Breast Cancer
About Breast Cancer- Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow and multiply uncontrollably. These cells may form a lump or mass and, in some cases, spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Breast cancer most commonly develops in the milk ducts or milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. Although it occurs predominantly in women, men can also develop breast cancer. Breast cancer can occur at any age, but the risk generally increases with age. Early detection and appropriate treatment can improve outcomes.
Breast cancer is classified according to the location and characteristics of the cancer cells.
Ductal carcinoma in situ is a non-invasive breast cancer in which abnormal cells are found inside the milk ducts. These cells have not spread into the surrounding breast tissue, but some cases may progress to invasive cancer if left untreated.
Invasive ductal carcinoma, also called invasive breast carcinoma of no special type, is the most common type of breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts and spreads into nearby breast tissue. It may also spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Invasive lobular carcinoma begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and spreads into nearby breast tissue. It may not always form a distinct lump and can sometimes be more difficult to detect through physical examination.
Inflammatory breast cancer is an uncommon, aggressive form of breast cancer. It may cause redness, swelling, warmth, and changes in the skin of the breast. A distinct lump may not be present.
Paget disease of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer that affects the skin of the nipple and sometimes the surrounding areola. It may cause redness, itching, scaling, crusting, or nipple discharge.
Metastatic breast cancer, also known as stage IV breast cancer, occurs when cancer spreads from the breast to distant parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
The symptoms of breast cancer can vary from person to person. Some people may notice a change in their breast, while others may have no obvious symptoms, particularly during the early stages. Possible signs and symptoms include:
- Breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
- A lump or swelling in either armpit, which may indicate enlarged lymph nodes.
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts.
- Dimpling, puckering, or a change in the texture of the breast skin.
- A rash, redness, or scaling on or around the nipple.
- Nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody or occurs without squeezing the nipple.
- Breast pain, nipple pain, or discomfort in the armpit.
- A newly inverted nipple or a nipple that changes direction.
- Peeling, flaking, crusting, or scaling of the breast or nipple skin.
- Redness, swelling, or unusual warmth of the breast.
- Thickening or enlargement of part or all of the breast.
- Skin changes resembling the surface of an orange (peau d’orange).
Important: Most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, a new breast lump, unexplained nipple discharge, or persistent breast changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood. It develops when changes occur in the DNA of breast cells, causing them to grow and divide abnormally. Some DNA changes occur during a person’s lifetime, while others may be inherited from a parent. Certain hormonal, genetic, and environmental factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean that a person will definitely develop breast cancer. Similarly, people without known risk factors can also develop the disease.
Several factors may increase the risk of breast cancer.
The risk of breast cancer generally increases with age. Most cases occur in older adults, although younger people can also develop the disease.
Breast cancer is much more common in women, but men can also develop it because they have breast tissue.
Having close relatives, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, who have had breast cancer may increase the risk. A family history of ovarian cancer may also be relevant, particularly when inherited cancer-related gene changes are present.
Inherited changes in certain genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, can substantially increase the risk of breast cancer. Other genes, such as PALB2, CHEK2, and ATM, may also be associated with increased risk. Genetic counselling and testing may be appropriate for people with a strong family history or other indicators of inherited cancer risk.
People who have previously had breast cancer may have an increased risk of developing cancer in the same breast or the opposite breast. Certain non-cancerous breast conditions, particularly atypical hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), may also increase future breast cancer risk.
Dense breast tissue contains a greater proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue relative to fatty tissue. Having dense breasts is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Dense tissue can also make cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram.
Longer lifetime exposure to estrogen may contribute to breast cancer risk. Factors associated with this exposure include:
- Starting menstruation at an early age.
- Experiencing menopause at an older age.
- Never having a full-term pregnancy.
- Having a first full-term pregnancy at an older age.
These factors do not determine whether an individual will develop breast cancer.
Certain forms of menopausal hormone therapy, particularly combined estrogen-progestogen therapy, are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The level of risk depends on the type of therapy, duration of use, and individual circumstances. People considering hormone replacement therapy should discuss its potential benefits and risks with their healthcare professional.
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Risk generally increases with the amount of alcohol consumed. Reducing or avoiding alcohol can help lower this risk.
Being overweight or having obesity, particularly after menopause, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Body fat can influence estrogen levels and other biological processes involved in cancer development.
