Breast cancer is a prevalent and deadly disease, with over 55,000 new cases and 11,500 deaths among women in the UK each year. In the US, it affects 266,000 individuals annually, leading to 40,000 fatalities. However, what exactly causes breast cancer and how can it be effectively treated?
Breast cancer originates from cancerous cells that develop in the lining of ducts or lobules in the breasts. If the cancer spreads to surrounding tissue, it is classified as “invasive.” Some individuals are diagnosed with “carcinoma in situ,” where cancer cells have not yet grown beyond the duct or lobule. While most cases occur in individuals over the age of 50, younger women can also be affected. Although rare, breast cancer can also develop in men.
Staging is crucial for determining the size of the cancer and the extent of its spread. Stage 1 indicates the earliest stage, whereas stage 4 denotes that the cancer has metastasized to another part of the body. The cancer cells are assigned a grade based on their growth rate, ranging from low (slow growth) to high (fast-growing). High-grade cancers are more likely to recur after initial treatment.
The precise cause of breast cancer remains unclear. However, it is believed that certain genes in a cell are damaged or altered, leading to abnormal cell growth and multiplication. While breast cancer can develop without an apparent cause, there are certain risk factors that can increase its likelihood, such as genetics.
The primary symptom of breast cancer is typically a painless lump in the breast. However, most lumps are non-cancerous and benign, often fluid-filled cysts. When breast cancer spreads, it often affects the lymph nodes in the armpit, leading to swelling or a lump in that area.
To diagnose breast cancer, doctors conduct an initial assessment, examining the breasts and armpits. They may also perform a mammography, which is a specialized x-ray of the breast tissue that can detect the presence of tumors. Additionally, a biopsy is performed, where a small sample of tissue is extracted and examined under a microscope to determine the presence of abnormal cells.
If breast cancer is confirmed, further tests may be necessary to assess its spread. These may include blood tests, liver ultrasound scans, or chest X-rays.
Treatment for breast cancer can involve a combination of options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment. Surgery may entail breast-conserving surgery or the removal of the affected breast, depending on the tumor’s size. Radiotherapy utilizes high-energy beams of radiation to target cancerous tissue, killing or preventing the multiplication of cancer cells. Chemotherapy involves administering anti-cancer drugs to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Hormone treatments are commonly used for breast cancer types influenced by estrogen, as these treatments reduce hormone levels or block their effects.
The success of breast cancer treatment depends on early diagnosis and localized tumors. Surgical removal of the tumor in the early stages offers the best chance of a cure. Routine mammography screenings for women between the ages of 50 and 70 have contributed to the early detection and treatment of more breast cancers.
For additional information, individuals can visit breastcancernow.org or contact the free helpline at 0808 800 6000.
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