Breast Cancer

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. It is the most common type of cancer among women and can also occur in men. Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, like the milk ducts or the lobules. It can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Precautions:

  • Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases breast cancer risk, especially after menopause. Aim for a healthy BMI and manage weight through diet and exercise.
  • Stay physically active: Regular exercise (30-60 minutes most days) reduces breast cancer risk.
  • Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake increases risk. If you drink, aim for moderation.
  • Breastfeed (if possible): Breastfeeding for a year or more may slightly reduce risk.
  • Consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT) carefully: Some types of HRT, especially combined estrogen and progestin, can increase risk. Discuss options with your doctor based on your individual needs and risks.
  • Routine breast self-exams: Familiarize yourself with your breasts and report any changes to your doctor.
  • Regular mammograms: Schedule mammograms according to your doctor’s recommendations, typically starting around age 40.
  • Age: Risk increases with age, especially after menopause.
  • Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer increases your risk.
  • Genetic mutations: Inherited mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and other genes significantly raise risk.
  • Dense breast tissue: Women with higher breast tissue density have slightly increased risk.
  • Menstrual history: Starting periods early (before age 12) and starting menopause late (after age 55) increase risk.
  • Never having children or having your first child after age 30: These factors may slightly increase risk.

Assessment:

  • Breast cancer assessment involves a multi-step process typically led by oncologists or specialists.
  • It aims to accurately identify the presence and characteristics of any potential cancer, including:
    • Medical history: Discussing symptoms, risk factors, and family history.
    • Physical examination: Checking for lumps, dimpling, or other potential signs.
    • Imaging tests: Mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs to visualize breast tissue.
    • Biopsy: Extracting a tissue sample for microscopic examination, the definitive diagnostic step.

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Lumps: Painless, firm, irregular lump in breast tissue.
  • Shape/Size: Sudden or gradual changes like one breast becoming larger.
  • Nipple: Inward retraction, pulling, redness, scaliness, discharge (especially bloody).
  • Skin: Dimpling, redness, thickening resembling orange peel texture.
  • Pain: Discomfort, tenderness, or burning in breast or armpit.
  • Lymph Nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in armpit or near collarbone.

Evaluation:

Evaluating breast cancer goes beyond a simple yes/no answer. It requires thorough examination and professional judgment. While I can’t offer assessments, here’s what goes into it:

  1. Medical History & Symptoms: Discussing family history, risk factors, and any concerning changes like lumps, nipple discharge, or skin changes.
  2. Physical Exam: Feeling for abnormal breast masses, checking for lymph node swelling.
  3. Imaging Tests: Mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs to visualize internal structures.
  4. Biopsy: Removing a tissue sample for microscopic analysis, the definitive diagnostic step
  5. Additional Tests: Genetic testing for high-risk individuals, or specific molecular tests.

Instructions During Treatment:

Once diagnosed, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on factors like type of cancer, stage, your overall health, and personal preferences. Some common treatment options include:

  • Surgery: Often the primary treatment, involving removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue. Options include lumpectomy (removing just the tumor), mastectomy (removing the entire breast), and lymph node removal.
  • Radiation therapy: High-energy beams targeting cancer cells and preventing their spread.
  • Chemotherapy: Powerful drugs administered intravenously or orally to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
  • Hormonal therapy: For hormone-receptor-positive cancers, targeting hormonal influences on cancer growth. This can involve medications or surgery to remove ovaries.
  • Targeted therapy: Drugs designed to attack specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells, offering more precise treatment with fewer side effects.

Post Treatment Support:

  • Physical: Follow-up appointments, managing long-term effects (fatigue, pain), rehabilitation for physical changes.
  • Emotional: Support groups, therapy, counselling to navigate emotions and fears
  • Social: Reconnect with loved ones, find new activities, rebuild your sense of normalcy.
  • Financial: Explore resources for managing treatment costs, navigating insurance.
  • Nutrition & Exercise: Maintain healthy habits for long-term wellness.
  • Monitoring: Regular checkups, screenings to detect potential recurrences early.

FAQ’s:

A: No guaranteed prevention, but healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, weight control) can reduce risk.

A: Family history increases risk, but most cases aren’t directly inherited. Genetic testing may advise further steps.

A: Depends on stage and type. Early detection improves cure chances. “Cured” means no evidence for several years.

A: May complement conventional treatment, but not replace it. Discuss with doctor for safety and effectiveness.

A: Many thrive after treatment. Adjustments may be needed, but support and healthy habits help you adapt and live well.

Our Doctor's At Good Life Clinic

Cancer is on a rise. Each year more than 1 crore people lose their lives to cancer. We understand that the quality of life is equally important to the quantity of life. Our treatments always keep the quality of life in focus. This has helped us achieve exceptional patient outcomes.

Dr Akanksha Bansal

Pain and Palliative Specialist

MBBS from KMC, Mangalore, Manipal University

MD Anaesthesia from People's College, Bhopal

FIAPM (Fellowship in Pain Medicine) Daradia, Kolkata

EDPM - European Diploma in Pain Medicine, Belgium

Dr Sahil Gupta

Medical oncologist and Hematologist

MBBS from UCMS and GTB hospital, Delhi

MD Radiation oncology from the prestigious KGMU college, Lucknow

DM Medical Oncology from Ramiah Medical College/ HCG Ramiah Hospital, Bengaluru

ESMO - Certified European Society for Medical Oncology

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