Introduction
Breast cancer poses a significant threat to health—uncontrolled multiplication of abnormal cells in the breast results in tumors. In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with this condition. Tragically, breast cancer caused the loss of 670,000 lives globally. Early detection and treatment are critical to saving lives, as breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women and has a devastating impact on the body.
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow abnormally, forming tumours in the milk ducts or lobules that spread to other parts of the body. The breast comprises fat, milk ducts, and lobules resting over the chest muscles and ribs beneath.
Breast cancer has a higher impact on women aged 50 and above. However, younger women and men are also at risk. Common treatments for cancer include surgery, radiation, or medications that directly target cancer cells.
Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer can arise from a multitude of factors, often surprising us. Causes are unclear due to varying genetic and lifestyle factors. You might be more prone to have it depending on many elements.
Genetic factors
Having defective genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 puts you at high risk of breast cancer. A history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family makes it even more likely.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking, excessive drinking, and obesity lead to a substantial increase in the risk of breast cancer. A healthy lifestyle, which includes regular exercise and a well-balanced diet, is essential for lowering these risks.
Hormonal factors
Hormonal tides play a pivotal role in breast cancer risk. Factors like starting menstruation early, having menopause late, or choosing not to have children can create changes. Hormonal treatments, such as contraceptives and HRT, may also increase that risk.
Stages of breast cancer
Breast cancer progresses through different stages, ranging from non-invasive to advanced ones. Early detection improves survival rates and offers more treatment options. Let’s break down each stage:
Stage 0
Abnormal cells have settled in the milk ducts but remain contained. They haven’t invaded nearby tissues yet, but their presence suggests a risk of future cancer. The survival rate is 100%, meaning nearly everyone succeeds with treatment.
Stage I
A small tumour, measuring under an inch, appears in the breast. It may or may not have moved to nearby lymph nodes. With a high 98% survival rate, early treatment can lead to a complete recovery.
Stage II
The tumour is expanding and is now nearly two inches. It poses a threat to lymph nodes. As the risk increases, early treatment becomes vital for survival. With timely care, 88% of patients manage to overcome their challenges.
Stage III
The tumour has grown and now affects lymph nodes, skin, and the chest wall. Symptoms like dimpling, redness, or swelling may appear. With survival rates at 52%, early treatment is vital for better outcomes.
Stage IV
Beyond the breast, cancer may afflict key organs like the liver, lungs, and bones. This spread makes treatment harder, but advanced therapies can help manage it. The survival rate is 16%, yet these treatments greatly improve quality of life and overall longevity.
Effects of breast cancer on the body
Breast cancer starts in breast tissue but can spread beyond it. It may invade organs, bones, and the nervous system. Its effects can be complex, with symptoms varying greatly.
Tumor Growth and Spread
Breast cancer develops tumours that spread through the bloodstream and lymph nodes. Metastasis can affect various body parts, such as the brain, lungs, liver, and bones. This can cause symptoms like headaches, chest pain, and abdominal pain.
Changes in Breast Tissue
Cancer can affect the size, texture, and colour of the breast. Skin problems, like flakiness or itchiness, may develop. Radiation may cause nipple discharge or retraction and skin effects similar to sunburn.
Lymph Node Involvement
Cancer aggressively invades lymph nodes, resulting in swelling in the arms, chest, and belly, and directly causes shortness of breath, fatigue, nausea, and jaundice.
Metastasis to Other Organs
Metastasis invades important organs and creates chaos. This condition can cause fractures, memory lapses, and speech difficulties that impact your well-being. You may face weight loss, bone pain, and vision problems.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
Treating breast cancer can involve a range of approaches, and it’s common for patients to need a combination of them tailored to their individual needs. The main treatment options include:
Surgery
Removing the cancerous tumour is a vital part of cancer treatment. You can have a lumpectomy, in which the tumor is removed, or a mastectomy, in which the whole breast is removed. It examines lymph nodes to detect any signs of cancer spread.
Medicine
Chemotherapy or targeted therapy may shrink tumours or destroy remaining cancer cells. Medicines like Evermil 10 mg, Exesin 25 mg, and Ramiven 200 mg are frequently prescribed for cancer. They help to shrink tumours, target cancer cells, and reduce the chances of recurrence during treatment.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy deploys strong drugs to annihilate cancer cells and arrest their growth. It readies patients for surgery by reducing tumours. Afterwards, it eliminates any remaining cancer cells. The standard way to give it is through IV or by mouth.
Radiation Therapy
Focused energy beams in radiation therapy destroy leftover cancer cells after surgery. Before surgery, they reduce large tumours, making them easier to handle. This treatment is highly effective in preventing cancer recurrence.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy protects against hormones that fuel certain breast cancers. It is meant for hormone receptor-positive cancers and can be used before or after surgery. Reducing hormones lowers cancer risk and promotes health.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy identifies the specific molecules and genes that help cancer cells grow. By targeting these areas, the therapy can halt the spread of cancer. This makes targeted therapy an effective option for treating certain breast cancers.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy makes your immune system stronger so it can fight cancer. It uses drugs that block proteins, stopping them from preventing T cells from attacking cancer cells. This helps some breast cancers, like triple-negative.
Importance of post-treatment care and monitoring for long-term health
Proper post-treatment care and monitoring guarantee patients achieve long-term health and optimal well-being. Here are key points to consider:
How long can you live with breast cancer?
When breast cancer is diagnosed, the timing plays a key role in survival chances. This is because it relies heavily on the stage of the disease at detection. Here’s a breakdown:
Stage 1: Women diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer have an exceptionally high survival rate of almost 100% over five years.
Stage 2: Approximately 90% of women diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer survive for at least 5 years or more.
Stage 3: Over 70% of women diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer live for at least 5 years.
Stage 4: Treatment significantly improves the chances of women with stage 4 breast cancer, with 25% surviving for 5 years or more.
How Does Breast Cancer Affect You Mentally?
Breast cancer has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. Recognizing the emotional challenges of the disease helps people regain control of their lives.
Although survival rates are increasing, the mental effects continue to weigh heavily on many lives.
Conclusion
Breast cancer appears in different forms, impacting both the body and spirit. It poses a dual challenge—physical pain and emotional turmoil. Fortunately, medications like Evermil 10 mg, Exesin 25 mg, and Ramiven 200 mg provide relief. These treatments help control symptoms and prevent the disease from advancing. Early detection and treatment can significantly boost survival rates, and ongoing mental health support is vital for patients’ all-round well-being.