Here Dr. Tarachand Gupta tells us about some significant facts about Breast Cancer. Breast cancer usually forms in the ducts or lobules. The glands that produce milk its lobule, and the tubes that transport milk to the nipples is duct. In contrast to female breast cancer, male breast cancer is less common.
The Various types of breast cancer are classified in literature here are some common forms discussed:
- In situ breast cancer: Breast cancer is contained to the milk ducts or glands only
- Ductal carcinoma in situ: cancer is limited to the ducts and it is pretentious here to mention that cases of ductal carcinoma develop as invasive breast cancer at a rate of range about 20 -53%.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ: being an uncommon condition characterized by abnormal cells in the glands is considered a benign condition. It is considered to be a risk factor for some types of breast cancer at an increased rate. It’s important to mention here that lobular carcinoma in situ is not diagnostic on mammograms.
- Invasive breast cancers: cancer cells spread from the ducts and glands into the breast’s fat or connective tissue.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma: most common type of breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread from milk ducts into the surrounding breast tissue and potentially spread via the lymphatic system to other parts
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: tends to be harder to detect than invasive ductal carcinoma and occurs when cancer begins in the glands and spread in surrounding tissue. It poses a risk potential to spread to distant parts of the body.
As per statistical facts reported by the National Cancer Institute, the mortality rate for breast cancer has decreased every year since 1988. But it cannot be neglected that the number of new cases each year is also a reason to worry.
Risk factors for breast cancer are enlisted as under:
Sex and age: female predilection is seen and as age increases the breast cancer chances are raised
Family history: a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer have a 1.75-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer
Reproductive factors: menstruation in the case starts before age 12 or menopause is noted after age 55; this is linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer because this is responsible for elevated estrogen level exposure
First pregnancy after age 30: never having a full-term pregnancy, and not breastfeeding are other factors linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast density: increased amount of glandular and connective tissue in breasts, increases the chances that breast cancer may go undetected in mammogram imaging.
Exposure to estrogen: using birth control pills increases the risk of developing breast cancer due to the increased exposure to estrogen.
lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyle
Overweight or obesity post-menopause
Consumption of alcohol
Smoking or tobacco addiction
Know the symptoms associated with Breast cancer as discussed here:-
Breast cancer symptoms vary and some cases hardly have any noticeable signs. Experiencing one of the following symptoms indicates a visit to a doctor for an examination:
- lump in armpit or breast
- Pain or swelling in the breast
- Irritation or redness or flaking skin or dimpling
- Changes in the size or shape of your breast
- Discharge from your nipple (other than breast milk)
The cause listed for breast cancer is damage to the DNA of healthy cells. This leads cancer cells to form, rapidly divide and develop into tumors. A combination of genetic – environmental factors are thought to play a role in carcinogenesis
Genetic factors of breast cancers include gene mutations inherited from a parent. The two most common mutations are changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
The survival rates for breast cancer as per the National Cancer Institute are the 5-year relative survival rate in women. The survival rate is highest when early detection of cancer is done as it allows starting an effective treatment in early stages.
Get more information on breast cancer, from the best Oncologist in Jaipur– Dr. Tara Chand Gupta of the city having vast experience in treating Breast Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancers, Lymphoma. Can be reached at
