Breast Cancer – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Breast cancer develops when cells in breast tissue start growing uncontrollably. This disease affects all genders, though it’s most commonly diagnosed in women.
In the United States, breast cancer ranks second only to skin cancer as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women.
The outlook for people with breast cancer has improved significantly. Death rates continue to decline, largely due to increased awareness and research funding. These efforts have led to meaningful progress in understanding and treating the disease.
Early detection through improved screening methods has played a crucial role in saving lives. When found early, breast cancer is often curable. Even in advanced cases, various treatments can help extend life.
Medical advancements are continually enhancing treatment methodologies. Healthcare providers can now better customize care plans based on the specific characteristics of each person’s cancer.
Research breakthroughs continue to expand treatment options and improve outcomes for those diagnosed with breast cancer.
Types
Breast cancer comes in several forms:
- Angiosarcoma: Affects blood vessel cells.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Cancer cells are in the milk ducts.
- Inflammatory breast cancer: Causes redness and swelling.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: Spreads from the milk glands.
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Cells in the milk ducts.
- Male breast cancer: Occurs in men.
- Paget’s disease: Affects the nipple area.
- Recurrent breast cancer: A return following treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
Breast cancer can show itself in several ways. Look for these possible warning signs:
- A lump or thickened area in the breast that feels different from surrounding tissue
- An inverted or flattened nipple
- Skin color changes on the breast (reddish or pink on light skin; darker areas or red/purple tones on brown or Black skin)
- Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance
- Dimpled skin over the breast (sometimes called “orange peel” texture)
- Peeling, scaling, flaking, or crusting of breast skin
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
If you notice a lump or any change in your breast, don’t wait for your next scheduled mammogram. Make an appointment with your doctor right away.
Even if a recent mammogram showed no problems, it’s important to report any new changes you find. Early detection gives you the best chance for successful treatment.
What Triggers Breast Cancer
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow out of control. While researchers have identified several risk factors, the exact cause remains unclear for most cases.
Many breast cancers likely result from a complex mix of genetic factors and environmental influences.
The disease begins at the cellular level with changes to DNA—the instruction manual for cells. In healthy breast tissue, DNA directs cells to grow, divide, and die in an orderly way.
When DNA becomes damaged or altered, these instructions change. Cancer cells then multiply rapidly and don’t die when they should, leading to abnormal growth.
These abnormal cells may form a mass called a tumor. As the tumor grows, it can invade nearby healthy tissue.
Cancer cells can detach from the original tumor and spread to other parts through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, a process known as metastasis.
Most breast cancers start in specific areas:
- Milk ducts: Cancer beginning in these tubes (which carry milk to the nipple) is called invasive ductal carcinoma.
- Milk glands: Cancer starting in the lobules (which produce breast milk) is called invasive lobular carcinoma.
- Other breast tissue cells can develop cancer, but this happens less frequently.
Risk factors that may contribute to breast cancer:
- Hormonal influences
- Lifestyle choices
- Environmental exposures
Some people get breast cancer without known risk factors, while others with many risk factors remain unaffected. This inconsistency highlights how much remains unknown about breast cancer’s exact causes.
DNA damage in breast cells can occur for various reasons—some we understand and others we don’t. Researchers continue to study what triggers the initial cellular changes that lead to breast cancer.
Risk Factors
Several factors can raise your chances of developing breast cancer. Being aware of these risks may help you understand your personal situation better.
Family and Personal Medical History
- Having a parent, sibling, or child with breast cancer increases your risk.
- Risk is higher with multiple affected family members or early-onset cases
- Previous breast cancer raises the chance of getting it in the other breast
- Certain breast conditions like LCIS and atypical hyperplasia indicate a higher risk
Age and Gender Factors
- Women face a much higher risk than men, though anyone can develop breast cancer
- Risk increases with age
- Starting menstruation before age 12 raises risk
- Beginning menopause after age 55 increases risk
Pregnancy and Reproductive Factors
- Having a first child after age 30 may increase risk
- Never having been pregnant raises risk
- Pregnancy one or more times generally lowers risk
Physical Characteristics
- Dense breast tissue makes detection harder and increases risk
- Obesity is linked to a higher breast cancer risk
Genetic Factors
- Inherited DNA changes, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, significantly increase risk
- Not everyone with these genetic changes develops cancer
Lifestyle Choices
- Alcohol consumption increases risk
- The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk
Medical Treatments
- Hormone therapy combining estrogen and progesterone for menopause symptoms may increase risk
- Risk decreases after stopping these medications
- Previous radiation exposure to the chest area, especially during childhood or young adulthood, raises risk
Breast Density Risk Comparison
| Breast Density | Detection Difficulty | Relative Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Mostly Fatty | Easier | Lower |
| Moderately Dense | Moderate | Moderate |
| Very Dense | Harder | Higher |
It’s important to remember that having risk factors doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop breast cancer. Many people with multiple risk factors never get breast cancer, while others with no apparent risks do develop it.
Reducing Your Risk
You can take several steps in your daily life to help reduce your chance of developing breast cancer:
Talk to Your Doctor About Screening
Discuss when you should begin breast cancer screening with your healthcare provider. Together, you can weigh the benefits and risks to determine which screening tests are right for you.
Know your breasts
Becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel may help you notice changes. If you see or feel something different—like a new lump or an unusual change—contact your healthcare professional immediately.
While breast awareness doesn’t prevent cancer, it can help you detect problems earlier.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
For breast cancer prevention, there is no completely safe amount of alcohol. If possible, avoid drinking altogether. If you do drink, try to limit yourself to no more than one drink per day.
Stay Physically Active
Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. If you haven’t been active recently, check with your doctor before starting and begin slowly.
Watch Your Weight
If you’re at a healthy weight, work to maintain it. If you need to lose weight, speak with a healthcare provider about healthy approaches. Focus on reducing calories and gradually increasing physical activity.
Be Careful with Hormone Therapy
Combination hormone therapy during menopause may increase breast cancer risk. If you need relief from menopause symptoms, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Use the lowest possible dose for the shortest time needed.
Medications and Surgical Options for High-Risk Individuals
People with a high risk of breast cancer have additional preventive options to consider:
Risk-reducing medications:
| Medication Type | How They Work | Who Might Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Selective estrogen receptor modulators | Block estrogen effects in breast tissue | High-risk individuals |
| Aromatase inhibitors | Reduce estrogen production | High-risk individuals |
These medications can significantly lower breast cancer risk in high-risk people. However, they may cause side effects. Your healthcare team can help determine if the benefits outweigh the risks in your situation.
Preventive Surgery Options:
- Prophylactic mastectomy: Removal of both breasts to greatly reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Prophylactic oophorectomy: Removal of the ovaries, which can lower both breast and ovarian cancer risks.
These surgical procedures are typically only considered for people with very high breast cancer risk. This includes those with:
- A strong family history of breast cancer
- Known genetic mutations that increase risk
- A history of precancerous breast changes
Every prevention strategy has both benefits and drawbacks. What works best depends on your personal risk factors, health status, and preferences.
