What is breast cancer?

Overview of the Condition

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the breast tissue. It is one of the most common cancers and can affect both women and men. Early detection, awareness, and advanced treatments have improved survival and recovery rates.

Why is it important?

Early detection of breast cancer is important because it increases the chances of successful treatment, prevents the cancer from spreading, and helps improve survival and recovery outcomes. Statistics estimate that approximately 29% women may develop breast cancer.

Who is commonly affected?

Causes / Why It Happens

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast develop DNA changes and start growing uncontrollably, forming a tumor that may spread to other parts of the body. It is influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

Risk factors

Common risk factors include:

• Family or personal history of breast cancer
• Increasing age
• Hormonal changes and early periods/late menopause
• Obesity and lack of physical activity
• Alcohol consumption and smoking
• Dense breast tissue
• Late pregnancy or never being pregnant
• Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Previous radiation exposure
• Long-term hormone replacement therapy

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Lump or thickening in the breast
• Change in breast size or shape
• Nipple turning inward
• Redness or changes in breast skin color
• Dimpling or orange peel-like skin
• Peeling or scaling of breast skin
• Pain or unusual changes in the breast or nipple area
• New lump or swelling
• Blood in urine or stool
• Coughing up blood

Treatment Options (Before Procedure)

• Chemotherapy: Uses medicines to destroy cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Helps the body’s immune system fight cancer
• Targeted therapy: Targets specific cancer cells while reducing damage to normal cells
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB): SLNB is a procedure used to check whether cancer has spread to the first nearby lymph node, helping doctors determine the stage of cancer and plan treatment
• Breast conservation surgery (BCS): A surgery to remove a portion of tissue from a breast. It's most often used to treat breast cancer

Procedure Overview and Preparation

What is BCS and why is it done?

Procedure Overview

Step-by-step

• A blue dye or radioactive tracer is injected near the tumor
• The surgeon identifies the sentinel lymph node using the dye or tracer
• A small cut is made to remove the lymph node
• The node is tested for cancer cells in the laboratory
• Additional lymph nodes may be removed if cancer is detected
• The procedure is usually done along with tumor removal surgery

Time required

• Usually takes about 1–3 hours depending on the procedure

Risks, Benefits and Hospital Stay

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or infection
• Pain or temporary swelling
• Scar on the breast
• Changes in breast shape or appearance

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

• Removes cancer while preserving most of the breast
• Smaller incision and better cosmetic appearance
• Faster recovery compared to mastectomy
• Effective treatment for early-stage breast cancer

Duration of Hospital Stay

• Usually same-day discharge or 1-day hospital stay

Recovery, Lifestyle and Follow-up

Recovery and Aftercare

• Keep the surgical area clean and dry
• Avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks
• Wear a supportive bra if advised
• Take medicines as prescribed

Recovery Timeline

• 2-4 weeks

Lifestyle and Prevention

Long-term care

• Maintain healthy body weight
• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and alcohol
• Attend regular breast screenings

When to Contact a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Fever or chills
• Excessive swelling or bleeding
• Severe pain
• Redness or discharge from the wound
• Difficulty moving the arm

Follow-up

Regular follow-up helps monitor healing and detect recurrence early. Follow-up may include:

• Physical examination
• Breast imaging
• Blood tests

Myths and Facts

Myth 1: BCS removes the entire breast

Fact: BCS removes only the cancerous lump and a small amount of surrounding tissue while preserving most of the breast.

Myth 2: Mastectomy is always better than BCS

Fact: For many early-stage breast cancers, BCS with radiation can provide outcomes similar to mastectomy.

Myth 3: Recovery after BCS takes a very long time.

Fact: Most patients recover faster after BCS compared to more extensive breast surgeries.

Myth 4: BCS causes spread of cancer.

Fact: BCS does not cause cancer to spread and is a standard treatment for early breast cancer.

FAQs