Breast Cancer Awareness: What Every Person Should Know

Every 4 minutes, an Indian woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Every 8 minutes, one loses her life to it. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer is now the most common cancer among Indian women, accounting for nearly one in four cancer cases in women in the country. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that approximately 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making it the most prevalent cancer worldwide.

However, these statistics must not overshadow that when detected early, breast cancer may increase the survival rate. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of it.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a condition where breast cells grow uncontrollably and abnormally, forming a lump or mass (called a tumour). Normally, our body’s cells grow, divide, and die in an organised process. When something causes disruption in this process, cells can multiply faster than they should and that overgrowth is what we call cancer.

Breast cancer most commonly begins in the milk ducts (the tubes that carry milk to the nipple) or in the lobules (the glands that produce milk). However, not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many are benign meaning non-harmful. But any new lump or change in the breast should never be ignored.

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Breast Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For

Most people think a lump is the only warning sign of breast cancer. But your body sends other signals too and knowing them could help you a lot in detecting any problem.

Here are some common signs you should never ignore:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Any change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• Skin dimpling that looks like an orange peel
• Nipple changes such as inversion, discharge, or unusual texture
• Redness, flaking, or scaliness on the nipple or breast skin
• Unexplained pain in one specific area of the breast

Also remember that symptoms of breast cancer in women are not the same for everyone. Some women notice multiple changes at once, while others may have no symptoms at all in the early stages. That is exactly why regular breast cancer screening is very important, even when you feel completely fine.

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Types of Breast Cancer

There are different types of breast cancer types that can help explain why treatment approaches vary so much between patients.

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
  This is a non-invasive (Stage 0) type of breast cancer, where abnormal cells are found inside the milk ducts and have not spread beyond them.

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
  This is the most common type which spreads to the surrounding tissue.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
  This is the second most common type. It can be harder to detect on mammograms.

• Triple Negative Breast Cancer
  This is an aggressive type of cancer in which cells lack estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer
  It is rare but fast-growing and causes redness and swelling.

• HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
  This type has excess HER2 protein. It responds to targeted therapy.

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Breast Cancer Stages

The breast cancer stages describe how far the disease has spread in the body, and they directly influence the treatment plan. Stages run from 0 to IV:

• Stage 0
  Abnormal cells are present but have not spread (DCIS)
• Stage I & II
  Cancer is small and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage III
  Larger tumors or cancer has spread to more lymph nodes. Stage 3 breast cancer is considered locally advanced.
• Stage IV
  In this stage, cancer spreads (metastasized) to other organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones

When diagnosed early, survival can vastly improve. That’s why awareness and regular screening are very important.

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Will Breast Cancer Lead to Death?

This is a question that can make many people feel scared. Breast cancer can be life threatening, especially when it is diagnosed at an advanced stage. However, survival rates have improved over the past few decades. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the overall 5 year relative survival rate for breast cancer in the U.S. is approximately 91%. It is possibly due to better screening, earlier detection, and more effective treatments.

The message here is that a breast cancer diagnosis does not mean losing your life. When detected early, many people go on to live healthy lives after treatment.

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Causes of Breast Cancer and Risk Factors

It can be caused by varied factors such as:

• DNA mutations:
  Inherited or acquired mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can impair DNA repair, increasing the risk of uncontrolled cell growth and tumour formation.

• Hormonal influences, especially estrogen:
  Prolonged estrogen exposure from early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone therapy increases the risk of abnormal breast cell growth.

• Long-term exposure to certain risk factors:
  Alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, and prior chest radiation all gradually raise breast cancer risk over time.

How Breast Cancer Develops

• Cancer develops through a gradual process where healthy cells acquire genetic mutations like changes in their DNA that cause them to behave abnormally.
• Over time, these mutated cells divide rapidly and can form a tumour.
• If not caught early, cancer cells can enter the bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.

Steps You Can Take Today to Prevent It

While you cannot eliminate all risk, you can reduce its chances by performing proactive habits:

1. Get screened regularly. Talk to your doctor if anything seems unusual in your breasts.
2. Perform monthly self-examinations and report any changes immediately.
3. Maintain a healthy weight, especially important after menopause.
4. Do drink too much alcohol. Even moderate drinking raises risk slightly.
5. Stay physically active. Even moderate exercise per day can help you stay healthy.
6. Research suggests breastfeeding may lower breast cancer risk.
7. Discuss medications with your doctor.

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Breast Cancer Treatment

The treatment of breast cancer depends on its severity and stage. An oncologist may suggest:

1. Surgery: Breast cancer surgery ranges from lumpectomy (removing just the tumour) to mastectomy (removing the breast)
2. Radiation therapy: It targets and kills remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
3. Chemotherapy: It destroys fast growing cancer cells throughout the body.
4. Hormone therapy: It blocks hormones that fuel certain cancers.
5. Targeted therapy: It attacks specific cancer cell features (e.g., HER2).
6. Immunotherapy: It helps the immune system recognise and fight cancer cells.

Conclusion

It is true that we cannot always control whether a disease develops, but what we can do is stay aware and informed. Paying attention to your body, noticing small changes, and going for regular screening, these simple steps can really help in the long run.

At the CK Birla Hospital, we focus on building that awareness and supporting women through every stage of their breast health journey. We also have a dedicated ‘breast centre’ that aims to ensure every patient receives the attention, care, and support they need. If you ever feel unsure or simply want to get things checked, you can book a consultation and speak with experienced oncologists, gynaecologists, and other specialist doctors.

Also Read: Myths About Breast Cancer

FAQs

Why does breast cancer happen in females?

Women naturally have more breast tissue, and their bodies are strongly influenced by hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones fluctuate throughout life, during periods, pregnancy, and menopause and over time, that hormonal activity can trigger abnormal cell growth in the breast.

Does breast cancer cause hair loss?

Not directly. Hair loss is actually a side effect of chemotherapy, not the cancer itself. For most people, hair grows back once treatment is complete.

Does breast cancer hurt?

Breast cancer is usually painless in its early stage, which is exactly why you should never wait for pain before getting checked. Discomfort may develop as the disease progresses, but pain-free does not mean problem-free.

Is breast cancer genetic?

Around 5 to 10% of cases are linked to inherited gene mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. If someone has breast cancer in your family, speak to your doctor about genetic counseling.

Will breast cancer come back?

Recurrence is possible, which is why regular follow ups after treatment matter so much. The risk depends on the original stage and type, but many people go on to live full, cancer-free lives for decades after treatment.

Can men get breast cancer?

It is very rare. Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer. Any unexplained lump or breast change in men should be evaluated by a doctor.