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Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control and form a tumor. This type of cancer does not have a single known cause; rather, it develops from a complex mix of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors that damage cell DNA over time.

Types

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Starts in the milk ducts and spreads to nearby tissue.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules).
• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Stays inside the milk ducts and has not spread

How it Starts

• Milk ducts or glands: It usually starts in the tubes that carry milk (ducts) or the glands that make milk (lobules).
• Abnormal growth: Normal cells grow and die, but cancer cells keep multiplying and form a mass of tissue called a tumor.
• Spreading: If left unchecked, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy tissue or travel to other parts of the body

A new lump or hard thickening in the breast or underarm area is the most common warning sign of breast cancer

• New lump or mass: A hard, often painless lump with uneven edges in the breast or underarm (armpit).
• Skin changes: Dimpling, puckering, or skin that looks thick and pitted like an orange peel.
• Nipple discharge: Fluid leaking from the nipple that is sudden, clear, or bloody, and not related to breast milk.
• Changes in size or shape: Unexplained swelling, shrinkage, or asymmetry where one breast looks or feels different from normal.
• Nipple inversion or shape change: A nipple that suddenly turns inward (retracts), changes direction, or develops a scaly, rash-like sore

General Body Sensations

• Swollen lymph nodes: You might feel small, tender lumps or swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone where the lymph system drains. American Cancer Society +1
• Profound fatigue: An ongoing, deep physical exhaustion that does not improve with sleep or rest can occur as the body works harder. www.nationalbreastcancer.org
• Advanced symptoms: If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body like the bones or lungs, it can cause persistent bone pain, unexpected weight loss, or shortness of breath

While there is no guaranteed way to completely prevent breast cancer, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and understanding your personal risk can significantly lower your chances of developing the disease.

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body weight, particularly after menopause, raises estrogen levels and increases risk. Work with your care team to reach and keep a healthy weight.

Get regular exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, plus strength training twice a week.

Limit or avoid alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can raise breast cancer risk. It is safest not to drink, or to limit intake to no more than one drink per day.

Eat a nutritious diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, while limiting processed and red meat.

Breastfeed if possible: Nursing children for several months provides a natural protective effect against breast cancer.

Be cautious with hormone therapy: Menopausal hormone therapy increases risk. Discuss non-hormonal options and short-term use with your doctor

Avoid smoking: Not smoking supports overall health and reduces cancer risks