The human body is complex and prone to several medical conditions, the causes of which remain a mystery to the general public. One such disease is breast cancer many women are aware of. They may or may not have a knowledge of how dangerous this is or do they have it. However, they sure know this condition since women are more prone to this cancer than men.
As a prominent breast cancer hospital in Ahmedabad, it is our responsibility to shed light on this topic and, thus, this blog. Let’s begin with understanding the basics of breast cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a result of abnormal growth and mutation of breast cells that forms a tissue mass known as a tumor. This cancer can develop in the tissues around your breast and move to different body parts to grow a new tumor. This condition is referred to as metastasis.
Breast cancer most commonly affects women, especially those over 50. However, it can also affect men and transgender people. In general, there is no particular age of diagnosis, and it can happen at any time.
What are the Different Types of Breast Cancer?
There are numerous types of breast cancers, namely:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ
- Infiltrating (invasive) ductal carcinoma
- Lobular carcinoma in situ
- Infiltrating (invasive) lobular carcinoma
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
- Paget’s disease of the breast
What are the Early Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
The symptoms and their severity can vary with the person’s condition. However, some of the general or possible symptoms include:
- A pea-sized lump or mass
- Changes in breast shape, size, or contour
- Dimpled, scaly, puckered, or inflamed nipple or breast
- Thickening in or lump around the underarm or breast that stays throughout periods
- An area that does not match any area of either breast
- Redness on the skin, nipple, or breast
- A marble-like hard area under the skin
- Clear or blood-stained fluid discharge from the nipple
It is common for breast cancer patients not to notice these symptoms, which is why regular mammograms are essential.
What can Cause Breast Cancer?
As discussed above, breast cancer results from the unusual growth of cells in the breast. However, medical professionals are unable to identify the root cause or beginning of the cell growth, division, and multiplication process. But some research states multiple factors that can increase the chances of having or developing this cancer. They are:
- Age: People aged 50 and over are at higher risk of developing breast cancer.
- Genetics and Family History: If any of your blood relatives have been a breast cancer patient, you may develop it sometime in your life. Nearly 5 to 10% of breast cancer cases are because of the single abnormal genes that can be identified by genetic testing.
- Alcohol: Some research states that alcohol consumption can increase the chances of developing certain breast cancer.
- Smoking: Tobacco has long been linked to the development of cancerous cells in the body, and its connection with breast cancer is no different.
- Exposure to Radiation: If your neck, head, or chest has been exposed to radiation because of certain therapies, the chances of developing breast cancer are high.
- Obesity: Being overweight increases the chances of developing breast cancer and its recurrence.
- Hormone Replacement Therapy: People using or undergoing this therapy, also known as HRT, are at high risk of being diagnosed with this cancer.
A Note from Sunflower Multispeciality Hospital
Breast cancer has several stages, wherein stage 0 is the least dangerous, and stage 4 is highly severe. As the best hospital in Naranpura, we believe that correct diagnosis and treatment, alongside accurate knowledge, are essential to feeling optimistic about your condition and treatment.
So, remember not to panic and contact us in case of any queries concerning breast cancer.
