Introduction to Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a major health concern affecting millions of women worldwide. Did you know that about one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime? This statistic highlights the importance of understanding, detecting, and managing this condition effectively. Thanks to advancements in early detection and treatment, the outlook for many women has improved dramatically. This guide will help you navigate the essentials of breast cancer, from risk factors to treatments, in a way that's easy to understand.
The breast is made up of lobules , ducts and fatty tissue (stroma). When breast cells start dividing and growing without any control, breast cancer occurs.
If these cancerous cells are confined within the ducts (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), it is non-invasive breast cancer. At this stage the cancer can be detected early and can be treated with a good chance of cure. When the cancer spreads beyond the ducts or lobules into the surrounding tissues, it is palpable and enters the invasive stage. Cancer in the invasive stage, can spread to the neighbouring lymph nodes and if left untreated to other areas of the body.
Breast cancer has become the number one cancer in women in metropolitan cities. The incidence is rapidly rising with 1 in 25 women in urban women likely to suffer from breast cancer during their lifetime. If you have any of the following,
Please do consult a doctor if you feel you may be at risk.
Usually, there is no pain or symptoms associated with the early stages of breast cancer. But breast cancer may present as any of the following signs or symptoms:
Please do consult a doctor if you have any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms. You can’t catch breast cancer-it is not infectious. Stress/injury to the breast doesn’t cause breast cancer.
Breast cancer does not spell doom anymore with modalities to pick up the disease early. There are three ways to detect and confirm the presence of breast cancer
Self-breast Examination forms an important part of early detection of Breast Cancer.
There are several modalities of treatment–these include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. These are usually used in combination and sequence of all these modalities is determined based on: • Stage of the breast cancer • Menopausal status • Hormone receptors (ER/PR) status in the tumour • Presence/absence of Her-2-neu overexpression
| STAGE | TREATMENT |
|---|---|
| Stage 0: Treatment depends on the kind of cancer the patient has | Surgery is the usual line of treatment for this stage.
|
| Radiation therapy is needed when lumpectomy is done, to lower the risk of cancer returning to the breast. | |
| Stage 1: Early-stage breast cancer when the cancer has not spread beyond the breast |
|
| Stage 2: Early-stage breast cancer when the cancer is contained within the breast and neighboring lymph nodes |
|
| Stage 3: Locally Advanced Cancer when the cancer still has not spread far beyond the breast and neighboring lymph nodes | Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is commonly given first. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are usually given to treat stage 3 breast cancer. |
| Stage 4: Cancer has spread elsewhere in the body- bones, brain, lungs, liver, or other sites. | As multiple areas may be involved, a multimodality treatment is required. The objective is to slow down the spread and prolong life. Chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy is the main treatment here. |
SHORT TERM SIDE-EFFECTS
LONG TERM CHANGES
For those women who are unhappy with the idea of losing their breast and are suitable for an immediate breast reconstruction, can chose this option so that they wake up with a breast after surgery. A Plastic surgeon is involved in this case and utilizes your own tissues to create a breast form which closely matches your opposite breast, if required an artificial implant may also be used. He or she can help you decide what would be the best site from where to acquire the flap from your body for the reconstruction. It may not feel like your normal breast and may not match your natural breast exactly but can be extremely satisfying in the way you look. If you don’t want to get your breast reconstructed in the same sitting, you can get a delayed reconstruction done about 1- 2 years after completion of treatment. This procedure requires you to stay in the hospital for about 5 days.
After a breast conservation surgery in case of large volume defects, oncoplastic surgery can be performed to help preserve the breast shape, improve aesthetic outcomes for the patient and can be performed at the same time as the tumor is removed. With oncoplastic procedures, symmetry and other aesthetic issues are addressed to minimize both physical and emotional trauma that may arise during breast cancer treatment. Oncoplastic surgery to done may depend on the size of the defect after the tumour has been excised and may vary from simple breast mobilization to local flaps that may be rotated into the breast up till Latissimus dorsi muscle (back muscle) mobilization into the breast to fill larger defects.
After your treatment is completed, you will be asked to come for follow up every 6 months by your doctor.
At each follow up you will be carefully examined by your doctor and will be required to perform a mammogram once in every 18 months. Unless you are symptomatic, you are not required to undergo any additional investigations.
There is no need to repeat all investigations at every follow up
Participate in local screening programmes
If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, then there is a possibility that you might have a genetic mutation such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or other inherited mutations. Hence going through genetic counselling will help you understand the chances of having the mutation, need for testing and risk management strategies once tested. Genetic counselors provide information, resources and support to your family.
Breast cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly among women in urban areas, but advancements in early detection and treatment have greatly improved outcomes. Understanding the risks, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for patients and their families. By prioritizing regular screenings and self-examinations, individuals can take proactive steps towards early detection, leading to better treatment success rates.
Collaboration among healthcare providers, patients, and support systems is essential in navigating the journey of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. With the right information and resources, patients can make informed decisions, engage in their treatment plans, and ultimately achieve the best possible outcomes. For personalized advice and treatment options tailored to individual needs, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Sridevi Murali at Nanavati, who specializes in Breast Surgical Oncology and Oncoplasty.
Early detection of breast cancer is crucial as it allows for more effective treatment options and a higher chance of cure. Regular self-examinations and screenings, such as mammograms, can help identify breast cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. Consulting with experts like Dr. Sridevi Murali at Nanavati, specializing in Breast Surgical Oncology and Oncoplasty, can guide you through the screening process.
Common symptoms include:
Breast cancer is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, imaging tests (such as mammograms and ultrasounds), and biopsy procedures to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Early consultation with specialists like Dr. Sridevi Murali can help streamline the diagnostic process.
Treatment options may include:
The specific treatment plan will depend on the cancer’s stage, type, and individual patient factors. For personalized treatment, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Sridevi Murali, a specialist in Breast Surgical Oncology and Oncoplasty.
Short-term side effects may include fatigue, skin irritation, and changes in breast appearance. Long-term changes may involve changes in breast shape and sensation. It’s essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare team, including Dr. Sridevi Murali, who can provide expert advice on managing these effects.
Yes, breast cancer can recur, which is why regular follow-up appointments and monitoring are important. If cancer returns, additional treatment may be required. Staying in touch with your oncologist can help in early detection of recurrence.
Breast reconstruction is a surgical procedure to rebuild the shape of the breast after a mastectomy. It can be done immediately after surgery or at a later date, depending on the patient’s preference and health. Dr. Sridevi Murali can guide you through this process, ensuring you understand your options.
Support can include offering emotional encouragement, assisting with daily tasks, attending appointments with them, and educating yourself about breast cancer to better understand their experience. Encouraging them to consult with specialists like Dr. Sridevi Murali can provide additional support and expert guidance.
Fill out the form below to schedule your free screening. We will confirm your appointment and provide further details.
