Breast Cancer: Know the Symptoms and Reduce Your Risk

Breast cancer (1 Trusted Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Trusted online resource about health, diseases, and public health initiatives. Institutes of Health
Go to source ) is a type of cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It is the second most common cancer among women in the United States, after skin cancer. While breast cancer can occur in men, it is rare. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and to take steps to reduce your risk.

What Is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast tissue grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells can form a lump or mass in the breast tissue, which can be felt as a lump or seen on a mammogram. Over time, the cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump or mass in the breast tissue. Other symptoms can include:

Swelling of all or part of the breast
Skin irritation or dimpling
Breast or nipple pain
Nipple retraction (turning inward)
Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
Discharge from the nipple

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Types of Breast Cancer

There are several types of breast cancer, including:

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): DCIS is a type of non-invasive breast cancer that is confined to the milk ducts in the breast. DCIS occurs when abnormal cells are found in the lining of the milk ducts but have not yet spread outside of the ducts into the surrounding breast tissue. DCIS is usually detected by mammography and is often treated with surgery to remove the affected area of the breast, followed by radiation therapy.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): IDC is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases. IDC develops in the milk ducts of the breast and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. IDC can be detected by mammography, ultrasound, or MRI, and is usually treated with surgery to remove the affected area of the breast, followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC is a type of breast cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands of the breast and can spread to other parts of the body. ILC is less common than IDC, accounting for about 10% to 15% of all breast cancer cases. ILC can be more difficult to detect with mammography because it does not often form a distinct lump or mass. ILC is usually treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): IBC is a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that accounts for between 1% and 5% of all breast cancer cases. IBC causes the breast to become swollen, red, and warm to the touch, and can sometimes be mistaken for an infection. IBC typically does not form a distinct lump or mass that can be felt, which can make it more difficult to detect through routine breast cancer screenings. IBC is usually treated with a combination of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy, as well as hormone therapy and targeted therapy, depending on the characteristics of the cancer cells.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for estrogen, progesterone, or HER2. It is often more aggressive than other types of breast cancer and tends to grow and spread more quickly. Triple-negative breast cancer is usually treated with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. Because triple-negative breast cancer does not have the receptors that are targeted by hormone therapy or HER2-targeted therapy, these treatments are not effective for this type of cancer. Clinical trials are ongoing to develop new treatments for triple-negative breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast cancer staging is a way of describing the extent and spread of the cancer in the body. It is a crucial component in determining the appropriate treatment for breast cancer. The stage of breast cancer is determined based on the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other tissues, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body.

Here are the details of each stage of breast cancer:

Stage 0: This is also known as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In this stage, the cancer cells are confined to the milk ducts of the breast and have not invaded surrounding breast tissue or spread to lymph nodes. DCIS is considered non-invasive breast cancer because it has not yet spread beyond the milk ducts.
Stage I: In this stage, the cancer is small and has not spread beyond the breast. The tumor is typically less than 2 centimeters in size and has not spread to the lymph nodes or other tissues.
Stage II: In this stage, the cancer is either larger than 2 centimeters or has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Stage II is divided into two categories:

Stage IIA: The tumor is smaller than 2 centimeters and has spread to one to three nearby lymph nodes, or the tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IIB: The tumor is between 2 and 5 centimeters and has spread to one to three nearby lymph nodes, or the tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the lymph nodes.

Stage III: In this stage, the cancer is larger and has spread to lymph nodes and other tissues near the breast. Stage III is divided into three categories:

Stage IIIA: The tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to one to three lymph nodes, or the tumor is smaller than 5 centimeters but has spread to four to nine lymph nodes.
Stage IIIB: The cancer has spread to tissues near the breast, such as the chest wall or skin.
Stage IIIC: The cancer has spread to 10 or more lymph nodes, or has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone.

Stage IV: In this stage, the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs. Stage IV breast cancer is also known as metastatic breast cancer.

The stage of breast cancer is an essential factor in determining the appropriate course of treatment. Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment may vary depending on the stage of the cancer and other factors, such as a person’s overall health and personal preferences. It is crucial to receive regular screenings and report any changes in the breast to a healthcare provider for early detection and treatment of breast cancer.

Male Breast Cancer

Although breast cancer is more common in women, it can also occur in men. Men have breast tissue and are susceptible to developing breast cancer. Male breast cancer accounts for less than 1% of all breast cancer cases.

Male breast cancer is similar to breast cancer in women and is classified based on the stage and type of cancer. The most common type of male breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

Symptoms of male breast cancer can include a lump or mass in the breast tissue, changes in the skin or nipple, discharge from the nipple, or swelling in the breast tissue. Men should report any changes in the breast tissue to their healthcare provider for further evaluation.

Treatment for male breast cancer is similar to treatment for breast cancer in women and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Treatment plans may vary depending on the stage and type of cancer, as well as other factors such as age and overall health.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

Survival rates for breast cancer depend on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis, as well as other factors such as age and overall health. According to the American Cancer Society, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for women with breast cancer is around 90%. This means that women with breast cancer are about 90% as likely as women without breast cancer to live for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

Survival rates vary depending on the stage of the cancer:

Stage 0: The 5-year relative survival rate is nearly 100%.
Stage I: The 5-year relative survival rate is around 99%.
Stage II: The 5-year relative survival rate is around 93%.
Stage III: The 5-year relative survival rate is around 72%.
Stage IV: The 5-year relative survival rate is around 27%.

