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Overview
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The most common type of breast cancer is Ductal carcinoma which begins in the cells that line a breast duct. The second most common type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma which begins in a lobule of the breast.
Symptoms
• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area. • A change in the size or shape of the breast. • A dimple or puckering in the skin of the breast. • A nipple turned inward into the breast. • Fluid, other than breast milk, from the nipple, especially if it's bloody. • Scaly, red, or swollen skin on the breast, nipple, or areola (the dark area of skin around the nipple). Dimples in the breast that look like the skin of an orange."
Causes
• Increasing age, • Previous history of breast conditions • A family history of breast cancer • Inherited genes that increase cancer risk • Radiation exposure • Obesity • Beginning your period at a younger age • Having your first child at an older age • Having not been pregnant • Postmenopausal hormone therapy • Excessive alcohol consumption.
Diagnosis
Physical exam and history, Clinical Breast Exam (CBE), mammogram: ultrasound exam, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), blood chemistry studies, and biopsy.
Prevention
• Limit alcohol consumption. • Don't smoke. • Control your weight. • Be physically active. • Breastfeed your babies. • Limit the dose and duration of hormone therapy. • Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.
Treatment
Surgery Radiation therapy Systemic therapy i.e., chemotherapy: Capecitabine, Carboplatin, Docetaxel, Doxorubicin, Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, Epirubicin, Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Protein-bound paclitaxel Hormonal Therapy: Aromatase Inhibitors: Anastrozole, Fulvestrant Targeted Therapy: Trastuzumab, Immunotherapy
Everyday Life
Many people live for months or years after a healthcare professional has diagnosed metastatic breast cancer. Treatment can help a person live longer and slow down the progression of the cancer.
