About
This is the type of cancer that begins with the abnormal growth of cells in the breast tissue. It is the second most common type of cancer. Although the maximum number of patients are Women, but anyone can get Breast Cancer since everyone is born with some breast tissue. Fortunately, breast cancer survival rates are increasing nowadays. The widespread awareness and advanced technology have played a major role.
Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer include:
- A thickened area of skin or lump that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- An inward-turned or flattened nipple
- Change in the color of Breast skin. In Fair people, the skin may look pink or red & in people with brown or black skin, the skin on the chest may look red or purple
- Change in size, shape, or appearance of the breast
- Peeling, flaking, crusting, or scaling of the skin of the breast
Causes
- Genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA1, BRCA2)
- Family history of breast cancer
- Hormonal factors (long-term estrogen/progesterone exposure)
- Increasing age
- Personal history of breast cancer
- Radiation exposure
- Obesity
- Lack of physical activity
- Poor diet
- Alcohol consumption
- Reproductive factors
Diagnosis
Apart from the physical changes that one should observe timely, there are certain tests to diagnose breast cancer. Some of them are:
- Clinical breast exam
- Mammogram
- Ultrasound
- MRI
- Biopsy
- Blood tests
- Genetic testing
Treatment
- Surgery: Removing cancerous tissue (lumpectomy, mastectomy)
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells
- Hormone therapy: Blocking hormones that fuel certain cancers
- Targeted therapy: Drugs targeting specific characteristics of cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: boosting the immune system to fight cancer
Our Breast Cancer Specialists
Dr. Sheshank Mahajan
Consultant: Surgical Oncology
MBBS, MS, Mch-Surgical Oncology
Book Appointment
FAQs
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation. Most breast changes are not cancer, but early detection and timely treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Breast cancer stages range from 0 (non-invasive, such as ductal carcinoma in situ, DCIS) to IV (advanced, where cancer has spread to distant organs). Staging helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis.
While not all cases of breast cancer can be prevented, adopting a healthy lifestyle (including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking) may help reduce the risk.