Radiation exposure to the chest, particularly at a young age, can increase the risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
Some hormonal contraceptives, including certain oral contraceptive pills, are associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk during current or recent use. The risk varies according to the contraceptive and individual circumstances. The benefits, risks, and alternatives should be discussed with a healthcare professional when choosing contraception.
Consult a healthcare professional if you notice:
- A new lump in the breast or armpit.
- A persistent change in breast size, shape, or appearance.
- New nipple inversion or unexplained nipple discharge.
- Skin dimpling, persistent redness, or scaling around the nipple.
- Persistent or unexplained breast discomfort.
- Swelling or warmth affecting part or all of the breast.
Seek prompt medical assessment for rapid breast swelling, spreading redness, or other significant changes, as these may require urgent evaluation.
Do not wait for pain to develop before seeking medical advice. Breast cancer may be painless, especially in its early stages.
Breast cancer diagnosis usually involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging tests, and, when necessary, a biopsy.
The healthcare professional may ask about symptoms, family history, previous breast conditions, medications, and other relevant risk factors.
The breasts and nearby lymph nodes may be examined for lumps, swelling, skin changes, or other abnormalities.
Mammography is an imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to examine breast tissue. It is commonly used for breast cancer screening and may also help investigate a breast lump or other suspicious changes.
Breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It can help distinguish fluid-filled cysts from solid masses and may be used alongside mammography.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast. It may be recommended for selected people, such as those with a high risk of breast cancer, or to clarify findings from other tests.
A breast biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. A biopsy is often necessary to confirm whether a suspicious breast abnormality is cancerous.
If cancer is diagnosed, laboratory testing may assess features such as:
- Estrogen receptor (ER) status.
- Progesterone receptor (PR) status.
- HER2 status.
- Tumour grade and other relevant characteristics.
These findings help clinicians understand the type of breast cancer and plan appropriate treatment.
Depending on the diagnosis and suspected extent of disease, additional tests may include blood tests, CT scans, bone scans, or PET scans. Not everyone with breast cancer requires all these investigations.
Breast cancer is commonly classified into stages based on tumour size, involvement of nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
| Stage |
Description |
| Stage 0 |
Non-invasive cancer, such as DCIS, confined to its original location. |
| Stage I |
Early invasive cancer that is relatively small and may have limited lymph node involvement. |
| Stage II |
Cancer that is larger or has spread to a limited number of nearby lymph nodes. |
| Stage III |
More locally advanced cancer involving nearby lymph nodes or surrounding structures. |
| Stage IV |
Cancer that has spread to distant organs or tissues. |
The exact stage depends on several clinical and pathological findings. Stage alone does not provide a complete picture of an individual’s prognosis.
Treatment depends on the type, stage, and biological characteristics of the cancer, as well as the person’s overall health and preferences. A treatment plan may involve one or more of the following approaches.
Surgery is used to remove cancerous tissue from the breast. Common surgical procedures include:
- Lumpectomy: Removal of the cancerous area along with a margin of surrounding tissue, while preserving most of the breast.
- Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
- Lymph node surgery: Removal or assessment of selected lymph nodes to determine whether cancer has spread.
Breast reconstruction may be an option for some people following mastectomy.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells. It may be recommended after breast-conserving surgery and in selected cases following mastectomy, depending on the risk of cancer recurrence and other clinical factors.
Chemotherapy uses medicines to destroy or control rapidly growing cancer cells. It may be given before surgery to shrink a tumour, after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence, or to treat advanced breast cancer. Not everyone with breast cancer requires chemotherapy.
Hormone therapy, also called endocrine therapy, is used for breast cancers that have hormone receptors. These medicines reduce the effects of estrogen or interfere with hormonal signals that may promote cancer growth. Examples include tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors. The choice depends on factors such as menopausal status and the characteristics of the cancer.
Targeted therapies act on specific features of cancer cells. For example, HER2-targeted medicines may be used for breast cancers that produce high levels of the HER2 protein or have certain HER2 gene changes. Other targeted medicines may be appropriate for selected cancers with particular genetic or molecular characteristics.
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Certain immunotherapy medicines may be used for selected patients with particular types of breast cancer, including some triple-negative breast cancers. Eligibility depends on the cancer’s characteristics, stage, and treatment setting.
Supportive care helps manage symptoms and treatment-related side effects and supports quality of life. Palliative care can be provided alongside cancer treatment and is not limited to end-of-life care.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. However, certain lifestyle choices and medical measures may help reduce risk.
