Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease where abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It can begin in different breast parts, most commonly in the milk ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma). Over time, these cancerous cells can spread to nearby tissues or other body parts.

Breast cancer can affect both women and men, though it is far more common in women.

Types of Breast Cancer

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type. Cancer starts in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

It begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread beyond them.

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the duct lining but haven’t spread.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

A more aggressive type that doesn’t have estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer

Cancer cells have too much of the HER2 protein, which promotes their growth.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

A rare but fast-growing cancer that causes swelling and redness of the breast.

Male Breast Cancer

Although rare, men can develop breast cancer and often present with a lump behind the nipple.
 

Risk Factors

• Age (most common in women over 50)
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
• Early menstruation or late menopause
• Never having children or having first child after age 30
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol use
• Lack of physical activity
• Previous radiation to the chest

Signs and Symptoms

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• Change in breast size or shape
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), possibly bloody
• Inverted nipple or nipple pain
• Redness, scaling, or rash on the nipple or breast skin
• Swelling in all or part of the breast
• Persistent pain in one area of the breast

Note: Not all lumps are cancerous, but any breast change should be evaluated by a doctor.

Diagnosis

Breast cancer is diagnosed through a combination of:

• Physical examination
• Mammogram (X-ray of the breast)
• Ultrasound or breast MRI
• Biopsy – removal of tissue for microscopic examination
• Receptor testing – to determine hormone and HER2 status

Staging

Staging helps determine the extent of cancer and guide treatment:

• Stage 0: Non-invasive (DCIS)
• Stage I: Small tumor, localized
• Stage II: Larger tumor or spread to nearby lymph nodes
• Stage III: More extensive local spread
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs (e.g., bones, lungs, liver)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and patient’s overall health. It may involve a combination of the following:

1. Surgery

• Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small margin of tissue
• Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: To check for cancer spread

2. Radiation Therapy

Uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells, often after surgery.

3. Chemotherapy

Drugs are used to kill cancer cells, especially if the cancer is aggressive or has spread.

4. Hormone (Endocrine) Therapy

For hormone receptor-positive cancers. Drugs like tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors block hormones that fuel cancer growth.

5. Targeted Therapy

Drugs that target specific proteins (e.g., HER2-positive cancers).

6. Immunotherapy

Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells (used in some triple-negative breast cancers).

Living with Breast Cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but many people live long, fulfilling lives after treatment. Supportive care, follow-ups, and lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference.

Healthy habits include:

• Balanced, nutritious diet
• Regular exercise
• Stress management
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Routine screenings and medical check-ups

Why Choose Aster Hospitals for Breast Cancer?

Aster Hospitals offer comprehensive and compassionate care for breast cancer through a multidisciplinary team of experienced oncologists, breast surgeons, and radiologists. Our advanced diagnostic and imaging facilities ensure early and accurate detection, while personalized treatment plans are developed through collaborative tumor board discussions. We also provide options for breast reconstruction and cosmetic surgery, supporting both medical and emotional recovery. With dedicated services for nutritional guidance, physical rehabilitation, and emotional well-being, Aster Hospitals is committed to holistic healing at every step of the journey.