It is important to note that survival rates are estimates based on large groups of people and do not predict individual outcomes. Many factors can affect a person’s individual prognosis, including the type and stage of cancer, response to treatment, and overall health.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of screening tests and diagnostic tests. Screening tests are used to detect breast cancer in people who do not have any symptoms, while diagnostic tests are used to evaluate people who have symptoms or abnormal screening results.

Screening Tests

Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer. It uses X-rays to produce images of the breast tissue, which can help detect any abnormalities or changes in the breast tissue. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue to get them every year. Women at higher risk of breast cancer may need to start getting mammograms earlier or more frequently.

Clinical breast exams (CBE) are also recommended as part of routine physical exams for women in their 20s and 30s. During a CBE, a healthcare provider will examine the breast tissue and lymph nodes for any abnormalities or changes.

Diagnostic Tests

If a screening test detects an abnormality or if a person has symptoms of breast cancer, diagnostic tests may be necessary to determine if cancer is present. Diagnostic tests may include:

Diagnostic Mammography: This is a more detailed mammogram that is used to evaluate a specific area of the breast tissue.
Breast Ultrasound: This test uses sound waves to produce images of the breast tissue and can help distinguish between a solid mass and a fluid-filled cyst.
Breast MRI: This test uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce images of the breast tissue and can help determine the extent of the cancer.
Biopsy: This is a procedure where a small sample of breast tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if cancer is present.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer, as well as other factors such as age and overall health. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery

Surgery is often the first treatment for breast cancer and may involve removing the entire breast (mastectomy) or just the cancerous tissue (lumpectomy). The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the cancer, as well as other factors such as the person’s preferences and overall health.

Mastectomy: This is a surgery to remove the entire breast. There are different types of mastectomy, including:

Simple or Total Mastectomy: This involves removing the entire breast, including the nipple and areola.
Modified Radical Mastectomy: This involves removing the entire breast, as well as the lymph nodes under the arm.
Radical Mastectomy: This involves removing the entire breast, as well as the chest wall muscles and lymph nodes under the arm.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is often used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells in the breast tissue. This treatment uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy cancer cells. There are two main types of radiation therapy:

External Beam Radiation Therapy: This involves using a machine outside the body to direct radiation at the breast tissue.
Brachytherapy: This involves placing radioactive seeds or pellets inside the breast tissue near the cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. These drugs are usually given intravenously (through a vein) or orally (by mouth). Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery, depending on the stage and type of cancer.

There are several types of chemotherapy drugs, and the type and duration of treatment depend on the person’s individual case. Side effects of chemotherapy may include hair loss, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and increased risk of infection.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy is a treatment for breast cancer that blocks the hormones that can promote the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy is usually used for breast cancers that are hormone receptor-positive, meaning they have receptors for estrogen or progesterone.

Hormone therapy may involve taking medication that blocks the production of hormones or blocks the action of hormones in the body. Examples of hormone therapy medications include tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and ovarian suppression.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that targets specific proteins or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is often used for breast cancers that are HER2-positive, meaning they have too much of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2).

Targeted therapy medications include drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin), pertuzumab (Perjeta), and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla). Side effects of targeted therapy may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, and increased risk of infection.

Breast Cancer Prevention

While some risk factors for breast cancer cannot be modified, there are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The following are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of breast cancer:

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly after menopause. Maintaining a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise can help reduce this risk.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day can help reduce this risk.
Breastfeed: Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in women who breastfeed for a longer period of time.
Get Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
Get Regular Screenings: Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival. The following are some ways to increase breast cancer awareness:

Know the Symptoms

Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer can help with early detection. Some common symptoms include a lump or mass in the breast tissue, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, or changes in the skin texture or color of the breast.

Perform Regular Self-Exams

Performing regular self-exams can help detect any changes in the breast tissue. Women should perform self-exams once a month, preferably a few days after the end of their menstrual period.

Get Regular Screenings

Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams can help detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable. The American Cancer Society recommends that women with an average risk of breast cancer start getting mammograms at age 40 and continue to get them every year.

Know Your Family History

Women with a family history of breast cancer, particularly those with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has had breast cancer, have an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Knowing your family history can help determine if additional screening or preventive measures are necessary.

Spread Awareness

Spreading awareness about breast cancer can help educate others about the importance of early detection and treatment. This can be done by sharing information on social media, participating in breast cancer awareness events, or simply talking to friends and family about the importance of breast health.

The Bottom Line

Breast cancer is a serious disease, but early detection and treatment can improve the chances of survival. Knowing the symptoms of breast cancer, performing regular self-exams, getting regular screenings, knowing your family history, and spreading awareness can all help with early detection and treatment. If you have any concerns about your breast health, talk to your healthcare provider.