Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States. In fact, it’s the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the country among women. While there’s not a definitive and 100% reliable therapy for cancer, early detection and treatment can significantly increase your chances of survival. That’s why screening is essential.
In order to stay on top of your breast cancer screening, it’s essential to understand what it is you’re screening for, what you should expect, and how to perform self-exams. In this blog post, we’ll examine everything you need to know about breast cancer.
Breast cancer can be divided into two main categories: ductal carcinoma, which starts in the cells that line the milk ducts, and lobular carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the lobules that produce milk. In addition, there are other types of breast cancer, such as inflammatory breast cancer and Paget’s disease of the nipple.
Causes and risk factors of breast cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk, such as:
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- Being female, because males can also have breast cancer but have a lower risk
- Getting older, because as we increase our age, the risk of cancer increases
- Having a family history of breast cancer because there’s a possibility that cancer arises in your family due to genes passed down from parents to children
- Having specific gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, the most common genes associated with breast cancer
- Having had radiation treatments to the chest repeatedly to treat another condition
- Other risk factors, such as drinking alcohol and being overweight or obese.
⇒ Now, let’s discuss signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or nodule that can be felt in the breast or underarm. Other symptoms can include changes in the size or shape of the breast, unusual discharge from the nipple, skin dimpling, and pain in the breast or armpit.
Let’s review the symptoms in more detail:
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- A lump or nodule in the breast is one of the leading signs of breast cancer. Cancer nodules are usually hard, irregular in shape, and painless.
- Changes in the breast size, either because the tumor is too big or because it blocks the drainage of the affected breast.
- Unusual nipple discharge, which can also happen in benign conditions, and doctors should rule them out first.
- Skin dimpling happens in more advanced cases when cancer is pulling and starting to damage healthy tissue.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and/or imaging techniques such as mammography, ultrasound, and MRI. The diagnosis of breast cancer is based on the presence of a nodule or lump in the breast, its size, and shape. Whether or not it is malignant, which can be suspected by the appearance it has in imaging studies, but it is ultimately confirmed with a biopsy. The cancer stage is then determined through further imaging and possibly a biopsy.
Different diagnostic procedures have their approach and their own applications. For instance:
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- Ultrasound is easy and cheap. It is often used to perform screening in healthy women
- Mammographies are more accurate but are uncomfortable and commonly used after the age of 50 years
- Biopsies are only performed in highly suspicious nodules because it is an invasive procedure
Screening for breast cancer
Screening is the process of finding suspicious nodules or a cancer diagnosis in women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This includes women with certain risk factors, such as:
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- Women over 50 years old
- Women under age 40 who have a close relative with breast cancer
- Women who have had radiation therapy to the chest wall or breast area
- Women who have had the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes tested and found to be positive
Screening aims to find breast cancers early when they are most treatable. Regular mammograms can detect cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Additionally, a self-breast exam should be performed monthly to detect any changes in the breast tissue. If any changes are detected, a medical appointment should be scheduled for further testing.
Understanding Genetics and Hereditary Risk Factors
Genetics and hereditary risk factors are important in understanding and preventing breast cancer. Hereditary risk factors involve changes in genes passed on from one generation to the next. These genetic changes increase the risk of developing breast cancer and other types of cancer. One of the most common hereditary risk factors for breast cancer is a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Women with a mutation in either of these genes are up to five times more likely to develop breast cancer during their lifetime than the general population.
The presence of a nodule in the breast can also be an indication of an increased risk for breast cancer. A nodule is a small, localized, solid mass of tissue. Nodules are often discovered during breast screenings, such as mammograms and ultrasounds. If a nodule is detected, further testing may be done to determine if it is benign or cancerous. If cancerous, the stage of cancer may be determined. Staging is the process of determining the extent to which cancer has spread. Knowing the location is essential for choosing the most appropriate treatment.
Genetic and hereditary risk factors, as well as the presence of a nodule, can all be important indicators for the development of breast cancer. Understanding the risks and participating in regular screenings can help catch breast cancer early and increase the chances of successful treatment.
Treatment for breast cancer and its side effects
Treatment for breast cancer is based on the cancer stage, the patient’s age, and other factors. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of the three. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide the best outcome for the patient.
