Breast cancer is a disease that affects millions of women worldwide. While it is more commonly diagnosed in women, it can also affect men. It is the second most common cancer among women, after skin cancer. In this article, we will discuss what breast cancer is, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. These cells can grow uncontrollably and form a tumor, which can then invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body.
There are two main types of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the milk ducts, and lobular carcinoma, which begins in the cells that line the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands.
Causes of Breast Cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. However, there are certain risk factors that increase a person’s chances of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases as a person gets older.
- Gender: Breast cancer is more common in women than in men.
- Family history: Women who have a close relative, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, who has had breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Genetic mutations: Some people inherit genes from their parents that increase their risk of developing breast cancer, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Hormones: Women who have had prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, such as those who started menstruating at a young age, those who had their first child at an older age, and those who have gone through menopause at a later age, are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
In the early stages, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- Nipple discharge or retraction
- Skin irritation or dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can be diagnosed through a variety of tests, including:
- Mammogram: This is an X-ray of the breast that can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue.
- Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue.
- MRI: This uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast tissue.
- Biopsy: This involves removing a sample of breast tissue to be examined under a microscope.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
The treatment options for breast cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, as well as other factors such as the person’s age and overall health. The main treatment options include:
- Surgery: This involves removing the tumor and, in some cases, the entire breast.
- Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: This uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
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- Hormone therapy: This involves blocking the hormones that fuel the growth of certain types of breast cancer.
- Targeted therapy: This uses drugs that target specific molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take care of your health. Schedule a breast cancer screening consultation at Titli Breast Care Center (Malleshwaram, Bangalore) today. Our expert team of doctors uses the latest technology to provide you with accurate and reliable results.
Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer, and we are here to help you take control of your health. Act now and book your appointment to ensure peace of mind and a healthy future.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to take care of your health. Schedule a breast cancer screening consultation at Titli Breast Care Center (Malleshwaram, Bangalore) today. Our expert team of doctors uses the latest technology to provide you with accurate and reliable results.
Early detection is key in the fight against breast cancer, and we are here to help you take control of your health. Act now and book your appointment to ensure peace of mind and a healthy future.
Meet Dr. Archa Prasad
Founder, Titli Breast Care Center
Consultant Breast and Oncoplasty Surgeon.
Dr Archa is a skilled and qualified breast surgeon practising in Bangalore.
She is committed to taking care of the spectrum of all diseases involving the breast.
Understanding the woman of today, her surgical armamentarium involves not only breast reconstruction after cancer but also aesthetic breast surgeries.
