Smit Halvadiya 1. Introduction
Breast cancer is a common health problem, especially among women. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide and remains a major public health concern. Although it mainly affects women, men can also develop this condition, though such cases are rare.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 99–99.5% of cases occur in women, while only 0.5–1% occur in men. This clearly shows that women are at a much higher risk, mainly due to hormonal and biological factors.
There is no single specific cause responsible for the development of this disease, apart from factors such as age and gender. It develops when cells in the breast start growing abnormally and uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a lump or mass and may spread to surrounding tissues if not treated on time.
Early awareness, proper knowledge, and timely medical care are extremely important for better outcomes.
2. What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a condition in which breast cells undergo abnormal changes and begin to multiply rapidly. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in a controlled manner. In this condition, that control is lost.
The abnormal cells may remain limited to the breast tissue in early stages, or they may spread to nearby lymph nodes and other organs in advanced stages. The speed of growth and spread depends on the type and grade of the cancer.
3. Causes and Risk Factors
There is no single confirmed cause, but several factors increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These factors can act alone or together over time.
3.1 Obesity
Excess body fat, especially after menopause, increases estrogen levels in the body. High estrogen exposure can trigger abnormal growth of breast cells.
3.2 Excessive Radiation Exposure
Exposure to high levels of radiation, especially during childhood or adolescence, can damage breast cells and increase future risk.
3.3 Excessive Use of Alcohol
Regular and heavy alcohol consumption affects hormone balance and increases the likelihood of abnormal cell growth.
3.4 Habit of Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use introduce harmful chemicals into the body that damage DNA and weaken the immune system.
3.5 Increasing Age
The risk increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in women above 40 years.
3.6 Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy taken after menopause, especially for a long duration, increases the risk due to prolonged hormone exposure.
3.7 Reproductive History
Factors such as early menstruation, late menopause, having fewer or no children, or late first pregnancy increase lifetime hormone exposure.
3.8 Family History (Main Cause)
A family history of breast cancer, especially in close relatives like mother or sister, is one of the most important risk factors. Genetic mutations can be passed from one generation to another.
4. Pathology
The development of breast cancer follows a step-by-step process:
Breast tissue
⬇
Mutation (change) in breast cells
⬇
Abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells
These mutated cells divide rapidly and form a mass. Over time, they may invade nearby tissues and lymph nodes if not treated.
5. Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms may vary from person to person. In early stages, there may be no noticeable signs, which is why regular screening is important.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Change in the appearance or size of the breast
- Thickening or lump in the breast, usually without pain
- Change in the shape of the breast
- Redness or irritation of breast skin
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Change in shape of the nipple
- Changes in the skin around the nipple
- Abnormal discharge from the nipple, which may be bloody
Any of these changes should never be ignored and must be checked by a doctor.
6. Types of Breast Cancer
Based on spread and origin, breast cancer is mainly divided into two types.
6.1 Non-Invasive Breast Cancer
In this type, abnormal cells remain confined to the ducts or lobules and do not spread to surrounding tissues.
6.2 Invasive Breast Cancer
In this type, cancer cells spread beyond the original site.
a. Invasive ductal carcinoma
It starts in the milk ducts and is the most common type.
b. Invasive lobular carcinoma
It begins in the milk-producing lobules and spreads to nearby tissue.
7. Grades of Breast Cancer
Grading describes how fast the cancer cells grow and how abnormal they look under a microscope.
- Grade 1: Slow-growing cancer cells
- Grade 2: Moderately growing cells
- Grade 3: Fast-growing and highly abnormal cells
Higher grades usually mean more aggressive disease and require intensive treatment.
8. Management of Breast Cancer
Treatment depends on the subtype, grade, and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.
8.1 Surgery
Surgery involves removal of the breast tumor. In some cases, part of the breast is removed, while in others the entire breast may be removed.
8.2 Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is used after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence by destroying remaining cancer cells.
8.3 Medication
Medicines are used to kill cancer cells and prevent their spread to other parts of the body.
8.4 Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy blocks hormones that help cancer cells grow, especially in hormone-sensitive cases.
8.5 Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to destroy rapidly growing cancer cells. It may be given before or after surgery.
9. Conclusion
Breast cancer is a serious but manageable disease if detected early. Awareness of causes, signs, pathology, types, grades, and management options plays a crucial role in saving lives. Regular self-examination, screening, and timely medical consultation are essential steps for early detection.
With proper treatment, lifestyle changes, and emotional support, many patients can live long and healthy lives. Early diagnosis remains the strongest weapon against this disease.
[…] effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education about screening, symptoms, and treatment. Supporters hope that greater knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast […]