EXPLAINER | Breast Cancer - Types, causes, symptoms, prevention & women cancer survivors
EXPLAINER | Breast Cancer - Breast cancer has emerged as a major public health concern for women in India, with alarming increases in both incidence and mortality.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the United States, second only to skin cancer. However, breast cancer is not limited to women. Everyone is born with some breast tissue, and anyone can develop breast cancer.
Breast cancer survival rates are growing. And the number of people dying from breast cancer is continuously declining. Much of this is due to extensive public support for breast cancer awareness and research funding.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Early-stage cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but haven't spread outside the duct.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Cancer that starts in the milk ducts and invades nearby tissue in the breast.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread to other parts of the body.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A type that lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2 receptors, making treatment more challenging.
Genetics: Inherited mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genes increase risk.
Hormones: Exposure to estrogen over a long period, early menstruation, late menopause.
Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption.
Extraordinary lump or swelling : It can appear as new lumps or swelling in various body areas. It may affect not only the breasts, but also the neck, underarms, collarbone, and other areas. Any unusual growths or swelling should be closely examined because they could be early indicators of breast cancer. Inverted nipples are also a clear indicator of breast cancer. A typical breast lump is one that remains unmoved when touched.
Rapid weight loss and appetite loss : Sudden weight loss and a lack of appetite may indicate an underlying health issue, such as metastatic breast cancer.
Night sweats : Unexplained night sweats could be one of the symptoms of breast cancer. This could happen as a result of your body's attempts to combat the disease. Hormone changes could be to blame. When cancer causes a fever, your body may sweat excessively in order to cool itself.
Difficulty breathing and chest pain : Breast metastasis can lead to chest pain and difficulty breathing. If you experience any unprovoked chest discomfort, wheezing, or persistent shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately. However, this only occurs after the cancer has spread to other parts.
Constant fatigue and weakness : Even after getting enough rest, feeling constantly weak and exhausted could be a sign of metastatic breast cancer. It is critical to distinguish between occasional fatigue and a persistent feeling of exhaustion that does not subside with adequate rest.
Changes in lifestyle, stress reduction, exercise, a healthy diet, and timely family planning are all key prevention strategies. Encourage women to consider childbirth at a younger age, prioritise fitness, and promote adequate lactation to reduce risk factors. For those with a family history of breast or related cancers, seeing a genetic counsellor is essential for individualised treatment.
Hina Khan
Bigg Boss fame Hina Khan diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer
Sonali Bendre
Sonali Bendre, the iconic 1990s actress, revealed in 2018 that she had Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Sonali stated in an interview that doctors gave her only a 30% chance of survival.
Tahira Kashyap
Tahira Kashyap, a renowned film director and Ayushmann Khurrana's wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018. She did not hide her diagnosis; rather, she chose to document it in order to inspire other women around the world.
She completed her treatment in January 2019 and is now cancer-free!
Mahima Chaudhry
In 2022, actor Mahima Chaudhry was diagnosed with breast cancer, and treatment is complete
Mumtaz
Mumtaz was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2002 and was able to fight after undergoing 6 chemotherapies and 35 radiation treatments
Manisha Koirala
Manisha Koirala was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in November 2012, which prompted her to seek treatment in the US
- With inputs from agencies
