Home / Health / Breast Cancer – Causes, Types, And Management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Breast cancer – Causes, types, and management

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast. 

Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer. 

Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include:

  • Family history and genetics
    The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk.
  • Age
    The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age. 
  • Gender
    The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.  
  • Personal history of breast conditions
    The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast.
  • Radiation exposure
    The risk of developing the disease increases if you have been exposed to radiation in your head, neck, or chest areas during past treatments.
  • Hormone replacement therapy
    Women who use hormone replacement therapy may be more prone to breast cancer.

Types of breast cancer
Breast cancer  can be categorized into two broad types— invasive and non-invasive. 

Invasive breast cancer
Cancer that has spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body is termed invasive breast cancer. The two subtypes of this breast cancer are:

Invasive ductal carcinoma
This type of invasive breast cancer starts in a milk duct and spreads to nearby tissues. Milk ducts are the tubes through which milk is carried from the lobules to the nipples. Over time, cancer may metastasize to other parts of the body.

Invasive lobular carcinoma
This type of cancer begins in the breast lobules and spreads to nearby tissues. Lobules refer to the glands in the breast that produce milk. A thickened area of breast tissue that does not feel like the rest of the breast upon contact is usually a symptom of invasive lobular carcinoma. 

Some of the less common types of invasive breast cancer include:

  • Locally advanced breast cancer
    If the tumor is 5 cm or larger, or the cancer cells have spread to areas such as the skin or muscle, it is known as locally advanced breast cancer. 
  • Metastatic breast cancer
    When cancer-causing cells have spread beyond the breast to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain, it is called metastatic breast cancer or advanced or stage 4 breast cancer.  

Paget’s disease of the nipple
This is a rare form of breast cancer wherein cancer cells grow in the nipple or the areola. Most often, women with Paget’s disease also have either ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer. 

Inflammatory breast cancer
This is a rare type of invasive breast cancer wherein cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels of the breast. The affected breast becomes red and inflamed.

Non-invasive breast cancer
Cancer that has not spread beyond the tissue from where it started is called non-invasive breast cancer. The two main types of non-invasive breast cancer are:

  • Ductal carcinoma in situ
    DCIS is a condition that starts in the milk ducts, but one that has not spread into surrounding breast tissues. Without timely treatment, there is a risk of DCIS becoming invasive cancer. 
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ
    Lobular carcinoma in situ is a benign breast condition wherein there are abnormal cells in the breast’s lobules, but they rarely turn into cancer.

Treatment options
There are several ways to treat and manage breast cancer and its symptoms. The treatments largely depend on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread.

Surgery
In most cases, surgery may be needed to treat breast cancer. A lumpectomy, also referred to as breast-conserving surgery, removes cancer and some normal tissues surrounding it. A mastectomy is a procedure to remove the whole cancerous breast. 

Chemotherapy
In this cancer treatment, prescriptions are administered to destroy fast-growing cancer cells. They are orally ingested or intravenously administered. They also may be given after surgery to decrease the chance of relapse. Chemotherapy may also be given before surgery to shrink larger breast tumors and enable easy removal with surgery. 

Hormonal therapy
Breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones are treated with hormonal therapy. This treatment uses prescriptions to block hormones from attaching to cancer cells or stop the body from making estrogen after menopause. 

Radiation therapy
This treatment uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing. External radiation therapy uses high-energy beams toward the area with cancer. Internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy is done by placing a radioactive substance inside the body.

Targeted therapy
This type of treatment attacks specific abnormalities within the cancer cells without harming normal cells. This treatment option for breast cancer is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy
To fight breast cancer, immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system. For this therapy, substances made naturally by the body or in a laboratory are used to stop or slow cancer cell growth. This treatment option can also be used in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, depending on the severity of the condition.

Though breast cancer cannot be prevented, there are certain things you can do to detect cancer before it spreads. For example, you should examine your breasts monthly for changes and get a routine mammogram done yearly. In addition, you should contact your healthcare provider for further examination and testing if you notice any changes in your breasts.

Recommended

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Afib – Types, causes, symptoms, and management

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) occurs when the usually stable and regular electrical impulses in the heart’s upper chambers (atria) begin firing chaotically, causing them to quiver or twitch (fibrillate). This can cause blood accumulation and clotting in the atria. These clots can reach the lungs through the blood vessels and cause pulmonary embolism or can reach the brain, resulting in a stroke. Let’s look at the forms, signs, and causes of Afib and its treatment options: Types of atrial fibrillation Afib can be classified as one or more of these: First-diagnosed Afib: Regardless of symptoms or the number or length of episodes, this refers to individuals diagnosed for the first time with Afib. Asymptomatic Afib: This condition is also called silent Afib, given the lack of signs or symptoms. A random electrocardiogram (ECG) could reveal asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Paroxysmal Afib: Two or more episodes of the conditions that spontaneously resolve within a week are categorized as paroxysmal Afib. Persistent Afib: This refers to two or more episodes of atrial fibrillation that last seven days or more. Long-term persistent Afib: If the condition persists for more than a year, it is referred to as long-term persistent Afib. Permanent Afib: This is a chronic condition that cannot be managed using common treatment options.
Read More.
How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

