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Breast cancer is more prevalent than you may believe. In reality, 1 in every 8 women gets diagnosed with breast carcinoma at some stage in her lifetime. But don't worry; early detection and appropriate treatment can be life-saving. That's why learning the causes, identifying the signs, and knowing the treatments is not only beneficial, it's crucial.
This blog will take you through all you want to know about breast cancer: what it is, why it occurs, how to catch the warning signs early, and how you can cope with it yourself or with someone you care about. If you are looking for awareness or after a diagnosis, this blog is for you.
Synopsis
What is Breast Cancer?
Your body is made up of cells that grow and divide in a controlled way. But sometimes, certain cells begin to grow abnormally and out of control. When this happens in the breast tissue, it leads to breast cancer.
There are 3 major types of breast cancer:
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Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: This is the most common. It starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
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Invasive Lobular Carcinoma: Begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread.
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Ductal Carcinoma in situ (DCIS): A non-invasive form where abnormal cells are confined to the ducts.
Doctors also stage breast cancer from 0 to 4. The higher the stage, the more it has spread. Early-stage cancers are generally easier to treat.
Risk Factors & Causes
Understanding what increases your risk can help you stay informed and proactive.
Genetic Factors
Some people inherit mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These genes normally protect against cancer, but mutations raise your risk significantly. If you have a close family member with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age, it’s worth getting a genetic test and counselling.
Lifestyle & Environmental Factors
Smoking, drinking alcohol, being overweight, and not doing enough physical activity can all play a role. If you’ve taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause for a long time, your risk may also increase.
Other Risk Factors
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Age: The risk goes up as you get older.
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Early menstruation or late menopause: More exposure to hormones like oestrogen.
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Having your first child after 30, or never having children at all.
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Not breastfeeding the baby.
Recognising the Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Knowing the early signs of breast cancer can help doctors diagnose the disease in its early stages and plan for treatment promptly. Below are a few common symptoms you should look for:
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A lump in the breast or underarm
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Change in the size or shape of the breast
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Nipple discharge, especially if it's bloody
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Inverted nipple or changes in how it looks
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Redness, rash, or dimpling of the breast skin (like orange peel)
Not all lumps are cancerous, but any change should be evaluated by a doctor. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, get it looked at.
Screening & Diagnosis
Early detection saves lives. Regular breast cancer screening helps find cancer before symptoms start. Breast self-examination (BSE) can help check for any lumps or changes. You know your body best. Get used to how your breasts normally feel so you can catch changes early.
Here’s what you should know:
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Mammograms: Recommended every year or two starting at age 40. If you’re at higher risk, your doctor might advise starting earlier.
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Ultrasound: Often used if something suspicious appears in a mammogram.
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MRI: Helpful in certain high-risk cases.
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Core Biopsy: This is how a definite diagnosis is made. A small tissue sample is removed and analysed in a lab.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
Finding out you have breast cancer can be overwhelming. But once diagnosed, your doctor will walk you through a treatment plan tailored just for you. The type of treatment depends on several things: what kind of cancer you have, how far it has spread (its stage), and specific traits of the tumour, like hormone receptors or gene changes.
Let’s break down the main types of treatment:
A. Surgery
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Lumpectomy: Only the tumour and a small margin of normal tissue around it are removed.
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Mastectomy: The entire breast is removed.
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In some cases, lymph nodes under the arm are removed to check if the cancer has spread.
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If underarm lymph nodes are not enlarged, a sentinel lymph node biopsy is done during the surgery.
B. Radiation Therapy
Radiation is often used after surgery, especially if you’ve had a lumpectomy. It targets the area where the cancer was removed to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Radiation is usually delivered externally and is generally painless, though some people may experience temporary skin irritation or fatigue.
C. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells throughout the body. It’s usually given in cycles and can be used before surgery (to shrink the tumour) or after (to reduce the risk of recurrence). Side effects can include nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and changes in appetite, but they are temporary.
D. Hormone Therapy
If your cancer is HER2 neu receptor-positive, drugs like Tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors can block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
E. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
If your cancer cells have hormone receptors, then trastuzumab and pertuzumab therapy can help. Sometimes, COK4 inhibitors are used.
Treatment is never one-size-fits-all. Oncologists consider many factors before recommending the best combination.
Life After Diagnosis: Coping & Support
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is overwhelming. Emotionally, you might feel scared, confused, or even angry. And that’s okay.
Support matters. Talking to a mental health counsellor, joining a support group, or connecting with survivors can make a world of difference. Online communities can be a source of comfort, too.
If you’re a caregiver or friend, be present. Just listening without judgement is powerful. Help with tasks, offer rides, or simply sit beside them. Your presence can ease their emotional burden.
Prevention & Healthy Habits
Not all breast cancer is preventable, but you can lower your risk by:
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Staying at a healthy weight.
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Exercising regularly.
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Limiting alcohol.
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Avoiding smoking.
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Breastfeeding, if possible.
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Going for regular check-ups.
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Have first child before 30 years of age.
If you’re at high risk, consider genetic counselling. It can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Supporting a Loved One with Breast Cancer
If someone you care about has breast cancer, your support matters more than you realise.
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Be there, even if you don’t know what to say.
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Offer to help with everyday tasks.
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Respect their decisions regarding treatment.
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Celebrate small victories and milestones with them.
Sometimes, a small act of kindness, a meal, a phone call, or a handwritten note can bring immense comfort.
Consult our expert surgical oncologist in Bangalore for the best care and treatment.
Conclusion
The journey through breast cancer is never easy, but knowledge makes it less frightening. Breast cancer awareness is not just about pink ribbons; it’s about encouraging regular check-ups, talking openly, and being proactive.
If caught early, breast cancer can be cured. Pay attention to your body, go for your screenings, and don’t delay getting help if you notice something off. And if you or someone you love is living with breast cancer, know that you’re not alone. Book an appointment at the Surgical Oncology department in Manipal Hospital, Malleshwaram, today and get the help you need!
FAQ's
The most common early sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. You may also notice changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or unusual discharge. Even if it seems minor, always get it checked.
Diagnosis usually involves a Triple test – a clinical examination by a cancer specialist, followed by a mammogram, and then an ultrasound or MRI if needed. If something suspicious is seen, a core biopsy is performed to confirm if it’s cancer.
Many cases of breast cancer, especially when caught early, can be cured. Long-term survival rates are improving thanks to advances in treatment.
Offer practical help, meals, transport, and childcare. Listen to them, respect their choices, and show you care. Sometimes, your quiet presence is the most powerful gift. Don’t compare or discuss depressing or negative stories about other patients.
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