Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the breast. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide, though it can also occur in men, albeit much less frequently. Here’s an overview of breast cancer:

Types of Breast Cancer

  1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but have not spread outside the duct.
  2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and invading nearby breast tissue.
  3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the milk-producing lobules and can spread to other parts of the breast.
  4. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks three common receptors (estrogen, progesterone, and HER2) which makes it more challenging to treat.
  5. Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A rare and aggressive form where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast.
  6. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Characterized by the overexpression of the HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth.

Risk Factors

  • Gender: Women are at a higher risk than men.
  • Age: Risk increases with age.
  • Genetic Mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase risk.
  • Family History: A history of breast cancer in close relatives can increase risk.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of HRT has been linked to higher risk.
  • Reproductive History: Early menstruation or late menopause can increase risk.
  • Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity are modifiable risk factors.

Symptoms

  • A lump or mass in the breast.
  • Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
  • Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), including blood.
  • Skin changes, such as dimpling or redness.
  • Pain in the breast or nipple.

Diagnosis

  • Mammography: X-ray imaging of the breast.
  • Ultrasound: Used to evaluate abnormalities found in mammograms.
  • MRI: Provides a detailed view of the breast tissue.
  • Biopsy: Removal of tissue for testing is the definitive way to diagnose breast cancer.

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: Includes lumpectomy (removal of the tumour) or mastectomy (removal of the whole breast).
  • Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target cancer cells.
  • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
  • Hormone Therapy: For cancers that are hormone-receptor positive.
  • Targeted Therapy: Targets specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth, like HER2.
  • Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Prevention and Early Detection

  • Regular screening with mammograms, especially for those over 40 or at high risk.
  • Genetic counselling and testing for those with a family history of breast cancer.
  • Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, and limiting alcohol intake.
  • Prophylactic surgery for those with very high genetic risk (e.g., BRCA mutations).

Prognosis

Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis, type of breast cancer, and how well it responds to treatment. Early-stage breast cancer generally has a better prognosis than advanced-stage disease.

At Precious Medical Group (PMG), we are here to assist you further. Please feel free to contact us for any enquiry.