What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease where the cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a lump or mass. Sounds scary? It can be—but the good news is, if caught early, it’s very treatable.
This type of cancer mainly affects women, though men can get it too. Globally, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, accounting for 1 in 8 cancer diagnoses in females. In 2020 alone, there were 2.3 million new cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
How Does It Occur?
To understand this, imagine your breast like a city. The ducts and lobules are like roads and houses. Normally, everything runs smoothly. But in breast cancer, the cells that line the ducts or lobules start multiplying out of control—just like a traffic jam that spreads through the city, disrupting everything.
This happens due to damage in the DNA of these cells. Once mutated, they no longer obey the usual “stop signals” for cell growth. Instead, they grow, divide, and can invade other tissues. If they enter the bloodstream or lymph system, they can spread (metastasize) to other organs like the bones, liver, or lungs.
What Are the Causes of Breast Cancer?
There isn’t just one cause—rather, a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors.
- Genetic mutations: Around 5–10% of breast cancers are hereditary, mainly due to mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
- Hormonal exposure: Prolonged exposure to estrogen, such as early menstruation or late menopause, can increase risk.
- Radiation exposure: Especially during childhood or adolescence.
- Lifestyle factors: Obesity, alcohol, and lack of exercise also contribute.
So, while we can’t change our genes, we can take steps to reduce lifestyle risks.
Who Is at Risk?
Just being a woman is the biggest risk factor—but there’s more:
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50.
- Family history: A first-degree relative (mother, sister) with breast cancer doubles the risk.
- Personal history: Having had breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases before.
- Inherited gene mutations: Like BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Especially when used for several years.
- Alcohol consumption: Even moderate drinking increases risk.
- Being overweight or obese: Especially after menopause.
- Smoking
The most significant red flag? A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in younger women.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer doesn’t always cause pain—and that’s what makes it tricky. But here are the classic signs to look out for:
- A new lump in the breast
- Armpit Swelling
- Swelling of part or all of the breast
- Skin dimpling, looking like orange peel
- Nipple discharge (especially if bloody)
- Nipple retraction (pulling inward)
- Changes in skin over the breast—redness, scaling, or thickening
Why do these happen? Because as the tumour grows, it pushes into surrounding tissues, blocks ducts, or irritates the skin and underlying muscles.
What Else Could It Be? (Differential Diagnosis)
Not every lump is cancer. Several benign (non-cancerous) conditions mimic breast cancer:
- Fibroadenoma: A common, smooth, mobile lump in young women.
- Breast cysts: Fluid-filled sacs, often tender and more common in women in their 30s–50s.
- Mastitis or abscess: Infections that cause swelling, redness, and pain, especially in breastfeeding women.
- Fat necrosis: A firm lump caused by trauma to the breast tissue.
That’s why proper evaluation—by a doctor, with imaging—is essential.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
The gold standard? Triple assessment:
- Clinical examination: A thorough physical check by a healthcare provider.
- Imaging:
- Mammogram: X-ray of the breast, especially useful in women over 40.
- Ultrasound: Better for dense breasts or younger women.
- Biopsy: This is the clincher. A small sample of tissue is taken (usually via a needle) and examined under a microscope to confirm if it’s cancer.
Sometimes, MRI is used for more detailed imaging or if someone has a very high risk.
How Is Breast Cancer Treated?
The treatment plan depends on the type, stage, and whether it has spread. But here’s the general breakdown:
1. Surgery
- Lumpectomy: Removes the lump only (breast-conserving).
- Mastectomy: Removes the whole breast. Sometimes both breasts (bilateral mastectomy) are removed, especially in genetic cases.
2. Radiotherapy
- Often given after lumpectomy to kill leftover cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy
- Medications to kill cancer cells—usually given before or after surgery.
4. Hormonal therapy
- For hormone receptor-positive cancers:
- Tamoxifen (pre-menopausal women)
- Aromatase inhibitors like anastrozole, letrozole (postmenopausal)
5. Targeted therapy
- HER2-positive breast cancers respond to:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
- Pertuzumab
6. Immunotherapy
- A newer option, especially for triple-negative breast cancer.
If first-line treatments don’t work, doctors might switch to second-line drugs or combinations based on how the cancer behaves.
Side Effects and Recovery:
Treatment can be tough — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Some side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hair loss
- Mood swings or depression
- Body image changes
Living With Breast Cancer: What Happens Next?
Survival rates have improved dramatically. In countries with good screening, over 90% of women with early-stage breast cancer survive at least 5 years.
Support from friends, family, counselling, or support groups can help navigate the emotional rollercoaster that often comes with a cancer diagnosis.
Early detection truly saves lives—so don’t skip your mammograms, especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors.
It’s important to have honest conversations with your medical team about what to expect and how to cope. Support groups, therapy, and even yoga or journaling can make a big difference.
Can You Prevent Breast Cancer?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it, certain steps may reduce your risk:
- Exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables and fibre
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Breastfeed if you can (it’s protective!)
- Consider preventive medications if at high risk
In some cases, people at very high risk opt for preventive surgery — like a double mastectomy — though this is a very personal decision.
What About Younger Women and Men?
Most breast cancer cases are in women over 50, but young women can get it too. And though rare, men can develop breast cancer — usually later in life.
For young women, the emotional and fertility implications can be particularly tough. If diagnosed early, fertility preservation options should be discussed before starting treatment.
What’s the Prognosis?
Breast cancer outcomes have improved dramatically. Thanks to earlier detection and better treatment, many people live long, fulfilling lives after diagnosis.
Survival depends on many things: type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, treatment response, and more. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized breast cancer is 99%.
What Happens After Treatment?
Cancer-free doesn’t mean carefree. Survivors still need:
- Regular follow-ups
- Mammograms or scans
- Managing long-term side effects
- Mental health check-ins
That’s where a survivorship care plan comes in — a roadmap for post-treatment life.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
We see the pink ribbons every October. But breast cancer awareness is more than just wearing pink.
It’s:
- Encouraging people to get screened
- Supporting research
- Fighting stigma
- Sharing stories
Want to help? Volunteer. Donate. Talk about it. Awareness saves lives.
Myth vs Fact: Clearing Up Common Confusions
Let’s bust a few myths:
- “Only women get breast cancer.” False. Men can too.
- “A lump means cancer.” Not always. But check it anyway.
- “You can’t get cancer after a mastectomy.” You can — though the risk is lower.
- “If no one in your family had it, you’re safe.” Most cases happen in people without a family history.
References
- World Health Organization. Breast cancer. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
- American Cancer Society. Breast Cancer Early Detection and Diagnosis. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection.html
- National Cancer Institute. Breast Cancer Treatment (Adult) (PDQ®)–Patient Version. https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines. https://www.nccn.org/guidelines/guidelines-detail?category=1&id=1419
- Mayo Clinic. Breast cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470