Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. This disease may also occur in men, but it is much more common in women. Understanding the basics of breast cancer, its risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options is very important in fighting this disease. This disease starts with abnormal cells in the breast tissue and is usually asymptomatic in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, Symptoms such as a lump in the breast, changes in the shape and appearance of the breast, abnormal secretions from the nipple, changes in the skin of the breast, pain in the breast and swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit appear. If left untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body and be potentially life-threatening.

Risk factors for breast cancer:

Gender: Women get breast cancer more than men. Age: The risk of developing this disease increases with age. Family history: If a member of your family has breast cancer, the risk of developing this disease increases.

Gene mutations: Some gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Personal history of breast cancer: Women who have previously developed breast cancer. are at risk of getting this disease again.

Alcohol consumption: high alcohol consumption increases the risk of breast cancer.

Obesity: obesity, especially in postmenopausal women, increases the risk of breast cancer.

Physical inactivity: Inactivity increases the risk of breast cancer.

Pregnancy at an older age: Menstruation at a younger age and menopause at an older age increases the risk of breast cancer.

Not breastfeeding: Breastfeeding can increase the risk. reduce the incidence of breast cancer.

Breast cancer diagnosis

Breast cancer screening methods include mammography, ultrasound, breast clinical examination and self-examination. If a suspicious lump or abnormality is found, further diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, may be performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Early growth stages of malignant breast cancer

Primary treatment of breast cancer in most cases shows that this disease can only be detected in the breast and lymph centers, especially in the armpit. Specialists have divided the early malignant growth of the breast into stages 1, 2 and 3. If malignant growth outside the breast and axillary lymph tumors are found, it is called metastasis, which is the fourth stage. Metastatic growth of malignancy in the bones, liver, lungs, or lymphatic tumors is seen outside the axilla, despite the fact that it can occur in any organ. Although this malignancy is growing in these organs, it is still considered a malignant breast growth. For example, when breast malignancy spreads insidiously, it is not bone disease, so its treatment follows the usual methods of breast cancer treatment.

This disease is also identified based on the relationship it has with estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors. It is characterized as ER-positive (estrogen receptor-positive) and PR-positive (progesterone receptor-positive). Tumors are also examined for having a protein called HER2. Patients receive specific drugs depending on which of these their tumor expresses.

Ways of treatment:

Breast cancer treatment depends on various factors such as the stage of the cancer, the type of cancer cells and the overall health of the person. Common treatment options include:

Surgery: Surgery is often the first step in breast cancer treatment. It may involve removing the tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy).

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells. Often used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be administered before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells.

Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. It works by blocking the action of hormones that cause cancer to grow. Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy drugs target specific molecules that play a role in cancer growth. They are often used in combination with other treatments.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. It is a promising treatment option for certain types of breast cancer

Prevention of breast cancer:

With a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables and whole grains), regular exercise, maintaining an ideal weight and breastfeeding, the risk of breast cancer can be reduced.

Conclusion:

Breast cancer is an important concern. It is for health that affects millions of people around the world. Increased awareness, early detection, advances in treatment options, and ongoing research efforts are key to improving outcomes for people with breast cancer.