Cancer Strikes One in Eight Women: What You Need to Know about Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women (1). In 2014, about 232,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in the United States, and about 2,500 women died from it (2). It can occur at any age, but most cases are found in women ages 50 to 70 years old (3). However, not all breast cancers are alike — they can differ in how they behave and in how they spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). The information below will help you understand more about these differences and help you recognize signs of breast cancer.

When you need to see a doctor

If you notice any changes or changes of concern to your breast, go see your doctor. This is especially important if you have any discharge from the nipple, feel pain in the breast, or have a new lump found on one or both breasts. Additionally, there are many reasons for abnormal bleeding and discharge outside of cancer, so it's best to get checked out. 

The most common types of cancer in women are cancers that develop in the uterus (cervix), skin (melanoma), cervix (cervical), vagina (vaginal), ovaries (ovarian), and thyroid gland.

The breast cancer screening process

Breast cancer can grow undetected for years, and can affect any woman. To detect breast cancer early, you should follow these guidelines: 

Women between 40-49, get a mammogram every two years. Between 50-74, get an annual mammogram. If you have a family history of breast cancer or are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT), talk with your doctor about when you should start getting mammograms.

Early detection of breast cancer symptoms

It is recommended that you regularly perform self-exams of your breasts and report any breast changes to your physician promptly. A mammogram (breast X-ray) may also be necessary, though this too has limitations as an early detection method. Your doctor will do a physical exam of your breasts during which he or she will feel for lumps or masses. If the doctor does find something suspicious, other tests such as a biopsy may be needed. The diagnosis of cancer includes staging, which determines whether it is localized (confined to one area), regional (spread beyond the original site), or metastatic (cancerous cells have spread to other parts of the body). The stage will determine what type of treatment should be used. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and biological therapies.

Understanding breast cancer stages

The exact stages of breast cancer are divided into three categories, known as Tumor Size, Number of Lesions, and Stage Distribution. Most patients will have a combination of all three types. Here's what they mean: 

· Tumor Size refers to the size of the tumor on your mammogram or biopsy. 

· Number of Lesions refers to how many there are and where they are located on your breast. · Stage Distribution describes whether the cancer is found in one area (localized) or if it has spread to other parts of your body (metastatic).

· Diagnosis: A diagnosis is made by looking at these factors, plus any other symptoms you may be experiencing such as lumps, tenderness, unusual discharge from nipples, and more.

Reading your mammogram results

Symptoms can include new breast lumps, changes in the size or shape of your breasts, and nipple discharge. While these symptoms are not necessarily definitive signs of cancer, they are important. If you experience any of these symptoms or find a lump on your breast during a self-exam, see your doctor for an exam. Keep in touch with your doctor after your exams and be sure to mention any new symptoms you experience even if they do not seem related to breast cancer at first.

What are the different types of breast cancer?

Breast cancer, or cancer of the breast, typically starts with abnormal cells that look different from normal cells. There are five different types of breast cancer: noninvasive (also called ductal carcinoma), invasive (invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma), inflammatory, phyllodes tumor, and Paget's disease. Of these five types, some subtypes indicate a higher risk for metastasis if left untreated. For example, invasive ductal carcinoma is not always life-threatening but does have a high chance of turning into a more serious forms of cancer if it isn't caught early enough. Inflammatory breast cancer may also be life-threatening because it can spread through lymph nodes quickly.

Food and Breast Cancer

Some studies have looked at the link between diet and breast cancer risk. These findings have been contradictory, but there is some evidence that suggests eating a high-fat diet may increase your breast cancer risk. A low-fat, plant-based diet — which focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil — may lower your risk.

Treatment options for breast cancer

The three main treatments for breast cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high-energy waves or other types of energy to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells and slow down tumor growth. Surgery is one of the oldest treatments for breast cancer. A surgical technique called mastectomy removes all or part of the breasts where the cancer was found. Removal of lymph nodes around the armpit area may also be done to make sure no cancer has spread there. Mastectomy can be done with reconstructive surgery to build new breasts after the removal of diseased tissue. But not everyone who has had mastectomies wants reconstruction because it can take months before feeling comfortable enough with their appearance again and return to normal daily activities.

Latest Advancement in Breast Cancer Treatment

Certain medications are now used to help treat breast cancer. These include tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors anastrozole, letrozole, or exemestane. Another option is trastuzumab which specifically targets the HER2 protein in cancer cells and helps slow tumor growth. Recently there have been other targeted therapies that have helped patients with specific genetic markers live longer after a diagnosis.

Managing side effects from breast cancer treatment

Different types of treatments, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, may cause various side effects. Talk with your doctor about managing any symptoms you have and following these steps can also help minimize the side effects of breast cancer treatment. Start by making sure you are well-hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. Dehydration can lead to feeling dizzy or lightheaded or experiencing fatigue. Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day, or drink something with electrolytes such as Gatorade or Pedialyte every day. Stay away from drinks that contain caffeine like coffee, tea, and soda since they will dehydrate you even more.