Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Imagine your body as a highly organized city where every cell has a role to play. Now imagine some of these cells “going rogue” and scattering disorganized chaos within that system—this is essentially what happens with cancer. Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably.

Breasts are made up of lobules (glands that produce milk), ducts (thin tubes that carry milk to the nipple), and connective tissues. Most breast cancers start in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or the lobules (lobular carcinoma). While it is more common in women, men can also develop breast cancer, though their risk is significantly smaller.

Breast Cancer Prevalence in India

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer among Indian women, accounting for over 13.5% of all new cancer cases annually. The number of breast cancer patients is steadily increasing, with approximately 178,000 new cases reported in 2020.

Key facts about breast cancer in India include:

• • Rising Incidence: Cases have doubled over the past two decades due to lifestyle changes, urbanization, and delayed diagnosis.
  • Younger Age Onset: The average age of breast cancer diagnosis in India is 47–50 years, about 10 years younger than in Western countries.
  • Triple-Negative Cancers: Indian women are more likely to develop this aggressive subtype compared to other populations.

Types of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be classified into different types based on its characteristics and the receptors it expresses. Here are the main types common in India:

1. Hormone Receptor-Positive (Luminal A and B)

• • These cancers grow in response to hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
  • Luminal A is slower-growing, while Luminal B tends to grow faster.
  • Prevalence in India (combined): Around 50-55%.

2. HER2-Enriched Cancer

• • This type is caused by the overexpression of the HER2 protein and tends to grow and spread rapidly.
  • Prevalence in India: 15-20%.

3. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

• • TNBC does not express estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors, making it more challenging to treat.
  • It is aggressive and more frequent in younger women in India.
  • Prevalence in India: 30-35%, higher than in many other countries.

Understanding the type of breast cancer is vital for choosing the right treatment approach.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of breast cancer varies and often involves a combination of factors. Some people develop it without known risk factors, while others may not despite having multiple risk indicators. Understanding the common risk factors can help you gauge and manage your chances.

Risk Factors

1. Genetics and Family History
• If a close relative like your mother or sister has had breast cancer, your risk increases.
• About 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which also increase ovarian cancer risk.
2. Age
• Your likelihood of developing breast cancer increases as you age, especially after the age of 50.
3. Hormonal Factors
• Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55) increases your exposure to certain hormones, heightening your risk.
• Women who have never been pregnant or had children later in life may also face an elevated risk.
4. Lifestyle Factors
• Lack of physical activity, obesity, and excessive alcohol consumption can increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
5. Radiation Exposure
• Exposure to radiation, especially during cancer treatments at a young age, may increase susceptibility.

What About Prevention?

Though some risk factors are unavoidable, you can adopt protective habits like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking or excess alcohol consumption.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

It’s important to remember that early detection is key. Many women detect warning signs during self-examinations or routine health check-ups. You don’t need expensive equipment to start paying attention to the signals your body sends.

Common Symptoms

• • Lump in the Breast or Underarm: A painless lump is often the first noticeable sign.
  • Swelling or Thickening: This may occur even without a lump.
  • Changes in Breast Shape or Size: One breast may appear uneven compared to the other.
  • Skin Changes: Redness, dimpling, or a texture resembling an orange peel may develop.
  • Nipple Changes: Discharge (other than milk) or inversion can also indicate an issue.

Diagnosis

If you notice any of the symptoms above, don’t wait to reach out for expert evaluation. Here’s what doctors at Mamata Fertility Hospital might do to confirm or rule out breast cancer:

1. Mammogram: A specialized X-ray of the breast to detect abnormalities.
2. Ultrasound: Often used to examine suspicious lumps.
3. Biopsy: If imaging indicates concern, a tissue sample from the lump will be analyzed for cancerous cells.

MRI Scan: Provides a more detailed image if required for complex cases.

Impact on Health and Daily Life

While breast cancer may impact various areas of life, we are here to help you or your loved ones face these changes with guidance and understanding.

Physical Effects

• Fatigue: Cancer and treatments like chemotherapy often result in exhaustion.
• Pain or Sensitivity: Some treatments may temporarily increase discomfort in specific areas.
• Body Image Concerns: Surgical procedures, particularly mastectomies, can bring up concerns about physical appearance.

Emotional and Mental Health

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions ranging from anxiety to sadness, or even guilt. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with trusted doctors, counselors, or support groups in Secunderabad. At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we focus on treating the person—not just the cancer.

Treatment and Management Options

At Mamata Fertility Hospital, we offer personalized care tailored to meet the needs of every patient. Breast cancer treatment depends on the type, size, and spread of cancer as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preferences.

Treatment Methods

1. Surgery
• Lumpectomy: Only the tumor and a small portion of surrounding tissue are removed.
• Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed. Sometimes both breasts are removed (double mastectomy) if there is a high risk of recurrence.
2. Chemotherapy
• Powerful drugs delivered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells. This may be done before or after surgery.
3. Radiation Therapy
• High-energy beams to destroy localized cancer cells remaining after surgery.
4. Hormone Therapy
• For cancers that are hormone-sensitive, medications may block the hormone’s effect on cancer cells.
5. Targeted Therapy
• Certain advanced cancers respond to drugs designed to target specific proteins on cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
6. Immunotherapy
• This boosts your immune system to fight the cancer cells effectively.

Often, a combination of these treatments is used for the best results. Each case gets evaluated thoroughly to provide the most effective management.

Breast Cancer Treatment Success Rate

With advancements in technology and cancer care, breast cancer is increasingly treatable, especially when detected early. Early diagnosis can lead to highly effective treatment outcomes, which include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies.

• Stage I Success Rate (5-Year Survival): Over 90-95%.
• Stage II Success Rate (5-Year Survival): Around 85-92%.
• Stage III Success Rate (5-Year Survival): Falls to approximately 70-75%.
• Stage IV Success Rate (5-Year Survival): Much lower, at around 20-25%.

These survival rates emphasize why early detection is essential.

Lifestyle and Support Recommendations

Your lifestyle choices play an essential role in recovery and managing breast cancer. From nutrition to exercise, every step matters.

Tips for Managing Health

• Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and omega-3-rich foods like fish.
• Stay Active: Whether it’s yoga, walking, or swimming, even light activity strengthens your body and reduces stress.
• Avoid Triggers: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and avoid processed foods to lower inflammation.
• Regular Check-ups: Once you’ve completed treatment, routine follow-ups are critical to monitoring your health.

Emotional Support

• Speak with a counselor or psychologist to process your emotions.
• Join support groups where others share insights on coping and thriving post-diagnosis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

At Mamata Fertility Hospital, every patient is a priority, and we aim to blend cutting-edge technology with compassionate care. If you have any concerns about breast cancer or wish to schedule a screening, reach out today. Together, we can guide you toward a healthier and brighter future, minimizing fears along the way.

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