Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. Breastcancer belongs to the cancer category of carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that arises from the epithelial tissue covering or lining of the body organs. Breastcancer is one of the most common cancers in women, especially in the United States. One out of every three women suffer from breastcancer every year. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breastcancer. Breastcancer involves growth of abnormal cells and their invasion into healthy cells in the body. Breast cancer is a disease that can affect anyone. Hence, it is important to be aware about its cases, symptoms, and possible treatment options that are available today.

What is breast cancer?

• Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when the breast cells grow abnormally, i.e. out of control and form tumors.
• When the process of growth of breastcancer cells goes wrong, it results in the formation of a mass of cells known as a lump or tumor.
• There are several types of breast cancer, depending on which cells of the breast turn cancerous.
• The three main parts of a breast are:

Lobules: These are glands which produce milk.

Ducts: These are tubes which transport milk from lobules to the nipple

Fatty and fibrous tissue: These are connective tissues that hold everything together.

• When malignant tumors develop in the breast, it results in breastcancer.
• The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma which begins in the milk ducts.
• Lobular carcinoma starts in the  milk glands.
• Breastcancer can also spread outside the breast (metastasis)  via. the  blood vessels and lymph vessels, damaging other tissues or organs.
• Breast cancer most commonly occurs in women. However, in certain rare cases, it is seen in men as well.

Causes of breast cancer

Scientists around the world have not been able to ascertain the exact cause of breast cancer. Breastcancer occurs when the DNA in the breast cells change causing an alteration in  their cell growth and division. There are certain factors that increase the risk of occurrence of breast cancer. These increase:

• Increasing age
• Obesity
• Early menstruation
• Late menopause
• Dense breast tissue
• Family history
• Late pregnancy
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Hormonal changes
• Exposure to radiation (radiation therapy)
• Lack of exercise and physical activity
• Hormone replacement therapy (long term)
• Genetic mutations
• Use of oral contraceptives

Warning signs and symptoms

One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer is painless lump in breast or underarm. However, this is not the only one. Several other warning signs and symptoms may show up before the occurrence of a lump in the breast. Some of these are:

• Persistent or unusual breast pain
• Nipple discharge
• Change in the breast size or shape
• Soreness or redness of the breast
• Rash on the skin of the breast
• Breast skin irritation
• Dimpling of the breast skin
• Nipple retraction
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling of all or part of the breast
• Change in nipple sensitivity
• Thickening of the breast or nipple skin

It is important to keep in mind that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. It is important to consult a medical practitioner (doctor) if an individual notices any change or abnormality in the breast.

Characteristics of a breast cancer lump

Generally, a breastcancer lump has the following characteristics:

• It is painless
• It is usually hard mass and not soft
• It has asymmetrical (irregular) edges
• It does not move when pushed
• It is growing in size
• It is situated in the upper outer quadrant of the breast

Diagnosis of breast cancer

Breastcancer can be diagnosed by a medical practitioner by using one or a combination of the tests given below:

Physical breast examination

This involves physical examination of the breast by a doctor to identify any abnormalities, lump, or abnormal growth.

Mammogram

This is an in-depth X-ray of the breast to identify abnormalities.

Biopsy

It involves taking a tissue or fluid sample from the breast and examining it under the microscope. A biopsy can be ultra-sound guided, X-ray guided, or MRI guided.

MRI

It involves making use of a powerful magnetic field to generate detailed images of the breast tissue.

CT scan

It involves use of X-ray and a computer-based technique to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the breast.

Possible treatment options available for breast cancer

Some of the possible treatment options for breast cancer are:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Hormonal therapy
• Targeted therapy

In most cases, a combination of these treatment options is performed. Each treatment method for breastcancer has certain side-effects associated with it. The main purpose of performing the treatment is to eliminate the cancerous cells and prevent the tumor from reoccurring.

When it comes to breast cancer, early detection is vital. All women who are above 40 years old should have yearly screening mammograms. Women should be aware about the risks associated with breastcancer, anatomy of the breast. Any changes in the breast appearance or abnormality should be immediately reported to the doctor without any delay.