Maintaining a healthy weight, particularly after menopause, may help reduce breast cancer risk.
Regular physical activity supports overall health and may help lower breast cancer risk. Adults should aim for regular exercise appropriate to their health and physical abilities.
Alcohol consumption is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Avoiding alcohol or reducing consumption can help lower this risk.
Discuss the potential benefits and risks of menopausal hormone therapy with a healthcare professional, particularly if there is a personal or family history of breast cancer.
Inform your healthcare professional if close relatives have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other cancers that may suggest an inherited cancer syndrome. People with a strong family history may benefit from genetic counselling and an individualized risk assessment.
Breast cancer screening can help detect cancer before symptoms appear. The appropriate screening schedule depends on age, personal risk, family history, and local medical guidelines. People at increased risk may require earlier screening or additional tests.
Screening refers to testing people who do not have symptoms to look for possible breast cancer. Mammography is the main screening test used in many breast cancer screening programmes. Screening recommendations differ between countries and organizations. The appropriate starting age and frequency should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially for people with a family history or other risk factors. A breast examination or self-awareness of breast changes may help someone recognize an abnormality, but these approaches do not replace recommended screening mammography.
Remember: A normal screening result does not completely rule out breast cancer. New or persistent symptoms should still be evaluated.
A breast cancer diagnosis can affect physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and everyday life. Supportive care may include:
- Managing pain, fatigue, nausea, and other treatment side effects.
- Maintaining a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity.
- Seeking emotional support from family, friends, counsellors, or support groups.
- Discussing fertility preservation before treatment when relevant.
- Asking about breast reconstruction, prostheses, or other options after surgery.
- Attending recommended follow-up appointments.
Patients should discuss any new symptoms or treatment concerns with their healthcare team.
The outlook for breast cancer varies according to several factors, including:
- The stage of cancer at diagnosis.
- The type and grade of the tumour.
- Whether cancer has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
- Hormone receptor and HER2 status.
- The person’s overall health and response to treatment.
Many people with breast cancer receive treatment with the aim of curing the disease, particularly when it is diagnosed at an early stage. Advanced breast cancer may require ongoing treatment to control the disease and manage symptoms. Individual outcomes vary, and prognosis should be discussed with the treating oncologist.
People with suspected or confirmed breast cancer may be referred to one or more of the following specialists:
- Breast Surgeon: A surgeon specializing in breast conditions and breast cancer surgery.
- Medical Oncologist: A doctor who treats cancer using medicines such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
- Radiation Oncologist: A specialist who plans and supervises radiation therapy.
- Radiologist: A doctor who interprets imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds, and breast MRI.
- Pathologist: A specialist who examines tissue samples to help establish the diagnosis.
- Genetic Counsellor: A professional who helps assess inherited cancer risk and explains genetic testing options.
A multidisciplinary team may work together to develop an individualized treatment plan.
A new breast lump or thickening is a common warning sign. However, breast cancer can also cause changes in breast shape, skin texture, nipple appearance, or discharge. Some cancers are detected through screening before symptoms appear.
No. Many breast lumps are caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as cysts or fibroadenomas. However, a new or unusual lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Yes. Breast cancer may cause skin changes, nipple abnormalities, swelling, or other symptoms without producing a distinct lump. Some cases are detected only through screening or diagnostic imaging.
Yes. Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer, although it is much less common than in women. A lump, nipple changes, or unexplained discharge in a man should be medically assessed.
No. Breast pain is common and is often associated with hormonal changes, cysts, or other non-cancerous conditions. However, persistent or unexplained pain, particularly when accompanied by other changes, should be evaluated.
Some breast cancers can be cured, particularly when diagnosed at an early stage and treated appropriately. The likelihood of successful treatment depends on the type, stage, and other individual factors.
Early detection may involve recommended screening mammography, awareness of normal breast appearance and feel, and prompt medical assessment of new or unusual changes.
Some breast cancers are associated with inherited genetic changes, such as mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2. However, most breast cancers are not directly inherited. A strong family history may warrant genetic counselling.
For more information about breast cancer, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, consult the following medical resources:
- Mayo Clinic
- National Health Service (NHS)
- American Cancer Society
- National Cancer Institute
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Breast Cancer Now
- Healthline
- Medical News Today
- MedicineNet
- Health.com
Medical Disclaimer- This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Symptoms and treatment options can vary between individuals. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical guidance. Never delay or disregard medical advice because of information published on this website.
