One of the leading health concerns in the modern world, breast cancer affects millions of lives each year. Due to its widespread prevalence, there is a need to spread breast cancer awareness regarding the possible causes and treatments of the disease.
Although the journey from diagnosis to treatment may be overwhelming for some, proper knowledge and guidance are essential tools in this battle.
This blog explores the types, stages, and possible breast cancer treatments that will help to foster support and understanding about this disease for all those at risk and affected.
Raising Breast Cancer Awareness: A Brief Introduction
Breast cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the breast grow to form tumors. These tumors may become fatal if left unchecked, spreading to the whole body. A study in 2022 reported more than 2.3 million women affected by breast cancer and more than 670,000 deaths globally.
Breast cancer occurs worldwide, and the likelihood of its occurrence increases with old age. Proper education and breast cancer awareness can help in detecting the early symptoms of breast cancer. This means timely treatment can significantly reduce the chances of cancer spreading, possibly saving valuable lives.
Analysis of the Common Types of Breast Cancer
There are many different types of breast cancer, with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) being the most common one. However, it is important to note that specific cells in the breast that become cancer determine the type of breast cancer.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):
Also called Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma, IDC is an invasive cancer that makes up about 70-80% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Initiating in the cells lining the milk ducts in the breast, the tumor grows to other nearby breast tissues.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
Spreading knowledge about breast cancer awareness is incomplete without identifying the second most common type called Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC). Other parts of the body may get affected by cancer spreading through them. However, it is hard to detect the cancer on imaging tests such as mammograms.
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
DCIS is also referred to as intraductal carcinoma and is non-invasive in nature. According to research, about 1 in 5 new breast cancers are detected as ductal carcinoma and can be cured in its early stages. Although the cells around the ducts convert to cancer cells, other tissues nearby are not affected.
- Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS)
Abnormal cells form in the milk glands in this type of condition. Although LCIS is not cancer, being diagnosed with LCIS means that a person has an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Likewise, LCIS doesn’t show up on mammograms and is often discovered as a result of breast biopsy. Nevertheless, breast cancer awareness about LCIS is critical to detecting and treating it in its early stages.
A Look the Stages of Breast Cancer
Spreading breast cancer awareness involves identifying and recognizing the symptoms of breast cancer as well as the stage it has progressed to. By carefully evaluating the stages of breast cancer, effective breast cancer treatments can be put into effect.
Breast cancer stages are determined by the following:
- the size of the tumor
- its location, and
- whether it has spread to other parts.
Stage 0: At the very start of the scale, Stage 0 describes a non-invasive breast cancer that includes ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). At this stage, there are no signs that the cancer has spread to the healthy tissues nearby.
Stage 1: This is a very early stage of invasive cancer also known as Early-Stage Breast Cancer. At this stage, the tumor cells spread to other healthy breast tissues nearby, but it is fairly localized and in a small area.
Stage 2: More commonly known as Localized Breast Cancer, Stage 2 is classified into two subcategories: Stage2A, and Stage2B.
- Stage 2A:
For stage 2A, either there’s no breast cancer. Or, the breast tumor may have grown to 20-50 millimeters (mm) and the tumor may have expanded to the nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 2B:
For stage 2B, either the breast tumor is 20mm or larger. The cancer may or may not have spread to 1-3 nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3A:
Cancer may have spread to 4-9 nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3B:
Stage 3B is characterized by the spread of the cancer to the chest muscles behind the breast. It may also spread to the nodes near the breastbone, causing swelling or wound.
- Stage 3C:
Here, the cancer spreads to either 10 or more lymph axillary lymph nodes or the nodes under the collarbone.
Stage 4: Known as Metastatic Breast Cancer, Stage 4 is the most advanced stage where the cancer spreads to the nearby as well as the distant areas beyond the breast. It may also spread to other organs such as the liver, lungs, brain, or bones.
According to statistics, the incidence rate of metastatic breast cancer increased from 5.8% to 7.9% per 100,000 from 2001 to 2021.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer: A Breakdown of Available Therapies
While spreading Breast Cancer Awareness may be a time-consuming task, imparting education and knowledge about it goes a long way in preventing its spread. Nevertheless, treatment options for breast cancer depend on the stage of the cancer and how much it has spread to other parts of the body.
Generally, there are five treatment options for breast cancer and most of the treatment options involve a combination of these:
- Surgery:
Surgery involves removing the tumor and nearby cancerous cells. The available options for surgery are:
- Mastectomy: This involves removing the breast, nipple, the sentinel lymph nodes, or the areola.
- Lumpectomy: This involves removing the least amount of breast tissue needed to get the tumor out. Only the cancer and a small portion of the surrounding tissue are removed, without removing the entire breast.
- Reconstruction: Involves reconstructing the breast through breast implants, skin grafts or transplants.
- Radiation Therapy:
Also known as radiotherapy, this treatment option involves using high-energy rays to kill the cancerous cells. Radiotherapy commonly destroys any leftover mutated cells that remain in the breast after surgery.
- Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy uses a combination of drugs to either destroy the cancer cells or slow down their growth. This involves the use of Cytotoxic (toxic to cells) drugs administered orally or intravenously.
- Hormonal Therapy:
Hormonal therapy involves using hormone therapy drugs such as SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) that block the body’s estrogen from attaching to the breast cancer cells. Other options include AIs (Aromatase Inhibitors) that lower the estrogen levels in the body.
- Targeted Therapy:
The targeted therapy uses drugs that block the growth of cancer cells, such as the blockage of an abnormal protein (such as HER2) which stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells.
Taking Action for Breast Cancer Awareness
Taking action for Breast Cancer Awareness is critical in fostering a supportive community that understands the treatment options available for breast cancer.
There may be two ways by which the community can take action:
- Fundraising for Community Involvement:
Organizing charities and events, where participants can raise funds for breast cancer research and support services.
- Advocacy and Education Efforts:
Hosting informational seminars or workshops to educate individuals regarding detecting symptoms of breast cancer and treatment options available.
Conclusion
According to the World Health Organization report, breast cancer was the most common cancer in women in 157 out of 185 countries in 2022. Moreover, about half of breast cancer occurs in women who have no specific risk factors. These statistics emphasize the need to raise knowledge about breast cancer awareness, its symptoms, stages, and treatment options available. By taking effective action, communities can work towards more efficient diagnosis and treatment options to help those affected or at risk of this disease.
