Overview of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Early detection and understanding its early signs is vital for reducing its impact.

Signs and Symptoms

Early Symptoms include:

●A lump or thickened tissue in the breast or underarm.

●Changes in breast shape or size.

●Unexplained pain in the breast or nipple.

These signs are observable and may indicate breast cancer:

●Redness, dimpling, or skin irritation resembling an orange peel.

●Nipple discharge (may be clear, yellow, or blood-stained).

●Nipple retraction or inversion.

Types of Breast Cancer

○Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS):Non-invasive; confined to the milk ducts.

○Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):Most common type; spreads to surrounding tissues.

○Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS):Abnormal cells in the lobules, often a marker of increased cancer risk.

○Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):Starts in the lobules and spreads to nearby tissues.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer:Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors; more aggressive and harder to treat.

○HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:High levels of HER2 protein; often aggressive but treatable with targeted therapies.

Stages of  Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is staged based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs:

Stage O:

Non-invasive; confined to ducts or lobules.

Stage II:

Tumor ≤2 cm and no lymph node involvement.

Stage II:

Tumor between 2-5 cm or lymph node involvement.

Stage III:

Larger tumors or extensive lymph node involvement; locally advanced.

Stage IV:

Metastatic cancer; spread to other organs like bones, liver.

Always:

Discuss family history and genetic testing (e.g., BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations) with your doctor.

Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you notice any abnormal changes as indicated above for personalized advice on diagnosis 

By understanding the signs, symptoms, and stages of breast cancer, you can take proactive steps toward prevention, early detection, and effective treatment.