Overview

Breast cancer starts in breast tissue, and it occurs when cells in the breast change and multiply uncontrollably. The cells typically form a tumor. 

Sometimes cancer does not spread. If cancer spreads outside the breast to nearby tissues and lymph nodes, it is called invasive. In a few cases, cancer may spread to other parts of the body through the lymph system or the blood. 

Breast cancer is most common in women. Rarely, it can also affect men. 

Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease. 

Symptoms 

The signs of breast cancer involve: 

• New lump or thickening in or around the breast or in the armpit
• Change in breast shape and structure
• Dimple/puckering in the skin of the breast
• Nipples turned inward into the breast
• Nipple discharge. It might happen suddenly, be bloody, or happen in only one
• Pain in breast areas 

If you find a lump or other change in your breast, even if a recent mammogram showed you normal results, make an appointment with your healthcare provider for prompt evaluation. 

Causes 

Breast cancer happens with genetic material changes, the cause of which is often unknown. More often, these genetic changes are hereditary. 

There are also specific genetic changes that can raise the breast cancer risk, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. 

One’s lifestyle and the environment could affect the risk of breast cancer, including: 

• Old age
• Breast cancer history or benign breast disease
• Hereditary
• Dense breast tissue
• A reproductive history that leads to more exposure to the estrogen hormone, like:
  • Early age menstruation
  • Older age when one first gave birth or never given birth
  • Menopause at a later age
• Undergoing hormone therapy for symptoms of menopause
• Radiation therapy to the breast or chest
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption Treatment and Prevention Treatments include:
• Surgery such as
  • A mastectomy, removing the whole breast
  • A lumpectomy, removing cancer and some tissue around it

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy 

One may be able to prevent breast cancer by making healthy lifestyle changes such as: 

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting alcohol use
• Getting enough exercise
• Limiting the exposure to estrogen by limiting hormone therapy, 

Certain medications might reduce the risks. 

It's essential to get regular mammograms to identify breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. 

Fact Check 

• 14% of cancers in Indian women are due to breast
• Most people who have breast cancer have no family history of it. Breast cancer is not just an inherited disease. In reality, a large percentage of breast cancers are not
• Although eating a balanced diet, reducing alcohol consumption, and exercising all contribute towards lowering your risk of breast cancer, they do not completely prevent it. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and lower your risk as much as possible, but there is always the chance that you could still develop breast
• Earlier diagnosis of breast cancer means better
• For people with average risk, screenings should begin at age 40. For people with high risk, screenings should begin much
• A full mastectomy is not the only treatment 

PGC Resolution: To promote healthy lifestyles to prevent this cancer. Spread awareness and find more answers among the people concerning breast cancer. Provide support and the latest cancer information for those who have been diagnosed.