Breast Cancer In Women

Overview

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control and form a tumor or mass. If not treated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Yes, it is the most common cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives, but many women live well beyond treatment.

It affects women of all ages, but it becomes more common after menopause. Most cases are in women over 50, though younger women can also develop it. Men can get breast cancer too, but this article focuses on women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• A change in breast size or shape
• Skin dimpling or puckering, often looking like the peel of an orange
• A nipple that turns inward (inverted nipple)
• Nipple discharge, especially if blood-stained or watery
• A rash, redness, or swelling on the breast or nipple
• Persistent breast pain, although most breast pain is not from cancer

Symptoms in children

• Breast cancer is extremely rare in children. If a child has a breast lump or pain, it is almost always due to normal development or a harmless cyst, but it still deserves a medical check.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, breast cancer may appear as a painless lump, or it may be found during routine screening. Symptoms can be less noticeable because breast tissue changes with age, so it is important to keep up with recommended check-ups.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause is usually unknown. Breast cancer happens when DNA in breast cells changes, causing them to multiply without control. These gene changes can be inherited or can happen randomly over time.

Risk factors

• Age over 50
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Certain inherited gene changes
• Past radiation treatment to the chest
• Starting menstrual periods early or menopause late
• Never having children or having a first child after age 30
• Using some types of hormone replacement therapy for a long time
• Drinking alcohol
• Being overweight after menopause

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you have a new hard lump, breast skin changes such as dimpling or an orange-peel texture, a red swollen breast with fever, or blood-stained nipple discharge.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Book a routine appointment if you have breast discomfort, a lump that comes and goes with your menstrual cycle, or any breast change that does not go away after a week.

Diagnosis

A doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and examining your breasts. If anything looks suspicious, they will usually refer you for breast imaging and possibly a biopsy.

Tests that may be done

• Clinical breast examination
• Mammogram (an X-ray of the breast)
• Ultrasound (imaging using sound waves)
• Biopsy (a small sample of breast tissue is taken and examined under a microscope)

What to expect at your appointment

At a breast clinic, you will usually have a mammogram or ultrasound. If a biopsy is needed, a small sample is taken with a needle using local anaesthetic. Results usually take about a week. You may also have blood tests or scans to check whether the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer, your general health, and your own choices. A team of specialists will discuss the best plan with you. Common approaches include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies.

Self-care at home

• Follow the care plan agreed with your team and keep all follow-up appointments
• Look after the wound area after surgery, and tell your team if it becomes red, painful or oozes
• Ask for practical and emotional support from family, friends or a support group

Medical treatments

Treatments are chosen individually by your care team. They may include surgery, radiation therapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells), chemotherapy (medicines that kill fast-growing cells), hormone therapy (to block hormones that fuel some breast cancers), and targeted therapies (medicines that attack specific features of cancer cells). Always discuss possible benefits and side effects with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often part of breast cancer treatment. It may be a lumpectomy, which removes only the lump and a small area around it, or a mastectomy, which removes the whole breast. Some women also have lymph nodes removed from the armpit. Your surgeon will explain the options and help you make the best decision for you.

Living with this condition

Life during and after treatment can be challenging. You may feel tired, emotional, or overwhelmed. You can still work, travel, and go about daily life with the right support. Ask your breast care nurse for practical advice on managing your routine.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay as active as your energy allows – gentle walks can help
• Try to keep a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol
• Do not smoke
• Get enough rest and sleep

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. No special food or supplement can cure breast cancer, but a healthy diet and regular exercise can help you feel better and manage treatment side effects.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis can cause anxiety, fear, anger or sadness. These feelings are normal. It can help to talk openly with people you trust and to ask your care team about counselling. If you are struggling, tell your doctor – support is available.

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but you can lower your risk by staying a healthy weight, being physically active, limiting alcohol, breastfeeding if you can, and avoiding unnecessary hormone therapy. If you have a strong family history, ask your doctor about genetic testing.

Vaccines

There is currently no vaccine for breast cancer. Vaccines against HPV prevent cervical and some other cancers, but they do not prevent breast cancer.

Screening programmes

Screening means checking for breast cancer in people without symptoms. Many countries offer mammograms to women in certain age groups. Talk to your doctor about what screening is recommended for you based on your age and risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• The tumor may grow larger and spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Cancer can spread to other organs, such as the bones, liver, or lungs, causing pain and other symptoms.
• Advanced breast cancer can lead to serious health problems and a poorer chance of recovery.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for breast cancer is better than ever before. In many countries, most women survive breast cancer, especially when it is found early. Treatment keeps improving, and many women go on to live full and healthy lives.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.