Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
Breast cancer can begin in different parts of the breast. A breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple. The connective tissue (which consists of fibrous and fatty tissue) surrounds and holds everything together. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.
Breast cancer can spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is said to have metastasized.
Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide representing nearly a quarter (25%) of all cancers. This means, every fourth cancer detected will be breast cancer.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
WHAT NEXT?
- Visit a doctor for a clinical check up
- Breast imaging – Ultrasound or mammogram
- FNAC or Biopsy based on doctor’s advice
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR BREAST CANCER?
- After staging evaluation, your oncologist will explain the treatment options available – Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation
- Surgical treatments can be Breast conservation surgery or complete removal of the breast, that is, mastectomy depending on the stage of cancer.
