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Breast Cancer

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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally. It develops when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a tumour. Although it mainly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer in rare cases.

Breast cancer can vary from slow-growing tumours that may not cause harm for years to aggressive forms that spread quickly. Early detection and modern treatments have significantly improved outcomes and survival rates.

Understanding the Breast

The breast is made up of lobules (milk-producing glands), ducts (tubes that carry milk), fatty tissue, lymph vessels, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Our Symptoms of Breast Cancer

  • A lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm
  • Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
  • Dimpling or puckering of breast skin
  • Inverted nipple or sudden change in nipple position
  • Nipple discharge (clear, yellow, or bloody)
  • Redness, scaliness, or flaky skin on the breast or nipple
  • Pain in the breast or nipple that doesn’t go away
  • Swelling or warmth in the breast

Note: Some breast cancers may not show noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular screening is crucial.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing breast cancer:

  • Age – Risk increases after age 40
  • Family History – Especially first-degree relatives (mother, sister)
  • Genetic Mutations – BRCA1, BRCA2 gene mutations
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
  • Early menstruation or late menopause
  • Not having children or having them later in life
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Radiation exposure

Types of Breast Cancer

Non-Invasive:
  • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) – Cancer is confined to the ducts; highly treatable
Invasive:
  • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) – Most common type; starts in ducts and spreads
  • Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) – Starts in lobules and can spread
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer – Rare and aggressive
  • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) – Lacks oestrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors; hard to treat
  • HER2-Positive Breast Cancer – Fast-growing; responds to targeted therapy
  • Metastatic (Stage 4) Breast Cancer – Cancer has spread beyond the breast to other organs

Diagnosis

  • Clinical Breast Exam – A physical exam by a doctor
  • Mammography – Specialized X-ray to detect tumours
  • Ultrasound – Helps visualize cysts vs. solid lumps
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) – For detailed images, especially in high-risk cases
  • Biopsy – Removal of tissue for lab testing (core needle biopsy or surgical biopsy)
  • Hormone Receptor Testing – Checks if cancer cells grow due to oestrogen or progesterone
  • HER2 Testing – Determines if the cancer is HER2-positive

Stages of Breast Cancer

  • Stage 0 (DCIS) – Non-invasive
  • Stage I – Tumour up to 2 cm, limited to the breast
  • Stage II – Tumour 2–5 cm or spread to nearby lymph nodes
  • Stage III – Larger tumour, more lymph node involvement
  • Stage IV – Cancer has spread to other parts of the body (liver, lungs, bones, brain)

Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre

  1. Surgery
    • Lumpectomy – Removes the tumour while preserving most of the breast
    • Mastectomy – Removes the entire breast
    • Sentinel Node Biopsy – Checks if cancer has spread to lymph nodes
    • Breast Reconstruction – Rebuilding breast shape post-surgery
  2. Radiation Therapy
    • Destroys remaining cancer cells after surgery
    • Options include External Beam Radiation and Tomotherapy (available at our centre)
  3. Chemotherapy
    • Drugs used to kill cancer cells, usually given in cycles before or after surgery
  4. Hormone Therapy
    • Blocks hormones like oestrogen or progesterone that fuel cancer growth
  5. Targeted Therapy
    • Drugs like Trastuzumab (Herceptin) attack specific cancer cell receptors (HER2+)
  6. Immunotherapy
    • Helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer (mainly used in TNBC)
  7. Rehabilitation & Support
    • Nutrition, counselling, lymphedema care, physiotherapy, and emotional support groups

Most Popular Questions

Breast Cancer

1. Can breast cancer be cured?

Yes. If detected early, breast cancer can be completely cured in many cases.

2. Do all breast lumps mean cancer?

No. Many breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous), such as cysts or fibroadenomas.

3. Is breast cancer painful?

Not always. Most early breast cancers are painless.

4. What are the chances of survival?

Early-stage breast cancer has a 90–98% 5-year survival rate.

5. What is the difference between lumpectomy and mastectomy?

Lumpectomy removes only the tumour; mastectomy removes the entire breast.

6. How long does breast cancer treatment take?

Treatment may last from a few months to over a year, depending on the stage and plan.

7. Can breast cancer return after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible but regular follow-ups help catch it early.

8. Is chemotherapy always needed?

Not always. Some early cancers may not require chemo, especially if hormone-sensitive.

9. Can breast cancer spread to other body parts?

Yes. In advanced stages, it may spread to bones, lungs, liver, or brain.

10. What age does breast cancer usually start?

Most cases occur after age 40, but it can affect younger women too.

11. Are mammograms safe?

Yes, the radiation exposure is minimal and the benefits outweigh risks.

12. Can I work during treatment?

Many people continue working during treatment, though rest is important.

13. Can I get pregnant after breast cancer treatment?

Yes, but it's important to discuss family planning with your oncologist.

14. Will I lose my hair with chemotherapy?

Hair loss is common but temporary. It regrows after treatment ends.

15. Does diet affect breast cancer?

A healthy diet can improve recovery and overall well-being but does not cure cancer.

16. Should I avoid deodorants during treatment?

There’s no scientific proof that deodorants cause or worsen breast cancer.

17. Is breast reconstruction covered under insurance?

In many cases, yes. Please consult with your hospital’s insurance team.

18. How can family support help?

Emotional and physical support from family significantly boosts recovery.

19. Is there a vaccine for breast cancer?

Currently, no vaccines prevent breast cancer, but research is ongoing.

20. Where can I get help emotionally?

Support groups, counselling services, and mental health professionals can provide support at Onco-Life.