Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the breast tissues. It is the second most common type of cancer in women and is the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 40-59.
The most common symptom is a lump in the breast however other symptoms can include changes in the breast’s size or shape, changes in the nipple, such as tenderness or inversion, discharge from the nipple, or a rash on or around the nipple.
Risk factors for breast cancer include age, family history, drinking alcohol, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise.
Women over the age of 40 should have regular screening mammograms, which can detect the cancer early when it is most treatable.
Treatment depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
Treatment for Breast Cancer
Cancer treatment depends on many factors, including the type and stage of cancer, a person’s health and personal preferences.
Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for this cancer. It may include breast-conserving surgery (removing the tumour but leaving the breast intact) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast).
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is typically used after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to block hormones that can stimulate the growth of certain types of cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules that help cancer cells survive and grow.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment that uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. It is sometimes used as a treatment for advanced breast cancer.