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Breast cancer is the most common cancer type observed in females and the second-most common cause of death in women. Its incidence rates are higher in North America, Australia, and Western Europe and lowest in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The various factors leading to breast cancer include:
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Risk Factors
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Increasing age
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Family history
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Personal history of breast cancer.
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Reproductive Factors
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Late age of menopause
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Age at childbirth.
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Hormonal Factors
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Exposure to ionisation radiation.
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Environmental Factors
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Smoking
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Genetic mutations.
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Less than 10% of patients present with MBC and most of them still have the widespread disease after treatment. Visit a top Cancer Hospital in Sarjapur Road for breast cancer treatment.
Symptoms Associated with Breast Cancer
Individuals may experience different breast cancer symptoms. Breast cancer symptoms include:
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A particular area on either breast stands out as being different from the others.
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A tumour or lump that is as small as a pea.
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A lump or thickening in or around your breast or underarm that lasts throughout your menstrual cycle.
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A change in the appearance or texture of your breast or nipple skin ( puckered, dimpled, scaly, or inflamed).
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Redness of the skin on your nipple or the breast surface.
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A hard region under your skin that looks like marble.
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A clear or blood-coloured discharge from your nipple.
Because some people never detect any breast cancer symptoms, it is recommended to have a routine mammogram check-up.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
The most common sites of involvement include the bones, liver, and lungs. Diagnosis is made by history and physical examination, blood tests, which include CBP, liver function tests, and renal function tests. CT scan of the chest and abdomen to identify organ involvement; a bone scan; and, if symptomatic, a CT or MRI of the brain.
The PET–CT scan is an emerging technology useful in identifying the tumour site and any spread beyond. Treatment requires a biopsy of the lesion to determine its receptor status.
What are the Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
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Treatment consists of surgery, and systemic medical therapy, which comprises chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapies (HER2-directed), and radiation therapy.
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Surgery is the main modality of treatment, and chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy are either used to facilitate surgery by reducing the size or used after surgery to reduce the recurrence.
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Surgery includes conservative surgery when feasible, which is considered to be a very safe and effective way to address breast tumours and axillary nodes.
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Radical surgery in the form of complete removal of the breast and axillary nodes is performed in cases of locally advanced tumours.
Get the best care and treatment from a top surgical oncologist in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore by booking an appointment.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Although breast cancer cannot be completely prevented, there are steps you may perform to lower your likelihood of discovering it in an advanced stage. For instance:
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After crossing the age of 20, check your breasts for 30 days. You will become more familiar with the contours and sense of your breasts and will be more alert to changes.
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Get regular mammograms. The American Cancer Society advises getting a screening mammography every year after the age of 40 and a baseline mammogram at age 35.
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Examine your breasts at least once every three years after the age of 20, and once a year after 40. Clinical breast exams can find lumps that mammograms may not be able to.
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