Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment

Introduction

Breast cancer symptoms and treatment are two critical areas that everyone needs to be aware of because early detection greatly increases chances of treatment success. Breast cancer happens due to an abnormal development of cells in breast tissue, which leads to formation of a tumor. This type of cancer is among the most common diseases occurring in females throughout the world. Men can suffer from it too.

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment: Common Symptoms

There are various symptoms of breast cancer and they differ from one individual to another. There are some people who may not have any symptoms at the early stages; hence the need for screening. The common symptoms include:

• Presence of a lump or thickening on the breast and underarm

• Chest changes in shape and size

• Painful breasts

• Skin dimpling or puckering

• Redness or swelling of the breast

• Any inversion of the nipple

• Discoloration or flaking of the skin of the breast.

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment: Risk Factors

There are various risk factors which increase the probability of developing breast cancer. These include:

• Advanced age

• A family history of breast or ovarian cancer

• Obesity

• A sedentary lifestyle

• Smoking and heavy drinking

• Hormone imbalance or use of hormones for a long time

While certain risk factors are beyond your control, a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment: Diagnosis

Diagnosis is vital to ensure success in the treatment process. Doctors may employ the following diagnostic techniques:

• Physical breast examination

• Mammogram

• Breast ultrasonography

• Breast MRI

• Biopsy to detect cancer cells

The above methods assist in determining the nature, size, and stage of the cancer that can help in designing the most suitable treatment program.

Breast Cancer Symptoms and Treatment: Available Treatments

The method used for treatment depends on the stage and type of breast cancer.

Surgery

Surgery can either be used as the sole form of treatment where the tumor and sometimes nearby lymph nodes are excised (lumpectomy), or the whole breast is removed (mastectomy).

Radiation Therapy

High-energy beams of light are used in radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells remaining after surgery to prevent the risk of recurrence of cancer.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy entails use of anti-cancer drugs which can be used either prior to surgery to make the tumor small or after surgery to prevent the recurrence of cancer.

Hormone Therapy and Targeted Therapy

Hormone therapy works well for cancers that have hormone receptors because it blocks the hormones responsible for stimulating the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapy involves targeting specific proteins such as HER2 to kill cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.

Prevention Tips

Even though there isn’t a guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, adopting some healthy behaviors will reduce the risks of developing it. It includes maintaining an appropriate body weight, exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, reducing the amount of alcohol you consume, not smoking, and undergoing regular breast exams and mammograms. Conducting breast self-exams will allow you to know what is usual in your breasts.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the symptoms and treatment of breast cancer is crucial for the early detection and better results of the treatments available today. With advancements in surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy, there have been great survival rates of women with breast cancer. If you experience any oddities in your breasts, or if there is any family history of breast cancer, see a doctor immediately.