What is Breast Cancer

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. These abnormal cells can form tumors (lumps of tissue) and may invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems — a process called metastasis.

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Key Features of Cancer:

• Uncontrolled cell growth: Unlike normal cells, cancer cells don't stop dividing.

• Ability to invade: Cancer cells can invade surrounding tissues.

• Metastasis: They can travel to distant organs and form new tumors.

 

Types of Cancer:

Cancer can occur almost anywhere in the body. Some common types include:

• Carcinoma: Starts in the skin or tissues that line organs (e.g., lung, breast, colon).

• Sarcoma: Starts in bone, muscle, fat, or connective tissue.

• Leukemia: Cancer of the blood or bone marrow.

• Lymphoma: Affects the lymphatic system.

• Brain and spinal cord tumors: Cancers of the central nervous system.

 

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Genetic mutations

• Lifestyle factors: Smoking, alcohol, diet, lack of exercise

• Infections: Like HPV or Hepatitis B/C

• Environmental exposures: Radiation, chemicals

• Family history

 

Symptoms (vary by type and location):

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Pain

• Skin changes

• Persistent cough or hoarseness

• Lumps or swelling

 

Treatment Options:

• Surgery: Removing tumors

• Radiation therapy

• Chemotherapy

• Immunotherapy

• Targeted therapy

• Hormone therapy

Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

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Whats is Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the cells of the breast. It occurs when breast cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor that can often be seen on an X-ray or felt as a lump. If not treated, it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

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Key Facts About Breast Cancer:

• Origin: Most breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal cancers) or in the glands that produce milk (lobular cancers).

• Types: There are different types of breast cancer, including:

  • Invasive ductal carcinoma – the most common type.

  • Invasive lobular carcinoma.

  • Other less common forms like triple-negative breast cancer or inflammatory breast cancer.

 

Common Symptoms:

• A lump or mass in the breast or underarm.

• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.

• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), sometimes with blood.

• Skin dimpling or puckering.

• Redness or flaky skin on the breast or nipple.

 

Risk Factors:

• Being female (though men can also get breast cancer).

• Older age.

• Family history of breast cancer.

• Inherited gene mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2).

• Hormonal factors, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

 

Diagnosis:

• Mammogram (X-ray of the breast).

• Ultrasound or MRI.

• Biopsy (taking a small tissue sample to examine under a microscope).

 

Treatment:

Depends on the stage and type, and may include:

• Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy).

• Radiation therapy.

• Chemotherapy.

• Hormonal therapy.

• Targeted therapy.

 

Prevention and Early Detection:

• Regular breast self-exams.

• Routine mammograms.

• Healthy lifestyle (diet, exercise, limiting alcohol).