Verified By June 11, 2023
3244Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. Most of the cases occur in women over the age of 50 but breast cancer can occur in younger women as well. If you notice any lump or change to the normal breast then you should see a doctor promptly. Breast cancer is conquerable if detected early.
Types:
Ductal Carcinoma- The most common type of breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. This cancer begins in cells that line a breast duct. About 7 of every 10 women with breast cancer have ductal carcinoma
Lobular Carcinoma- The second most common type of breast cancer is lobular carcinoma. This cancer begins in a lobule of the breast. About 1 of every 10 women with breast cancer has lobular carcinoma
Screening:
If the doctor feels that further tests are needed, you may need a biopsy, from which our experts determine whether the cells are cancerous or not. The biopsy sample is also analyzed to determine the type of cells involved in the breast cancer, the aggressiveness (grade) of cancer, and whether the cancer cells have hormone receptors or other receptors that may influence your treatment options.
Apart from getting screened, please ensure regular breast self-examination and do lookout for signs such as:
Risk Factors:
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, we recommend you to undergo genetic counseling and if required for testing, to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family.
Other risk factors for breast cancer include:
Treatment:
The breast cancer treatment options are decided based on the type of breast cancer, its stage & grade, size, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones.
Women with breast cancer have many treatment options. Treatment options include:
You may receive more than one type of treatment. Most women undergo surgery for breast cancer and also receive additional treatment before or after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation
Surgical options for breast cancer:
Some women undergo to have breast reconstruction surgery at the same time.
Dr. Shishir Shetty
(Surgical Oncologist)
Apollo Hospitals – Navi Mumbai
November 24, 2023