Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

In India, it is estimated that almost 1,78,000 new cases of breast cancer are registered every year ^[1]. Breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer as the most common type of cancer found in Indian women. Also, there are cases where many young women are being affected by it. Different factors may cause breast cancer in women. Treating cancer is expensive and doing so with your savings can be a mistake. To get financial support for your or your loved one’s cancer treatment, you should purchase health insurance. As breast cancer is a critical illness, the sum insured under your general policy might be insufficient. In such a situation, you should opt for critical illness insurance.* How does this policy help you during breast cancer treatment? What things should you be aware of related to breast cancer? Here is all that you must know about.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that affects both women and men but, it is generally found in women. As the breast is made up of various layers of tissues, cancer can originate in either of them. If untreated, cancer can spread to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. However, it is important to note that most of the lumps that are found in the breast are benign, i.e., non-cancerous in nature ^[2]. Although there are some types of benign lumps that carry a risk of becoming malignant.

Types of Breast Cancer

If you are wondering about breast cancer meaning, then you should know it develops due to the uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast that form a tumour that can sometimes be felt as a lump or become visible on an x-ray. The cells might spread through your breast towards your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body via a process known as metastasis. The two most common types of breast cancer are lobular and ductal carcinoma. Ductal carcinoma happens in the ducts that carry milk from the breast tissue to the nipples; and lobular carcinoma, which originates in those parts of the breast called lobules, which are responsible for milk production.

How Breast Cancer Spreads?

Breast tissue cancer spreads to other parts of the body via the blood or lymph system when cancerous cells enter the stream and are carried. The chance of spreading depends on several factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and its treatment. Metastasised cancer may present quite differently from the first signs of breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The following are the signs of breast cancer:

1. Lumps in the breast.
2. Swelling of a part of the breast.
3. Irritation of the breast skin.
4. Redness around the nipple area.
5. Discharge from the nipple which is not milk.
6. Change in the shape or size of the breast.

A self-examination of the breasts can be done to check for lumps, swelling, or redness. If you feel like even one of the signs given above is there, you should immediately visit your doctor for a thorough check-up.

Causes of Breast Cancer

Although the exact reason for why breast cancer occurs is unknown, it is known to be the result of the interaction of your genetic makeup with your environment. Factors like hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental influences have been shown to increase the risks of breast cancer. Here are some of the most common causes.

1. Genetic Mutations

You are at an extremely high risk if you inherit genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

2. Hormonal Factors

The presence of oestrogen for a longer period has been said to increase the risk of getting breast cancer.

3. Lifestyle Choices

Abuse of alcohol, smoking, and also lack of physical activity may contribute to its development.

4. Environmental Factors

Some chemicals and radiation exposure can also cause genetic alteration that leads to breast cancer.

5. Reproductive History

Early menstruation before age 12, late menopause after age 55, and not having children can increase breast cancer risks slightly because of longer lifetime exposure to hormones.

Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is diagnosed using the following techniques:

Breast exam

The doctor checks both breasts for lumps. The lymph nodes are checked for the same.

Ultrasound

Sounds waves are used to check for any lumps or abnormalities in and around the breasts.

Mammogram

It is an X-ray of the breast. This helps the doctor in spotting lumps or abnormalities.

Biopsy

In this, the doctor takes a sample of your breast tissue. This is done either with an X-ray-guided device or with an imaging test. This sample is tested to check for signs of cancer.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is treated using the following methods:

1. Surgery

If the doctor feels that surgery is necessary to treat cancer, there are different types of surgeries that are conducted: Lumpectomy: In this surgery, the focus is on removing tumours and a small portion surrounding the tumour. Mastectomy: In this surgery, one breast is removed entirely. This surgery is done if the breast is completely affected by cancer. Sentinel node biopsy:In this surgery, a number of lymph nodes are removed. This surgery is recommended if damaged lymph nodes are detected. Axillary lymph node dissection: In this surgery, more lymph nodes are removed from your armpit. Removal of both breasts: This surgery is performed if the healthy breast has also an increased risk of developing cancer due to the affected breast.

2. Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, a concoction of medicines is used to attack cancer cells in the body. This method is done using either oral medication or through intravenous means.

3. Radiation therapy

In this method, concentrated radiation waves are used to attack the cancer cells. 

