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What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer happens when certain cells in the breast grow in a way they should not. These cells grow too fast and do not stop like normal cells do. They may form a lump, or a mass called a tumor. This can happen in both men and women, although it is much more common in women.
Everyone has breast tissue, so anyone can get breast cancer. It usually starts in the ducts (tubes that carry milk) or the lobules (glands that make milk). If cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer.
How Common Is It?
After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States. The good news is that more people are surviving breast cancer now than ever before. That is because of better screening, more awareness and improved treatments.
What Does Breast Cancer Feel Like or Look Like?
Many people first notice something unusual about their breast. Here are some signs to look out for:
- A lump or thicker area that feels different
- A nipple that turns inward or seems flat
- Changes in skin color on the breast (red, dark, or purple spots)
- A difference in the size or shape of the breast
- Skin that looks dimpled or like an orange peel
- Flaking or peeling of the skin on the breast
If you notice any of these changes, tell your doctor right away. Do not wait for your next mammogram.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Doctors do not always know why someone gets breast cancer. It likely comes from a mix of inherited genes and things in the environment. Something changes the DNA in breast cells, telling them to grow out of control.
These changes usually happen in the ducts or lobules. The damaged cells grow fast and don’t die when they should. They form a tumor, and sometimes the cancer cells spread to other body parts.
Who Is More Likely to Get It?
There are some things that make it more likely you will get breast cancer:
- Someone in your family had breast cancer (especially at a young age)
- You have had breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast conditions before
- Your period started before age 12
- You went through menopause after age 55
- You have never been pregnant, or had your first child after age 30
- You drink alcohol
- You are overweight or obese
- You have had radiation to your chest before
- You are taking hormone therapy for menopause
- You have dense breasts (less fat, more tissue)
- You carry certain inherited gene changes (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)
Remember, not everyone with these risks will get breast cancer. And some people get breast cancer with no risk factors at all.
How Can I Lower My Risk?
There are things you can do to lower your chances of getting breast cancer:
- Talk to your doctor about when to start screening
- Learn what is normal for your breasts and check them regularly
- Limit alcohol or avoid it altogether
- Exercise most days of the week
- Keep a healthy weight
- Limit hormone therapy after menopause (and use the smallest dose for the shortest time)
What If I’m at High Risk?
If your doctor thinks you are at higher risk (for example, because of family history or gene changes), they may suggest:
- Taking special medicines that block hormones
- Having surgery to remove the breasts (mastectomy) or ovaries
These steps are not for everyone, so talk with your doctor to decide what is best.
How Is Breast Cancer Found?
Breast cancer is often found during a screening mammogram or after someone notices a lump.
Your doctor may use the following tools:
- Breast exam: Feeling for lumps or changes
- Mammogram: A special X-ray of the breast
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to check if a lump is solid or filled with fluid
- MRI: Makes detailed pictures of the breast, sometimes used if you have dense breasts or a strong family history
- Biopsy: A doctor removes a small piece of tissue to test for cancer in a lab
Understanding Your Test Results
Once the biopsy is done, the lab will look at the cells. This helps your healthcare team figure out:
- If it is cancer
- What type of cancer it is
- If the cancer cells grow fast or slow
- If the cancer is affected by hormones
This information helps your doctor make a treatment plan that is right for you.
Stages of Breast Cancer
After diagnosis, your doctor will figure out the stage of your cancer. The stage tells how much cancer is in your body and whether it has spread. Stages range from 0 to 4:
- Stage 0: Cancer is only in the ducts
- Stage 1-3: Cancer has grown but is still mostly in the breast or nearby areas
- Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other parts of the body (like bones, lungs or liver)
How Is Breast Cancer Treated?
Your treatment plan depends on many things, like the type of cancer, how big it is, if it has spread and what you prefer. Your care team might include a surgeon, oncologist, radiation doctor, nurse and others.
Common treatments include:
- Surgery
- Lumpectomy: Removes the cancer and a small amount of nearby tissue. The rest of the breast stays.
- Mastectomy: Removes the whole breast. Some people choose this if the cancer is large or in multiple areas.
- Lymph node surgery: Checks if the cancer has spread. Some lymph nodes under the arm may be removed.
- Double mastectomy: Some people choose to remove both breasts, especially if they are at high risk.
- Breast reconstruction: Can be done at the same time or later to rebuild the breast shape.
- Radiation Therapy
- Uses strong energy (like X-rays) to kill any cancer cells left after surgery
- Usually done five days a week for several weeks
- Side effects may include tiredness and skin irritation
- Chemotherapy
- Uses strong medicine to kill cancer cells
- Often used before or after surgery
- Given through a vein or pills
- Common side effects: tiredness, hair loss and nausea
- Hormone Therapy
- Blocks hormones that help certain cancers grow
- Often used after surgery
- Used if the cancer is “hormone receptor positive”
- Side effects may include hot flashes or bone thinning
- Targeted Therapy
- Attacks specific cancer traits (like HER2-positive cancer)
- Causes fewer side effects because it targets cancer cells only
- Immunotherapy
- Helps your body’s immune system find and fight cancer
- Used in some types of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer
What Is Palliative Care?
Palliative care helps you feel better while you are getting treated for cancer. It is not just for people at the end of life. This care helps manage pain, stress and other symptoms.
A team of doctors, nurses and other professionals work together to support you and your family. You can get palliative care along with treatments like surgery or chemo.
Your Emotions Matter Too
Finding out you have breast cancer can be scary and overwhelming. It is normal to feel sad, worried or even angry. It is okay to ask for help. Talking to others, joining a support group or meeting with a counselor can help you cope.
What Is Next?
You may want to get a second opinion. That is okay. You might want to talk to others who have had breast cancer. Everyone’s journey is different, and what is right for one person might not be right for another.
Take your time. Ask questions. You are not alone.
Get Expert Care for Breast Lumps or Breast Cancer
If you think you may have a breast lump or signs of breast cancer, I am here to help. As a hematologist and oncologist, I specialize in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and cancer.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandeep Singh:
Call: 601-518-7054
Referral Email: ashli.palmer@scrmc.com
For expert care, ask to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandeep Singh when calling or sending a referral to ensure direct, specialized treatment.
Your health is important. We can work together to manage it.
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