General Knowledge of Breast Cancer

With an estimated 2.3 million new cases in 2022, Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. Breast Cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells often form a tumor, which may be detected through imaging, like an x-ray, or felt as a lump. If the cancer extends beyond the breast to other areas, it is considered advanced breast cancer. When it spreads to distant organs- such as the liver, lungs, bone, or brain- it is known as metastatic breast cancer.

CAUSES & SYMPTOMS

Breast cancer development can be influenced by a combination of many different factors such as genetics, lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental. Exposure to radiation, consuming alcohol, being overweight, or not being physically active are well-known risk factors. Strong family history of the disease also has a higher risk of developing Breast cancer.

Most Common Symptoms:

• Lump or mass in the breast or underarm (armpit)
• Often painless and hard, with uneven edges
• Swelling of all or part of the breast (even if no distinct lump is felt)
• Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes resembling an orange peel texture)
• Breast or nipple pain
• Nipple retraction (turning inward)
• Redness, scaling, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), especially if bloody

TREATMENT

Treatment of Breast cancer may depend on the stage of the disease

Types of treatment for Breast cancer include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy

SOURCES

• https://www.uicc.org/what-we-do/thematic-areas/breast-cancer?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=6715636462&gbraid=0AAAAACtPk6jMcL453HUi8IAs2J37r14Mi&gclid=Cj0KCQjwotDBBhCQARIsAG5pinMQJ5ea5vBGmqnC8pu8xS6J0skBDRF_frEHGtl66w1G8-j_MW0gQvsaAsMiEALw_wcB

• https://silentspring.org/resources/breast-cancer-and-environment?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20979522397&gbraid=0AAAAAobKgiO4Jjfj6TQKNVuukb6t2kHKH&gclid=Cj0KCQjwotDBBhCQARIsAG5pinN5CKeaLVWxL_9rUmotubukqkP7J4gAikuX5Ki5DgZ-8a_oPipZXv8aAhF8EALw_wcB

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470

• https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/patient/breast-treatment-pdq

• COVER PHOTO: https://www.facs.org/for-patients/the-day-of-your-surgery/breast-cancer-surgery/breast-cancer-types/breast-cancer-staging/