Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in India and around the world. It is the uncontrolled growth of cells present in the breast tissue. Breast cancer screening tests is predominantly seen in women but in rare cases, it can occur in men as well. Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The kind of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer. Like other cancers, breast cancer can invade and grow into the tissue surrounding your breast. It can also travel to other parts of your body and form new tumours. When this happens, it’s called metastasis.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A lump or mass in the breast that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- Breast rash
- Change is the shape, size, or appearance of the breast
- Changes in the skin over the breast, for example, dimpling
- Breast pain
- Inverted or pulling-in of the nipple
- Scaling, peeling, or flaking skin over the breast, particularly in the dark area around the nipple
- Discharge from the nipple
- Redness or pitting of the breast skin, resembling the skin of an orange.
- A marble-like hardened area under your skin.
Some people don’t notice any signs of breast cancer symptoms at all. That’s why routine mammograms and are so important.
Causes
Doctors know that causes of breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in your breast divide and multiply. But experts don’t know exactly what causes this process to begin in the first place. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body. Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Inherited breast cancer
Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer inheritance or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.
Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counsellor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counsellor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making. However, research indicates that are several risk factors that may increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These include:
- Smoking. Tobacco use has been linked to many different types of cancer, including breast cancer
- Alcohol use. Research indicates that drinking alcohol can increase your risk for certain types of breast cancer.
- Obesity. Having obesity can increase your risk of breast cancer and breast cancer recurrence.
- Radiation exposure. If you’ve had prior radiation therapy — especially to your head, neck or chest — you’re more likely to develop breast cancer
- Hormone replacement therapy. People who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have a higher risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Mastectomy is a surgical procedure that is performed to breast cancer treatment by removing the cancerous breast tissue. The procedure might involve removing the entire breast to prevent the spread or development of cancer.
Mastectomy is the most common and viable surgical option for women with early-stage breast cancer apart from lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery), where only the tumour is removed. In certain cases, mastectomy is carried out in women who possess a high risk of developing breast cancer as a means of preventing the onset of cancer. Lumpectomy, followed by radiation and mastectomy, are considered equally effective in preventing a recurrence of breast cancer.
However, at certain times a mastectomy is preferred over a lumpectomy.
Post-Surgical Care For Mastectomy
Patients might experience pain or discomfort post-surgery and are advised to take prescribed medications for pain management. All strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent damage to the stitches or dressing. Patients are encouraged to stay hydrated at all times, maintain a healthy diet and avoid caffeinated drinks for a certain period of time.
Patients can follow the tips given below to avoid recurrence of cancer:
- Adapt to a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Take mental health counselling if necessary
- Limit alcohol consumption
The duration of recovery from a mastectomy depends on the type of procedure the patient had undergone. Most patients are fully functional four weeks post-surgery and can resume their regular activities. However, the recovery duration is longer if there is breast reconstruction involved and might take several months for complete recovery. Hence, patients are advised to consult medical experts for post-surgery care.
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