Breast Cancer

Breast cancer ranks as the second most common cancer in women, with approximately 1 in 8 encountering a diagnosis during their lifetime. This condition arises when mutations in the DNA of healthy cells lead to uncontrolled cell division, forming a tumor that may invade nearby tissues and spread to other body parts, creating metastases. Breast cancer can develop in various parts of the breast, typically originating in the milk-producing tissue. The most common form is ductal carcinoma, which begins in the milk ducts.

Causes

Certain elements can elevate the risk of developing breast cancer:

• Age: Risk increases as a person ages, with most diagnoses occurring after age 50.

• Genetics: Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, significantly heighten risk.

• Increased Estrogen Exposure: Factors like early menstruation, late menopause, or having never been pregnant can prolong estrogen exposure. Hormone treatments such as birth control or hormone replacement therapy also contribute.

• Lifestyle Factors: Lack of physical activity, high body fat, and consuming over 1 to 2 alcoholic drinks daily can influence risk.

• Environmental Influences: Certain environmental factors may also play a role.

Breast cancer typically results from a complex interplay of genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices.

Symptoms

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary and might go unnoticed, especially in the early stages. Regular mammography is crucial for early detection, but some may observe:

• Lumps or Masses: New lumps in the breast, which can feel hard with irregular edges or be soft and tender.

• Breast Changes: Swelling, skin dimpling, or thickening.

• Nipple Changes: Pain, discharge, inversion, or changes like redness or flaking.

• Skin Changes: Redness or texture changes on the breast or nipple.

If the cancer spreads, symptoms could include:

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: In the armpit or around the collarbone.

• Lungs: Shortness of breath or chest pain.

• Liver: Abdominal pain, jaundice, nausea, and vomiting.

• Brain: Headaches, seizures, or stroke-like symptoms.

• Bones: Bone pain and fractures.

These symptoms can stem from non-cancerous conditions, but any noticeable changes should prompt a medical evaluation. Early detection is key to favorable treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing breast cancer typically begins when a lump or other changes are detected in the breast through a self-exam or routine mammogram. If suspicious changes are found, further imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be done. A definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy, where breast tissue is sampled and analyzed microscopically to confirm if it's cancerous and determine its type and aggression. Establishing the cancer's stage is vital for understanding its advancement and selecting treatment. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are crucial for effective management and improved outcomes.

Treatments

Treating breast cancer involves various options tailored to the cancer's type and stage, as well as the patient's personal preferences and goals. Treatments are generally classified into localized and systemic therapies. Localized treatments address cancer directly at the tumor site, such as surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) and radiation therapy. Systemic treatments, involving medications given bodywide like chemotherapy and hormone therapy, target both present tumors and circulating cancer cells. Options also include targeted therapy, addressing specific cancer cell traits, and immunotherapy, enhancing immune response to cancer. Personalized treatment plans aim for optimal patient outcomes and quality of life.

Medications

Breast cancer treatment often includes medications targeting specific cancer cell growth factors:

• HER2-Targeted Therapies: For HER2-positive breast cancer, these therapies slow down or destroy cancer cells. Examples are trastuzumab and pertuzumab, used with or without chemotherapy.

• Hormone Receptor-Positive Treatments: CDK4/6 inhibitors enhance hormone therapies' effectiveness in hormone receptor-positive cancers by blocking cancer cell division.

• PARP Inhibitors: For those with certain genetic mutations like BRCA, these disrupt the DNA repair process in cancer cells.

While beneficial, these targeted therapies may cause side effects, necessitating regular medical monitoring.

Living

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. While it's important to promptly engage with healthcare professionals for treatment planning, allowing time to emotionally and mentally process the diagnosis is also crucial. Reflecting on personal goals and priorities can help tailor an effective and meaningful treatment plan and support network. Remember, each person's journey with breast cancer is unique, and you have the control to chart your path forward.

Prevention

Adopting healthy lifestyle choices can aid in breast cancer prevention:

• Stay Physically Active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly.

• Limit Alcohol Intake: Reduce alcohol consumption to less than one to two drinks daily.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: A balanced diet and regular exercise support weight management and risk reduction.

• Consider Breastfeeding: Offers protective benefits against breast cancer if possible.

• Manage Hormone Therapy: Discuss risks and benefits of post-menopause hormone therapy and minimize exposure.

• Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke to lower cancer risk.

• Limit Estrogen Exposure: Consult a doctor about medications increasing estrogen exposure.

Coupled with regular screenings like mammograms, these steps are vital in reducing breast cancer risk.