4. Hormonal therapy

In this method, access of cancer cells to the hormones is completely cut-off, preventing their growth. Also Read: Constipation - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Breast Cancer Risk Factors You Can’t Control

Not all factors associated with breast cancer can be controlled. These include, but aren't limited to, age, genetic mutations, reproductive history, and a family history of either breast or ovarian cancer. These can increase your chances of getting the disease.

1. Age: Most cases of breast cancer are detected in women over the age of 50. So, post-45 years is a very good time to check for the early signs of breast cancer.
2. Genetic Factors: It is known that about 5-10 per cent of breast cancer may be due to familial factors, particularly mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
3. Reproductive History: Early start of menstruation and late age at menopause both increase the cumulative duration of exposure of the breasts to oestrogen.
4. Family History: A documented first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer doubles your risk.
5. Personal Health History : Previous diagnosed breast cancer or certain benign breast disorders may elevate risk.
6. Density of Breast Tissue: In mammography, cancer is hard to detect if the breasts are dense. Higher-density breasts pose a greater risk.

How can you reduce the risk?

While certain factors such as genetics or bodily changes might not be under your control, controlling the following factors can greatly help you reduce the risk of getting diagnosed with breast cancer:

1. Lifestyle

Radical changes in your lifestyle can have a positive impact not just on your body, but also in reducing the chances of developing breast cancer. Maintaining fitness, getting proper sleep, and quitting smoking and alcohol are some of the changes you can bring to your lifestyle.

2. Avoid meat

Red meat is known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Cutting down on the consumption of red meat helps reduce this risk.

3. Avoid hormone therapy

While hormone therapy has its benefits, especially during menopause, they also increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

What are the Complications of Breast Cancer?

Complications from breast cancer can include pain, physical limitations, and emotional stress. Advanced breast cancer can also cause fatigue, weight changes, and complications from cancer treatments.

Living with Breast Cancer

Living with breast cancer involves managing both the physical symptoms of the disease and the emotional challenges. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and medication, alongside support from healthcare providers, family, and friends. Also Read: High Blood Protein: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes, And Care

Prevention of Breast Cancer

While you can't completely prevent breast cancer, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol, eating nutritious food, limiting postmenopausal hormone use, and managing stress.

When to See a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you notice any new signs and symptoms of breast cancer that are unusual for your body, such as a lump in your breast, changes to the nipple or breast skin, or other noticeable changes that persist. These are often the first line of checks that answer how to detect breast cancer.

Can health insurance help with the treatment?

As mentioned earlier, your general medical insurance might not be able to cover the cost of treatment for breast cancer. In such a situation, you should go for critical illness insurance. In this policy, you get a lump sum pay-out. This amount can help you take care of the cost of treatment. Additionally, this pay-out can be used to support in the event of the loss of an income source. *

Conclusion

While focusing on women's health, it's essential to consider comprehensive family health coverage. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company’s family floater health insurance plan can provide financial security for various medical needs, including potential treatments for breast cancer. Such a policy can cover hospitalisation costs, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other related expenses, alleviating the financial burden during challenging times. We also provide comprehensive health insurance for pregnancy.

FAQs

What is the Prognosis for Breast Cancer?

The prognosis for breast cancer varies greatly depending on the type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, and treatment. Early detection and advanced treatment options have improved survival rates.

How Can Breast Cancer be Prevented?

Preventative measures include regular screenings to identify any metastatic breast cancer symptoms, a healthy lifestyle, and, in some high-risk cases, medications or surgery to reduce risk.

What are the Common Myths About Breast Cancer?

Common myths include misconceptions that breast cancer only affects older women, that a lump is the only sign, and that it always results in death.

How Can One Support a Loved One with Breast Cancer?

Support can be offered through emotional encouragement, helping with treatment decisions, and assisting with the practicalities of daily life during treatment.

How Does Breast Cancer Affect a Person?

Breast cancer affects individuals physically and emotionally. Symptoms of breast cancer in women can impact their daily lives, body image, and relationships.

How to Avoid Breast Cancer?

While not all breast cancer can be avoided, risk can be minimised through lifestyle choices such as reducing alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding exposure to radiation and environmental pollution.

Can Breast Cancer be Cured?

Many breast cancer cases can be cured, especially when you get a hold and treat early symptoms of breast cancer in females. Ongoing advancements in treatment are continually improving outcomes for patients.

Will Breast Cancer Cause Death?

Breast cancer can be fatal, especially if diagnosed late or if it becomes metastatic. However, many people survive breast cancer, especially in cases where it is detected early and treated promptly. *Standard T&C Apply *Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.