An alarming rise in the number of cancer cases has become a matter of worry for medical professionals across the nation. The latest statistics exhibit that around 40.6% is the increased rate of breast cancer incidents. The most commonly found cancer in Indian females is Breast cancer. Approximately 30% of the incident cases were under the age of 40.

The Inception of Breast Cancer

Simply put, it is the abnormal growth of cells in the breast. These cells continue to accumulate, forming a mass by dividing themselves rapidly. The cells that get affected initially are the milk-creating ducts and lobules. These lumps are called tumors, which can be of 2 types.

Tumors are categorized into: cancerous tumors and non-cancerous tumors. The latter one contains cells that grow slowly. The Non-Cancerous ones are not invasive. In other words, these tumors can’t invade other body parts. On the other hand, Cancerous tumors multiply and are invasive. It spreads through blood, lymph vessels, and neighboring tissues.

Here are a few symptoms of breast cancer you might look for before consulting your doctor for a breast examination:

• A breast lump in only one breast. 
• Continuous odd pain in the breast.
• Newly inverted nipple.
• Dimpling over the breast.

Doctors have also observed a couple of risk factors that might lead to breast cancer more effectively. The increasing risk factors are:

• Menstruating before the age of 12.
• Having the first pregnancy after 30’s.
• Increased alcohol intake.
• Tobacco addiction.
• Hormonal replacement therapy.
• Exposure to radiation to the head, chest, and neck. 
• Obesity.
• Genetically inherited.
• Increasing age.

The causes of breast cancer increase as women age over 50. Still, it is advised that women should undergo breast cancer screening from the time they reach the age of 30. A genetic test is medically recommended if any of their close relatives have also been affected by the same.

Even children carry the cancer-causing genes from their parents namely, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and TP53. Women with dense breast tissue should undergo a mammography test because they have comparatively more cells to be affected by breast cancer.

If you start menstruating early, your ovaries start producing more hormones. In this case, ovaries secrete Estrogen for a prolonged time because then menopause hits lately. Pregnancy can interfere with Estrogen. So, if you are planning pregnancy after your 30s, the hormones are secreted persistently which can put you at further risk.

Another alarming relationship is between menopause and hormone exposure. If a woman is overweight after her menopause, it may place her at a higher risk of breast cancer. More Estrogen is produced if you are overweight or obese.

On the contrary, the factors that can decrease the risk of breast cancer are – prolonged breastfeeding, limiting sugar intake, mainly eating home-cooked food, and avoiding grilled food.

Despite all these risk factors, causes, and symptoms of breast cancer, an exact cause is yet to be found. Usually, if a cell with damaged DNA is mutated, it will cause breast cancer. Below are some myths related to breast cancer causes:

• Exposure to microwaves.
• Contact with cancer patients.
• Intake of caffeine products.
• Cell phone radiation.
• Underwire bras.
• Using deodorants or antiperspirants.

Breast Cancer Treatment

Treatment for breast cancer can be provided based on – your menopause state, health, stage of cancer, and invasive area. The oncologist will check for how far the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

The primary treatment is to undergo surgeries to remove the cancer-affected area. However, doctors combine it with other therapies for effective treatment. Below are the various treatments for breast cancer: Surgeries, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Harmon, and Targeted therapy.

Surgery Treatment

When we talk about surgeries, these form most of it. Mastectomy is carried out to take away one or more breasts. As the name indicates, lumpectomy focuses on removing the lumps from the breast. The Sentinel Node Biopsy is performed if a few lymph nodes are to be removed.

Chemotherapy

It doesn’t cure cancer; instead, it brings down the tumor, eases the pain, and lessens the symptoms of cancer. Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer medicines, also called cytotoxins. The therapy is generally provided after the surgery if any cancer cells are left out. In this way, chemotherapy sessions are performed to kill the cancer cells.

Radiotherapy

Here, radiation like X-rays are used to kill cancer cells. It is most effective in early-stage cancers where mastectomy is not required. This therapy reduces the recurrence of breast cancer i.e., metastatic cancer. Radiotherapy can be applied to any of these 3 parts- breast, chest wall, or lymph nodes.

Immunotherapy

This therapy works by interfering with your body’s immunity. The cancer cells manufacture protein in your body so human immunity doesn’t treat them as a threat. Thus, immunotherapy benefits by killing cancer cells. This is generally used in triple-negative breast cancer cases.

Hormone Therapy

It is most effective in hormone receptor-positive cancers where the cancer cells use the body hormones, namely, Estrogen to grow and multiply. One of the best ways to stop it is by providing SERM - Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator. These medications work by blocking Estrogen from attaching to cancer cells.

Conclusion

Breast cancer can be treated well through early detection. It occurs in every nation across the globe. Approximately 1% of the breast cancer patients are males. The treatment process is the same for both males and females. 

However, educating the public about the symptoms of breast cancer, providing medical attention at early stages, centralized medical services and quick diagnosis will lead to decreased mortality rates. 

If the cancer is recurring, it gets difficult to be treated. These kinds of metastatic cancers can be life-threatening. Never neglect and consult your nearest oncologist if you find any symptoms.