What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, particularly in women, though it can also occur in men. It originates in the breast tissue, most often in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal carcinoma) or in the glands that produce milk (lobular carcinoma). Early detection and advances in treatment have significantly improved survival rates for breast cancer.

Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
• Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Symptoms:

• Lump in the Breast or Underarm: The most common sign is a new lump or mass, which is usually painless, hard, and has irregular edges.
• Change in Breast Shape or Size: Unexplained changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
• Nipple Changes: Inversion, discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in the skin around the nipple (nipple retraction or redness).
• Skin Changes: Redness, dimpling, or puckering of the skin on the breast, resembling an orange peel.
• Breast Pain: Though less common, persistent pain in one part of the breast could be a symptom.
• Swelling: Even if no lump is felt, swelling of all or part of a breast could indicate cancer.

Staging:

Breast cancer staging ranges from Stage 0 (non-invasive, in situ) to Stage IV (metastatic, spread to other parts of the body). Staging considers the tumor size, lymph node involvement, and whether the cancer has spread to other organs.