Breast cancer is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the breast, leading to the formation of tumours. These tumours can develop either in the milk ducts or in the milk-producing lobules of the breast, or in both areas. Breast cancer can affect women of all ages after puberty, and its incidence tends to increase with age. As of 2022, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide, resulting in 670,000 deaths.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be classified into two main categories: invasive and non-invasive.

Invasive Breast Cancer

Invasive breast cancer, also known as infiltrating breast cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread from the milk ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue. The types of invasive breast cancer include:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This type begins in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding tissue.
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type starts in the lobules (the milk-producing glands) and invades nearby tissue.
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This type lacks oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 protein. It is considered aggressive and tends to spread more quickly than other forms of breast cancer.

Non-Invasive Breast Cancer

Non-invasive breast cancer, also known as in situ breast cancer, occurs when abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts or lobules and have not spread to surrounding breast tissue. However, if left untreated, non-invasive cancer can progress to invasive cancer. The types of non-invasive breast cancer include:

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): This condition features abnormal cells in the milk ducts that have not spread to surrounding tissue.
• Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS): This condition involves abnormal cells in the lobules that remain confined and have not spread to surrounding tissue.

Other Types of Breast Cancer

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): This rare and aggressive type causes skin redness and swelling on the breast.
• Phyllodes Tumours: These are rare breast tumours that can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Phyllodes tumours can grow rapidly and may become quite large.
• Paget's Disease: A rare type of cancer that affects the nipple and areola, mimicking a rash. It accounts for less than 4% of all breast cancers.

Signs and Symptoms 

Breast cancer can present a variety of symptoms, especially when more advanced. Early detection is crucial, as most individuals will not exhibit any symptoms in the early stages of cancer. Symptoms of breast cancer may include: 

• Lump or Thickening: A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, often without pain. 
• Change in Breast Size or Shape: Changes in the size or shape of the breast. 
• Nipple Changes: Nipple discharge, inversion, or alterations in the nipple's appearance or the skin around the nipple (areola). 
• Skin Changes: Redness, dimpling, pitting, or puckering of the skin. 

Who is at Risk?

Research shows that several risk factors may increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These include: 

• Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, particularly after 40. 
• Sex: Women are significantly more likely to develop the condition than men. 
• Hormonal Factors: Exposure to oestrogen and progesterone, such as through hormone replacement therapy or early menstruation, can elevate the risk. 
• Family History of Breast Cancer: A family history of breast cancer raises the risk, even though most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a known family history of the disease. Furthermore, a lack of a known family history does not necessarily mean that a woman is at a reduced risk. 
• Hormone Therapy: Individuals who use hormone replacement therapy face a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition. 
• Radiation Exposure: If you have received radiation therapy, particularly to your head, neck, or chest, you are more likely to develop breast cancer. 
• Alcohol and Tobacco Use: Research indicates that the consumption of alcohol and tobacco may increase breast cancer risk. 

Education and Awareness 

• Breast Cancer Facts: Educating women about breast cancer risks, symptoms, and treatment options can empower them to take control of their health. Breast cancer education and awareness also help women make informed decisions about their breast health. 

• Importance of Screening: Regular mammograms and clinical exams can help detect breast cancer at an early stage. 
• Self-Exams: Teaching women to perform regular breast self-exams can help them become familiar with their breasts and recognize changes. Additionally, regular clinical breast exams by a healthcare professional can assist in detecting breast abnormalities. 
• Risk Assessment: Helping women understand their risk factors can enable them to take proactive measures against breast cancer. 

Support and Resources 

• Support Groups: Providing access to support groups, online forums, and counseling services can offer emotional support and connect women with others who have faced breast cancer. 
• Healthcare Access: Ensuring access to quality healthcare services, including screening and treatment. 
• Breaking Stigmas: Encouraging open discussions about breast cancer and breast health can help reduce fear and anxiety surrounding the disease.

Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle

• Healthy Habits: Promoting healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and limited alcohol consumption, can help reduce breast cancer risk.
• Balanced Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health, including breast health.
• Stress Management: Encouraging women to adopt stress management techniques, such as relaxation, meditation, or yoga, can enhance general health.

Empowering women with knowledge, support, and resources is crucial for promoting breast health and fighting breast cancer. Early detection and promptly seeking medical attention if symptoms or abnormalities arise can significantly improve survival rates. We do not want the breasts that once nourished us to be compromised by cancer. You can join the fight against breast cancer today by educating your mother on how to perform breast self-examinations and by paying for her mammogram.

 REFERENCE

Information from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3986-breast-cancer, and https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast cancer#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20is%20a%20disease,producing%20lobules%20of%20the%20breast was used in this story.