Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, but it can also occur in men, though less frequently. It develops when breast cells undergo mutations and start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that may invade surrounding tissues. Recognizing the early signs, understanding the risk factors, and knowing available treatment options are critical to improving outcomes.
Learn more about breast cancer from the CDC.
Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
In its early stages, breast cancer often does not produce noticeable symptoms. Many tumors are too small to feel but can be detected through a mammogram. When symptoms appear, they can include:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast that feels different from surrounding tissue
- Breast pain or tenderness
- Changes in skin texture, including dimpling or puckering
- Swelling in part or all of the breast
- Nipple discharge, which may be clear, cloudy, or bloody
- Peeling, flaking, or scaling of the nipple skin
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Inverted nipples
- Swelling or lumps under the arm
Not every lump or change indicates cancer, but any unusual breast changes should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Types of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is broadly classified into invasive and noninvasive types. Noninvasive cancers, also known as in situ cancers, remain confined to the ducts or lobules.
Noninvasive Breast Cancer
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Cancer cells are confined to the ducts and have not spread.
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Abnormal cells grow in the lobules but do not invade surrounding tissue.
Invasive Breast Cancer
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the ducts and spreading to nearby tissues.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules and can invade surrounding tissue.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Rare and aggressive, causing swelling and redness due to blocked lymph vessels.
- Paget Disease of the Nipple: Affects the nipple and areola, often accompanied by skin changes.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A less common type, accounting for 10–15% of cases.
- Angiosarcoma: Originates in blood or lymph vessels of the breast.
The type of cancer impacts treatment decisions and prognosis.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer, though having these risk factors does not guarantee a diagnosis.
Modifiable Risk Factors
- Alcohol consumption: Increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Hormone therapy: Postmenopausal estrogen and progesterone therapy may raise risk.
- Physical inactivity: Lack of exercise is linked to higher breast cancer risk.
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 55.
- Dense breast tissue: Harder to detect abnormalities on mammograms.
- Genetics: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase risk.
- Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer raises risk.
- Reproductive history: Never having been pregnant can slightly increase risk.
Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Early detection is key. A doctor may use several methods to confirm a diagnosis:
- Physical Exam: Checking breasts and lymph nodes for abnormalities.
- Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast to detect tumors.
- Breast Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to differentiate cysts from solid tumors.
- Biopsy: Removing tissue for laboratory testing to confirm cancer and identify the type.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is categorized into stages based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs:
- Stage 0: DCIS, confined to ducts.
- Stage 1: Small tumor, possibly with minimal lymph node involvement.
- Stage 2: Tumor grows, may affect several lymph nodes.
- Stage 3: Cancer spreads to more lymph nodes or nearby tissues.
- Stage 4: Metastatic, with spread to distant organs.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and patient health. Common options include:
Surgery
- Lumpectomy: Removes the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
- Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts.
- Lymph Node Surgery: Sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection to check for spread.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams target cancer cells. Brachytherapy involves placing radioactive seeds near the tumor.
Chemotherapy
Drug therapy that destroys cancer cells, often used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery.
Hormone Therapy
Blocks estrogen or progesterone that fuels tumor growth.
Preventing Breast Cancer
While not all cases can be prevented, lifestyle choices can help reduce risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight and active lifestyle.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Get regular screenings, including mammograms.
- Consider genetic testing if family history indicates higher risk.
- Discuss preventive measures like prophylactic surgery or medication if at high risk.
Guidelines for breast cancer prevention.
Breast Cancer Outlook
Survival rates vary based on cancer type, stage, and individual factors. Early detection significantly improves prognosis.
- Localized breast cancer: 5-year survival ~99%
- Regional spread: 5-year survival ~86%
- Distant metastasis: 5-year survival ~31%
- Overall: 5-year survival ~91%
Learn about breast cancer survival rates.
Takeaway
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow uncontrollably, forming tumors that may spread. Recognizing early symptoms, understanding risk factors, and undergoing timely screenings are vital. Types, stage, and treatment choice all influence the prognosis. With ongoing advances in detection and therapy, survival rates continue to improve.
If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, consult a healthcare professional promptly. Early intervention saves lives
