Breast Cancer

Causes

• Genetics: Family history of breast cancer and inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and
  BRCA2).
• Hormones: Prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone.
• Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
• Radiation Exposure: Previous radiation treatment to the chest.
• Reproductive History: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age
  55), and having children later in life or not at all.

Symptoms

• Lump in the Breast: Often the first noticeable symptom.
• Change in Breast Shape or Size: Unexplained changes.
• Skin Changes: Dimpling, redness, or scaling of the breast skin.
• Nipple Changes: Inversion, discharge (other than breast milk), or pain.
• Swelling: Part of the breast may become swollen.
• Lump in the Armpit: Swollen lymph nodes under the arm.

Types

1. Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS):

• Non-invasive, confined to the ducts.

2. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):

• Most common type, begins in the ducts and spreads to surrounding tissue.

3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):

• Begins in the lobules and spreads to surrounding tissues.

4. Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:

• Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, making it harder to treat.

5. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:

• Has high levels of HER2 protein, which promotes cancer cell growth.

6. Inflammatory Breast Cancer:

• Rare and aggressive, causes the breast to become red, swollen, and warm.

Diagnosis

• Physical Examination: Checking for lumps or abnormalities.
• Mammogram: X-ray of the breast to detect tumors.
• Ultrasound: Imaging to evaluate lumps.
• MRI: Detailed imaging for further evaluation.
• Biopsy: Removing a sample of breast tissue for testing.
  • Fine-Needle Aspiration: Using a thin needle to extract cells.
  • Core Needle Biopsy: Using a larger needle to remove tissue.
  • Surgical Biopsy: Removing part or all of a lump.

Treatment

• Surgery:
  • Lumpectomy: Removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue.
  • Mastectomy: Removing one or both breasts.
• Radiation Therapy: High-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, used before or after surgery.
• Hormone Therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel cancer growth, used for hormone
  receptor-positive cancers.
• Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells, like HER2.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention

• Regular Screening: Mammograms and self-exams.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol intake.
• Limit Hormone Therapy: Avoid prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy.
• Genetic Testing: For those with a strong family history, testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2
  mutations.
• Preventive Surgery: In high-risk individuals, preventive mastectomy or oophorectomy
  may be considered.