Breast Cancer: Know the Facts, Protect Your Health Blog: Dr. Ashutosh Jain

What Is Breast Cancer? 

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a lump or mass and may eventually invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma), the areas involved in milk production. 
 
Although it primarily affects women, men can develop breast cancer too. It’s rare in men but not impossible. 
 
Reflection point: Have you noticed any changes in your breasts recently? If so, it’s time to consult a healthcare provider—early evaluation is key. 

Symptoms: What Should You Look For? 

• A new lump in the breast or underarm 

• Swelling or thickening of breast tissue 

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin 

• Nipple inversion or unusual discharge 

• Redness or flaky skin on the nipple or breast 

• Persistent pain in one area 

The Power of Screening 

Breast cancer screening plays a critical role in detecting the disease before symptoms appear. The most used screening tool is the mammogram, an X-ray image of the breast. 
 
Health authorities generally recommend: 

• Women aged 40 and above: Begin annual or biennial mammograms

•  Women at high risk: Start earlier and consider additional imaging such as breast MRI 

Reminder: When was your last mammogram? If you can’t recall, it may be time to book your next appointment. 

Risk Factors: Who Is More Likely to Develop Breast Cancer? 

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors: 

• Age (risk increases after 50) 

• Personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer 

• Inherited gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2) 

• Early menstruation or late menopause

•  History of chest radiation therapy 

Modifiable Risk Factors: 

• Being overweight, especially after menopause 

• Lack of physical activity 

• Excessive alcohol use

•  Smoking

• Prolonged use of hormone replacement therapy 

Consider this: Are there any lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk? 

Types of Breast Cancer 

Common Types: 

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive; confined to the ducts 

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Most common; spreads beyond the ducts 

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Starts in lobules and may spread 

Based Upon Histopathology results: 

• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors 

• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Responsive to targeted therapies 

• Hormone Positive Breast cancer 

Diagnosing Breast Cancer 

Diagnosis usually follows abnormal findings during a screening or clinical exam. Common diagnostic tools include: 

• Imaging Tests: Mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI 

• Biopsy: Tissue sample is taken to confirm the presence and type of cancer 

• Staging Tests: Determine how advanced the cancer is and whether it has spread with the help of PET CT & CT scans.  

Understanding your diagnosis helps guide the most appropriate treatment path. 

Treatment Options 

Breast cancer treatment is not the same for everyone. It depends on the type, stage, hormone receptor status, and personal health. 
 
Standard Treatment Approaches: 

• Surgery: Lumpectomy or mastectomy

•  Radiation Therapy: Destroys remaining cancer cells

•  Chemotherapy: Often used before or after surgery 

• Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers

•  Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific cancer traits (e.g., HER2)

•  Immunotherapy: Used in select cases 

Checklist: Don’t hesitate to ask your oncologist about side effects, outcomes, and second opinions. 

Life After Breast Cancer: Recovery and Support 

Completing treatment is a major milestone, but the journey doesn't end there. Survivorship involves ongoing care and emotional healing. 
 
Follow-Up May Include: 

• Regular checkups 

• Managing long-term side effects

• Physical rehabilitation

• Mental health support

• Reconstructive surgery options

• Fertility related issues

Support counts: Many patients benefit from survivor groups or counseling. 

Prevention and Proactive Health 

While not all breast cancers are preventable, risk can be reduced with healthy habits: 
Maintain a healthy weight 

• Stay active

•  Eat a balanced diet

•  Limit alcohol and avoid tobacco

•  Know your family history 

• Attend regular screenings 

Public health tip: Promoting early screening in your community can save lives. 

In Conclusion 

Breast cancer is a serious diagnosis, but early detection, treatment, and support make a meaningful difference. Whether you are learning for yourself, a loved one, or your patients, the first step is awareness. 
 
Let this be your reminder: Pay attention to your body. Talk to your doctor. Don’t delay screening. 
 
Knowledge leads to action—and action saves lives.