of breast tissue in all individuals.

In India, breast cancer is a significant and escalating health challenge. The GLOBOCON 2020 data reveals that breast cancer comprises 13.5% of all cancer cases in the country, with a staggering 178,361 new cases reported that year. Tragically, 90,408 lives were lost to breast cancer in 2020, representing 10.6% of all cancer deaths. This alarming mortality rate is primarily attributed to late diagnosis and limited access to specialized breast cancer treatment centers.

Despite these challenges, there's a silver lining. Early cancer detection dramatically improves the chances of survival, with rates reaching approximately 90%. Fortunately, breast cancer survival rates are on the rise, and mortality rates are steadily declining. This positive trend is mainly due to increased awareness, research funding, and advancements in screening technologies, enabling earlier and more accurate diagnoses.

Ongoing research is continually uncovering new treatment options, empowering healthcare professionals to tailor the most effective treatment plans for each patient. While breast cancer remains a formidable adversary, the combination of early detection, improved treatment, and unwavering research efforts offers hope for a brighter future in the fight against this disease.

Types of Breast Cancer

• Invasive ductal carcinoma: The most common type of breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma begins in the milk ducts and spreads into surrounding breast tissue
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): DCIS involves the presence of atypical cells confined to the milk ducts, not yet spreading into surrounding breast tissue
• Inflammatory breast cancer: This cancer is a less common but rapidly progressing form of breast cancer characterized by swelling, redness, and warm sensation in the affected breast
• Invasive lobular carcinoma: Invasive lobular carcinoma originates in the breast's milk-producing glands and has progressed beyond its initial location, affecting nearby tissues
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): LCIS is the presence of abnormal cells within the breast's milk-producing glands, signifying an increased likelihood of developing invasive breast cancer later on
• Male breast cancer: Although less common, men can also develop breast cancer
• Paget's disease of the breast: It is an uncommon form of breast cancer that specifically targets the skin of the nipple and the surrounding area, the areola
• Phyllodes tumor: A rare breast tumor that develops in the connective tissue (stroma) of the breast, which can be benign, borderline, or malignant
• Angiosarcoma: A rare type of breast cancer that develops in the blood vessels or lymph vessels of the breast

Possible Signs of Breast Cancer

• Noticeable changes in the nipple, such as flattening or turning inward.
• A new lump or a thickened area in the breast that feels distinct from the surrounding tissue.
• Alterations in breast skin color. It might appear pink or red in individuals with lighter skin tones, or darker, red, or purple in those with darker skin tones.
• Variations in the size, shape, or overall appearance of a breast.
• Changes in the skin texture over the breast, including dimpling or an orange peel-like appearance.
• Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the skin on the breast.

Understanding the Cause of Breast Cancer

While the precise cause of most breast cancers remains elusive, researchers have identified factors that can elevate the risk. These include hormonal influences, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors. However, it's not always clear why some individuals without any known risk factors develop breast cancer while others with risk factors remain unaffected. Breast cancer likely arises from a complex interplay between genetics and environmental exposures.

At its core, breast cancer begins when DNA within breast cells undergoes changes. DNA acts as a cell's instruction manual, guiding its growth, division, and lifespan. Healthy cells follow these instructions diligently. Cancer cells, conversely, experience DNA alterations that lead to uncontrolled growth and prolonged survival, resulting in an excessive accumulation of cells.

These cells can clump together to form a tumor, invading and damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Over time, cancer cells might break away and spread to other body parts, known as metastasis.

Most commonly, the DNA changes that trigger breast cancer occur in cells lining the milk ducts, the tubes responsible for transporting milk to the nipple. This type of breast cancer is called invasive ductal carcinoma. Another common origin is within the milk glands (lobules), leading to invasive lobular carcinoma. Although less frequent, cancer can also develop from other breast cell types.