One of the main concerns here is controlling or managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment. The side effects of breast cancer treatment can range from anxiety, fatigue, and depression to more severe issues such as pain, nausea, and hair loss.
Managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment can be achieved through a combination of lifestyle changes and medications. For example, lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly, can help reduce some of the physical and psychological stress caused by cancer and its treatment. Additionally, certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, can be used to reduce the pain, inflammation, and fatigue associated with breast cancer treatment.
Breast Cancer Prevention Strategies
Prevention strategies for breast cancer include lifestyle changes and regular screenings. Making lifestyle changes, such as not smoking, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight, can reduce the risk of developing cancer. Regular screenings, such as mammograms and ultrasounds, can detect early signs of cancer, such as a nodule or lump. This can help to identify cancer at an early stage when it is more likely to be treated successfully. Mammograms can also detect other abnormalities that may be related to cancer.
However, while mammography helps detect cancer, it is not always 100% reliable. Therefore, it is essential to follow a healthcare professional’s advice regarding regular screenings for breast cancer. In addition, women should be aware of any unusual changes to their breasts and should contact their healthcare provider immediately if any changes occur. By following these prevention strategies, women can ensure that they are taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
Potential problems faced by patients with breast cancer
1) Lack of Awareness
There is a lack of understanding and public awareness about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Most people are confused about how a malignant lump feels. There are also misunderstandings about how family history and other risk factors work to trigger breast cancer.
Solution: Patients can educate themselves on the warning signs of breast cancer, including changes in the size or shape of the breast, changes in the nipple, or a lump in the breast or underarm. Patients should also be aware of their family history of the disease so that they can assess their personal risk. Asking your doctor is essential if you have doubts or experience worrying symptoms.
2) Inadequate Screening
Many women either do not receive regular screenings or aren’t aware of the importance of early detection. This happens despite the media attention given to breast cancer in different spheres. Sometimes, people are mindful of the significance but do not realize they should do something about it right now.
Solution: All women over 40 should ask their healthcare provider when they need to start regular mammograms and physical exams to check for any signs of the disease. The answer depends on their risk factors and symptoms. Additionally, they should be aware of their family history of cancer and speak with their doctor about any additional screening options that may be necessary.
3) Lack of Accessible Treatment
Many patients, especially those in developing countries, do not have access to the necessary treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Some patients also have reduced access due to economic restraints or physical distance to the medical center where they are supposed to go for their therapies.
Solution: Patients should research the availability of treatments in their area and seek out organizations that may assist in accessing care. Additionally, they should become familiar with their health insurance coverage and look into other options, such as grants and scholarships, if necessary. Also, if your home is far from the medical center, there are often programs to help patients stay in a temporary house or apartment for their treatment.
4) Side Effects of Treatment
Breast cancer treatments can cause several side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and hair loss. Some side effects are only physical, while others are associated with mental health. This problem is almost the same in all patients undergoing cancer treatment, and there are various side effects according to the type of therapy you’re receiving.
Solution: Patients should discuss potential side effects with their doctor before beginning treatment and ask about ways to manage these symptoms. Additionally, they should look into support groups and organizations that can provide assistance and resources. Being informed will help you cope with a situation that may come in the future.
5) Long-Term Health Effects
Breast cancer treatments can often cause long-term health effects, such as an increased risk of heart disease, lung cancer, and other serious health issues. There are also long-term consequences, such as not having one breast and requiring surgery for aesthetic reasons. These long-term health effects often affect mental health to a certain degree.
Solution: Patients should be aware of the potential long-term effects of their treatments and speak to their doctor about ways to reduce their risk. Additionally, they should look into resources for long-term support and follow-up care. In most cases, it is recommended to go to therapy with a mental health professional from day one to help you cope with this disease.
» Conclusion
Overall, breast cancer is a severe and complex disease, and it is essential to remember that every patient is unique and should be treated as such. It is important to consult a qualified healthcare provider to create a treatment plan tailored to the individual. Patients should also be proactive and stay informed to ensure they receive the best possible care. With the right approach, breast cancer can be managed and even cured.
In this article, we have reviewed some of the most important aspects patients need to know about breast cancer, how to manage this problem, and the importance of screening. However, this topic is very sensitive and should be discussed with your doctor if you want to get personalized help.