6 Cause And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer.

By Egbodo Peter

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from breast tissue. It usually starts in the cells that line the milk ducts or the lobules that produce milk. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it is far more common in women.

There are several types of breast cancer, and they can be classified based on where they originate, how they grow, and whether they respond to hormones. Some common types include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and inflammatory breast cancer.

Risk Factors For Developing Breast Cancer Include

Being female

Advancing age

A family history of breast cancer.

Certain Genetic Mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2)

Oxposure to estrogen (such as early menstruation or late menopause)

Obesity

Alcohol Consumption

Radiation exposure.

Breast cancer can present with many different symptoms. Whilst they don’t always mean cancer, Public health specialist, Egbodo Peter advice speaking to a GP if you experience any of the following:

• A breast lump or a thickened area of tissue – this is the most common presenting symptom, and women should speak to their doctor if they notice any new lump in the breast

• Breast Change – change in the shape or size of the breast or swelling of the breast

• Nipple discharge – particularly discharge that occurs spontaneously (without squeezing the nipple), appears to come from one duct only or is blood-stained

• Other Nipple Changes – rash around the nipple that does not quickly improve with treatment, new onset nipple retraction or inversion

• Skin Changes – dimpling of the skin, the altered contour of the breast, peau d’orange appearance (where the skin looks like orange peel), any new rash or redness of the skin.

• Lump or swelling in the armpit

Breast pain is rarely a symptom of breast cancer. However, if it impacts your daily life, is persistent or is associated with any other symptoms above, it is wise to have it checked out

Treatment for breast cancer has improved dramatically over the last 50 years, and treatment approaches are now very individualised to each diagnosis. Treatments consider several factors: grade of cancer, stage of cancer, hormone status, menopausal status and other underlying health factors, as well as genetic factors which can be used to predict how well someone will respond to specific treatments.

DEPENDING ON DIAGNOSIS, THE BELOW TREATMENTS ARE USED:

• Surgery such as a mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery, axillary (armpit) surgery, and reconstructive surgery

• Chemotherapy which may be used before or after surgery

• Radiotherapy which is usually given after chemotherapy and breast-conserving surgery to kill any potential remaining breast cancer cells

• Endocrine (hormonal) therapy which is used in cancers that are oestrogen-receptor positive and is often taken for 5-10 years

• Targeted therapies, which are specific treatments that are individually targeted depending on the type of cancer (e.g. Herceptin)

The exact causes of breast cancer are still not fully understood. However, there are lifestyle interventions and treatments that can reduce the risk.

Lifestyle Factors: Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and reducing alcohol intake have all been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer (and other cancers too).

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