How to reduce sugar intake and manage blood sugar

It is a known fact that too much sugar can be devastating for your health. When blood sugar is high, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to several health complications, including prediabetes and diabetes. So, you must cut down on sugar. Choosing healthy snacks and increasing fiber and probiotic intake can help. Moreover, regular exercise is essential. Here are a few tips to lower sugar intake and manage blood sugar levels naturally. Avoid carbohydrates A high intake of carbohydrates has a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose, which enters the blood. While the body requires glucose for energy, an excess can be harmful. As the amount of glucose increases, so does the amount of insulin produced by the body, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle disorders. Some foods with an abundance of carbs to stay away from are potato chips and donuts. Control your portion size If you are dealing with frequent blood sugar spikes, monitoring portion size can help. When you eat a large meal, blood glucose increases suddenly. To avoid this, eat smaller meals. You can opt for five to six small meals per day instead of two or three large ones.
Read More.
11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

11 management options to keep anxiety at bay

People with anxiety disorders regularly and excessively experience fear and panic in everyday situations. If unchecked, anxiety can impair normal functioning and degrade the quality of life. One must consult a health expert if anxiety is affecting their social life. But first, ensure that any physical health issues are ruled out before consulting them. Most individuals with anxiety disorders need medication or therapy, but coping strategies and lifestyle decisions can also be helpful. Stop and take a breath When you experience an anxiety episode, take a moment to think about what is making you feel uneasy. Usual anxiety symptoms include concerns about a recent or distant event. For example, you can worry that something wrong will happen to you in the future. Or, you can still be upset about something that has already happened in the past. But, whatever your concerns, most anxiety issues stem from not focusing on the present. The next time you feel nervous and get distracted from the present moment, sit down and take some deep breaths to reclaim your composure. You can regain balance and return to the present moment by pausing and taking a few deep breaths. If you have the time, consider advancing this practice by experimenting with breathing techniques.
Read More.
10 best laundry detergents and their features

10 best laundry detergents and their features

Detergents are available in multiple forms, such as pods, powder, and liquids, and choosing the best one can be tough. In addition to daily wear clothing and regular laundry items, you could have some garments that require specialized products for effective cleaning. Some members of your family might have sensitive skin and need mild chemical-free products. So here is a list of the best detergents that can make your laundry task hassle-free.  Gain Laundry Detergent Among the list of laundry detergents that are known for their fragrance is Gain Laundry Detergent. The liquid not only cleans your clothes but also gives them a delicate fragrance that can last for up to 6 weeks or until the garment is worn. This detergent can be used in all washing machines, including highly efficient ones. The detergent also has Oxi Boost, a combination of surfactants, enzymes, and pre-treaters that aid in eliminating stains and odors that could be two weeks old. Moreover, this product is available in multiple sizes to cater to the needs of every household. Persil ProClean Laundry Detergent Among the laundry detergents that excel in stain removal is Persil Proclean. This concentrated liquid offers deep cleaning and has stain-fighting enzymes.
Read More.
Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease. Causes of chronic kidney disease The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows: Diabetes When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.   High blood pressure This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.   Genetics Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.   Autoimmune disease Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys.  Birth disorder Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.   Other causes Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time.  Glomerulonephritis It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys.
Read More.
Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Have these 14 foods to manage macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that causes changes in the macula, leading to vision loss. Though there is no cure for this condition, following an eye-healthy meal plan is important in managing complications like vision loss. A nutritional regime for age-related macular degeneration should include healthy amounts of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Some foods that contain eye-healthy vitamins that help manage symptoms of macular degeneration are listed below. Macular degeneration Age-related macular degeneration is a primary cause of vision loss among people aged 55 years and above. The condition refers to the deterioration of the central part of the retina called the macula. Symptoms include blurry vision, blind spots, difficulty recognizing faces, visual distortions, and more. Studies indicate that nearly 20 million people in the country live with some form of age-related macular degeneration. This condition occurs in two forms- the dry and the wet form. The dry type occurs when the macula gets thinner with age. This condition gradually progresses over the years. The dry form can advance into the wet type when abnormal blood vessels develop in the back of the eye and harm the macula. The wet type of AMD usually accelerates vision loss. Leafy green veggies Dark-green, leafy vegetables are rich in beta-carotene and carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
Read More.