Breast cancer in women is a major health problem for millions of women worldwide. Understanding the nature of this disease, its prevention, and treatment are essential to raising women's health awareness.
Despite its seriousness, early detection and modern treatment methods help significantly improve recovery rates and increase survival chances.
What is Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer in women is the abnormal growth of breast tissue cells. It often begins in the mammary glands or ducts that carry milk to the nipple.
Over time, these cancer cells may spread to other nearby tissues or travel through the blood and lymphatic system to various organs in the body.
Breast cancer is considered a highly treatable cancer, especially if detected early, when the response to treatment is better and the chances of recovery are higher.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer in Women
The symptoms of breast cancer in women vary depending on the stage of the disease.
- Inward-turning of the nipple.
- Swelling of one or both breasts.
- Change in the size and shape of the breast.
- Redness and soreness of the breast and nipple skin.
- Breast pain not related to the menstrual cycle.
- Changes in the appearance of breast skin, such as dimpling and wrinkling.
- Abnormal nipple discharge, clear or bloody.
- A hard lump in the breast or underarm that does not go away with time.
Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer in Women
There is no single direct cause of breast cancer in women, but it occurs as a result of the interaction of several factors. Genetics plays an important role in increasing the likelihood of developing the disease, especially if there is a family history of the disease.
The risk also increases with age and exposure to hormonal changes, such as early puberty, late menopause, prolonged use of hormone therapy, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
Smoking, alcohol consumption, early exposure to radiation, delayed childbearing, failure to conceive, and breastfeeding all contribute to increased rates of the disease.
How is breast cancer diagnosed in women
Main methods for diagnosing breast cancer in women:
- Breast self-examination.
- Clinical examination.
- Mammogram.
- Ultrasound.
- MRI.
- Removing a sample of breast tissue and examining it.
How to do a breast self-exam to detect breast cancer
A woman performs a breast self-exam once a month after her menstrual period ends. She stands in front of a mirror to observe any changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin, or nipple.
Then, her arms are raised to examine the changes more clearly. The nipple is gently pressed to ensure there are no abnormal secretions. It is also recommended to examine the breast manually while lying down or showering.
This is done using the fingertips in circular motions, covering the entire breast, including the armpit area, to ensure there are no solid lumps or tumors.
Stages and Types of Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer in women has five stages, from stage 0 to stage 4, and includes several types:
- Carcinoma in situ.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma.
- Inflammatory breast cancer.
- Triple-negative breast cancer.
Treatment Methods for Breast Cancer in Women
Treatment methods for breast cancer vary depending on the severity and spread of the disease:
- Surgery.
- Radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Hormonal therapy.
- Targeted and immunotherapy.
Common medications for treating breast cancer in women
The choice of medication or combination of multiple types of breast cancer depends on the stage and type of cancer and the patient's health condition:
- Chemical medications: Paclitaxel - Doxorubicin.
- Hormonal medications: Tamoxifen - Letrozole - Anastrozole.
- Targeted medications: Trastuzumab - Pertuzumab.
- Immunotherapy medications: Atezolizumab
Prevention of breast cancer in women
- Conduct regular screening.
- Breastfeeding.
- Perform self-examination.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Consult a doctor if you have a family history.
- Consult a doctor when using hormone replacement therapy.
A Summary of Breast Cancer in Women
Breast cancer in women is one of the most common types of cancer, and early detection increases the chances of recovery. Diagnosis relies on medical tests such as mammograms and biopsies.
Treatment varies from surgery, medications, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy. However, regular screening and a healthy lifestyle remain the most important means of prevention and reducing complications.