Breast Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Guide

Understanding the condition:

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. These cancerous cells usually begin in the milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, and they can spread to nearby tissue or to other parts of the body if not treated.

Common reasons & risk factors

• Genetic changes: Some people inherit mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2) that increase risk.
• Hormonal exposure: Long-term exposure to estrogen (early puberty, late menopause, hormone therapy) can raise risk.
• Age: Risk increases as people get older.
• Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer increases risk.
• Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking.
• Radiation exposure: Especially radiation to the chest at a young age.
  
  

Symptoms, Diagnosis and Care:

Common symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Change in breast size or shape
• Breast pain that does not go away
• Skin changes on the breast (dimpling, redness, puckering, or “orange-peel” texture)
• Nipple changes (inversion, discharge—especially bloody, or pain)
• Swelling in part or all of the breast
• Sores or rash on the nipple or breast
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone

⚠️ Important: Early breast cancer may cause no symptoms, which is why regular screening is important.

Doctors diagnose breast cancer through a step-by-step process that confirms whether cancer is present and how advanced it is.

1. Clinical breast examination

2. Imaging tests

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• MRI

3. Biopsy (confirmation test)

4. Lab tests on biopsy sample

Cancer type and grade

• Hormone receptors (estrogen/progesterone)
• HER2 status

5. Staging tests (if cancer is found)

Tests like CT scan, PET scan, or bone scan may be used to see if the cancer has spread.

Treatment and management of breast cancer depend on the type, stage, and biology of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. Most treatment plans combine more than one approach.

1. Surgery

2. Radiation therapy

3. Chemotherapy

4. Hormone (endocrine) therapy

5. Targeted therapy

6. Immunotherapy

7. Supportive & long-term management

Outlook and Patient Guidance:

Breast cancer often has a good prognosis, especially when detected early and treated promptly. Many patients respond well to modern treatments and can live long, healthy lives. Advanced cases can often be managed to control symptoms and slow progression.

Patients should follow their treatment plan, attend regular follow-ups, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and seek emotional and social support when needed.