Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Published by Anushka Chauhan on 4 May 20244 May 2024

Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breast. It’s one of the most common cancers among women worldwide. But the good news is, if breast cancer is found early, it can often be treated successfully.

Causes of Breast Cancer

Doctors don’t know exactly why some people get breast cancer and others don’t. But they have identified some factors that may increase the risk:

1. Genetics: Sometimes, breast cancer can run in families. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, you might have a higher chance of getting it too.
2. Hormones: Hormonal changes in your body, like those that happen during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can affect your breast cancer risk.
3. Age: The older you are, the higher your risk of breast cancer.
4. Lifestyle factors: Things like smoking, drinking alcohol, not exercising, and being overweight can increase your risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Some signs that might indicate breast cancer include:

1. A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area: This is one of the most common signs of breast cancer.
2. Changes in breast size or shape: Your breasts may become swollen, or one breast might look different from the other.
3. Changes in the skin: The skin of your breast may become dimpled or puckered, or you might notice redness or scaling.
4. Nipple changes: Your nipple might turn inward (inverted), or you might have discharge from your nipple.
5. Pain in the breast or nipple area: Not all breast cancers cause pain, but some might.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

If you notice any changes in your breasts, it’s important to see a doctor. They might perform several tests to check for breast cancer:

1. Clinical breast exam: Your doctor will examine your breasts and armpits for any lumps or other changes.
2. Mammogram: This is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors that are too small to feel.
3. Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of the breast. It’s often used to get a closer look at a suspicious area found on a mammogram.
4. Biopsy: If a lump or abnormal area is found, a biopsy may be done to remove a small amount of tissue for examination under a microscope.

Treatment of Breast Cancer

The treatment for breast cancer depends on many factors, including the type and stage of the cancer. Common treatments include:

1. Surgery: This may involve removing the tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy).
2. Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: This involves taking drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
4. Hormone therapy: This treatment blocks hormones that fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
5. Targeted therapy: This treatment targets specific genes or proteins that help cancer cells grow.

Conclusion

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but there are many treatments available, and the outlook is often good, especially if the cancer is found early. Remember to perform regular breast self-exams and see your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

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