About Breast Cancer

About Breast Cancer

If you or a loved one are seeking expert guidance and personalized care for breast cancer, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our dedicated team at the Surgery Group of LA's Breast Cancer Center. Our compassionate and experienced specialists are committed to providing comprehensive care, throughout your journey. During the consultation, we will discuss your medical history, answer any questions you may have, and create a tailored plan that addresses your unique needs.
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Overview

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of malignancy that originates in the cells of the breast tissue. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which can form tumors. There are several types of breast cancer, including invasive ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, and less common variants. Understanding breast cancer basics is crucial for early detection and effective management.

Symptoms & Causes

What causes Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer risk factors can be categorized into various factors that contribute to its development. Some of the common risk factors include:

  • Age and Gender: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, and women are more likely to develop it than men.
  • Family History: A family history of breast cancer, especially in close relatives like mother, sister, or daughter, can elevate the risk.
  • Genetics: Specific gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer. Genetic testing can provide insights into inherited risk factors.
 
Lifestyle Factors

Beyond genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices also influence breast cancer risk. Some of the key lifestyle factors include:

  • Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of breast cancer, particularly after menopause.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Regular and excessive alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake can help reduce this risk.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy, particularly estrogen and progestin, after menopause may slightly increase the risk. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential when considering hormone therapy.

What are the symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer can present with various signs and symptoms, which may vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include the following:

  • Lump in the Breast or Underarm: The discovery of a palpable lump or thickening in the breast tissue or underarm is a common early sign. However, not all lumps are cancerous; some could be benign cysts or fibroadenomas.
  • Changes in Breast Size or Shape: If you notice sudden changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts, it’s advisable to seek medical evaluation.
  • Nipple Changes: Unexplained nipple inversion, discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in skin texture around the nipple can be indicative of an underlying issue.
  • Skin Changes: Dimpling, redness, or an orange peel-like texture on the breast skin may suggest an underlying problem requiring further investigation.
  • Persistent Pain: While most cases of breast cancer are painless, any persistent, unexplained pain in the breast area should be brought to the attention of a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis & Screening

How to detect Breast Cancer early?

While it might not be possible to entirely prevent breast cancer, early detection can facilitate the identification of abnormalities at a stage when treatment options are most impactful. This can be done by getting:

  • Regular self-exams: Examining your breasts monthly allows you to become familiar with their normal appearance and feel, making it easier to detect any changes.
  • Mammograms: For women with average risk the recommendation is to get a mammogram every year from the age of 40. Women at higher risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctor as the age for regular screening may be lower depending on individual risk factors.

How is Breast Cancer diagnosed?

When suspicious signs or symptoms arise, medical professionals employ various breast cancer screening procedures to diagnose breast cancer:

  • Mammograms: Mammography, an X-ray of the breast tissue, is a key tool for detecting abnormalities, even before they are noticeable. Regular mammograms are recommended, especially for women over a certain age or those with risk factors.
  • Ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to generate images of the breast tissue, helping differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts.
  • MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed images of breast tissue and is particularly useful in specific cases.
  • Biopsy: If a suspicious area is identified, a biopsy is performed to collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis. This definitive procedure confirms whether the cells are cancerous or benign.

Treatment

How is Breast Cancer treated?

Effective treatment for breast cancer involves a comprehensive approach that considers the individual’s unique circumstances. Understanding the various treatment options and their implications is essential for making informed decisions. Breast cancer treatment encompasses a range of approaches, each tailored to address different aspects of the disease. These treatment modalities include:

  • Surgery: Surgical intervention involves removing the tumor and, in some cases, a portion or the entire breast. Lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) and mastectomy (removal of the breast) are common surgical procedures.
  • Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy cancer cells throughout the body. It is typically used in cases where cancer has spread beyond the breast.
  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy utilizes high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells, often after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancerous tissue.
  • Hormone Therapy: Hormone receptor-positive breast cancers are treated with hormone therapy, which aims to block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
  • Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs are designed to target specific molecules involved in cancer growth and survival, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
  • Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, enhancing the body’s natural defense mechanisms.

At Surgery Group of LA treatment plans are personalized to each patient based on factors such as cancer stage, type, and individual health. Our breast cancer oncologists evaluate these elements to determine the most suitable treatment course. Some patients may receive a combination of treatments for optimal results.

Coping Strategies

What to know about Living with Breast Cancer?

A breast cancer diagnosis can bring about a range of emotional and psychological challenges for patients and their loved ones. Coping with these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that includes support, resources, and effective communication.

Emotional Impact of Diagnosis:

Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a profound experience that can evoke various emotions such as fear, anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Patients and their families may feel overwhelmed by the implications of the diagnosis, treatment journey, and its potential effects on daily life. Acknowledging these emotions is a crucial step in the coping process.

Effective Communication and Seeking Support:

Open communication with healthcare providers is essential throughout the breast cancer journey. It ensures that medical teams are aware of emotional challenges and can recommend appropriate support services. Additionally:

  • Lean on Loved Ones: Sharing feelings with friends, family, and loved ones can provide a strong support network and alleviate feelings of isolation.
  • Self-Care: Engaging in self-care activities, such as relaxation techniques, exercise, and creative outlets, can help manage stress and promote emotional well-being.
  • Advocacy for Yourself: Be proactive in seeking the support you need. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express concerns, or request additional resources from your healthcare team.
 
Resources for Coping

Various resources are available to help individuals navigate the emotional aspects of breast cancer:

  • Support Groups: Joining support groups provides a platform to connect with others who understand the challenges of breast cancer. Sharing experiences, insights, and mutual encouragement can foster a sense of belonging and emotional relief.
  • Counseling Services: Professional counselors and therapists experienced in cancer care offer emotional support and coping strategies tailored to individual needs.
  • Online Resources: Numerous websites, forums, and online communities offer information, advice, and a space for sharing experiences with people who are going through similar journeys.
  • Educational Workshops: Participating in workshops that focus on emotional well-being and coping mechanisms can provide valuable tools for managing stress and anxiety.

Prognosis

What to expect with Breast Cancer?

Survivorship is a crucial phase after breast cancer treatment. Physical recovery and emotional healing are ongoing processes. Survivorship care plans ensure that patients receive necessary follow-up appointments, screenings, and support to monitor for recurrence and manage potential long-term effects of treatment.

What is the survival rate of Breast Cancer?

According to the latest published data from the National Cancer Institute, the 5-year breast cancer survival rate is now at almost 90%. Women with a history of breast cancer have a lifelong increased risk of recurrence. Because of this increased risk, women who have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer must continue to be closely followed by their physician throughout the rest of their life. 

Typically speaking, being cancer free for longer than a five-year duration is very encouraging, but does not mean that the cancer will never return. Some women with a history of breast cancer may even develop a recurrence or a completely separate cancer after more than 20 years of being cancer free. These are just estimates and each person’s prognosis will depend on individual factors.

 

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