Risk Factors

• Family History: Having a close relative with breast cancer, especially at a young age, elevates your risk.
• Personal History: Previous breast cancer or certain breast conditions like LCIS or atypical hyperplasia increase the risk of future breast cancer.
• Early Menstruation and Late Menopause: Starting your period before age 12 or experiencing menopause after age 55 can increase your risk.
• Being Female: Women have a significantly higher risk of breast cancer than men, although anyone can develop it.
• Dense Breast Tissue: Dense breasts, with more glandular and fibrous tissue than fatty tissue, can make breast cancer detection on mammograms more challenging and increase your risk.
• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol elevates your risk of breast cancer.
• Delayed Childbirth or Never Having Children: Having your first child after 30 or never being pregnant can increase your risk.
• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
• Inherited Genetic Mutations: Certain DNA changes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, significantly increase breast cancer risk, although not everyone with these mutations develops cancer.
• Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Using hormone therapy combining estrogen and progesterone to manage menopause symptoms can increase your risk, but the risk decreases after stopping these medications.
• Obesity: Being overweight and obese is associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Radiation Exposure: Radiation therapy to the chest area during childhood or young adulthood can elevate your risk later in life.

Steps to Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

• Discuss Breast Cancer Screening: Talk to your doctor about the appropriate time to start breast cancer screening and the benefits and risks involved. Together, you can determine the most suitable screening tests for you.
• Practice Breast Self-Awareness: Familiarize yourself with the standard look and feel of your breasts through occasional self-exams. Report any new changes, lumps, or unusual findings to your healthcare provider promptly. While breast awareness doesn't prevent breast cancer, it can help you detect changes early.
• Regular Exercise: Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. If you're new to exercise, consult your doctor and start gradually.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you're healthy, strive to maintain it. If you need to lose weight, consulting your doctor for healthy strategies would be the best option.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis at Sterling Hospital

At Sterling Hospital, the diagnosis of breast cancer typically begins with a thorough physical exam and a detailed discussion of your symptoms. Advanced imaging tests are then employed to visualize the breast tissue and identify abnormalities. A definitive diagnosis is established through a biopsy, where a small sample from your breast tissue is removed and examined for cancerous cells.

Diagnostic Procedures

• Breast Exam: A healthcare professional will carefully examine your breasts, looking for any unusual changes in the skin or nipple and feeling for lumps. They will also check the collarbones and armpits for any enlarged lymph nodes.
• Mammogram: This X-ray of the breast tissue is a standard screening tool for breast cancer. If any suspicious areas are detected, a diagnostic mammogram, which provides more detailed images of both breasts, may be recommended.
• Breast Ultrasound: Sound waves generate images of the breast's internal structures. This helps differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, guiding further testing decisions.
• Breast MRI: This imaging technique creates highly detailed pictures of the breast. It may be used to pinpoint additional areas of cancer within the affected breast or to assess the other breast. A contrast dye is often injected beforehand to enhance image clarity.
• Biopsy: A tissue sample is extracted from the breast using a needle guided by imaging techniques. A small marker might be placed at the biopsy site for future reference.
• Lab Analysis: The biopsy sample is examined in the laboratory to determine if cancer cells are present. Further tests can identify the cancer type and its growth rate. Specialized tests may assess hormone receptors on the cell surface, aiding in treatment planning.

Staging Breast Cancer

Once diagnosed, additional tests might be performed to assess the extent (stage) of the cancer. This information is crucial for determining your prognosis and treatment options. The complete staging information may only be available after breast cancer surgery. Your healthcare team will select the most appropriate tests based on your individual situation.

Breast cancer stages range from 0 to 4, with lower numbers indicating less advanced cancer and a higher likelihood of successful treatment. Stage 0 is confined to the breast duct, while stage 4 signifies cancer has spread to other body parts.

Staging tests and procedures can include:

• Blood tests (complete blood count, kidney and liver function tests)
• Bone scan
• CT scan
• MRI
• PET scan

Sterling Hospital is Your Partner in Health Across Gujarat

At Sterling Hospital, we provide you with the utmost care and comfort throughout your journey to a healthier and brighter life. We've got you if you are looking for the best oncologist in ​​Ahmedabad-Gurukul, Ahmedabad-Sindhu Bhavan,Vadodara-Bhayli, Vadodara-Race Course Road, or Rajkot. With considerable years of experience, we have built a team of the best oncologists in these regions to provide you with premium treatment and the best results. Contact Sterling Hospital to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey towards a healthier future.