A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

A Comprehensive Guide to Breast Cancer: Causes, Risk Factors, and Symptoms

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. It’s one of the most common cancers diagnosed worldwide, affecting both women and, less frequently, men. While a breast cancer diagnosis can be daunting, understanding the disease, its risk factors, and its symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective treatment (American Cancer Society, 2024).

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer typically begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. The abnormal cells multiply and form a tumor. If left untreated, these cells can spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system and bloodstream, a process called metastasis.

Risk Factors and Causes

While the exact cause of most breast cancers is unknown, a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors can increase your risk. Some of these are within your control, while others are not (CDC, 2024).

Risk Factors You Cannot Change:

• Being Female: Women are significantly more likely to develop breast cancer than men.
• Increasing Age: The risk of breast cancer goes up as you get older, with most diagnoses occurring after age 50.
• Family History and Genetics: Having a close relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast or ovarian cancer increases your risk. Inherited mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are a major risk factor and can be passed down through generations.
• Reproductive History: Starting your menstrual period before age 12 or starting menopause after age 55 exposes you to hormones for a longer period, which can increase risk.
• Dense Breast Tissue: Dense breasts have more connective and glandular tissue than fatty tissue, which can make it harder to see tumors on a mammogram.

Lifestyle and Environmental Risk Factors:

• Obesity: Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, can increase your risk.
• Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer.
• Alcohol Consumption: Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages is associated with an increased risk.
• Hormone Therapy: Postmenopausal hormone therapy that combines estrogen and progesterone can increase breast cancer risk, particularly with long-term use.

Symptoms and Early Detection

Early breast cancer often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screenings like mammograms are so vital. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm that feels different from the surrounding tissue.
• A change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin, which may resemble an orange peel.
• Nipple changes, such as a nipple that turns inward, redness, or scaly skin.
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk, which may be clear or bloody.
• Redness, swelling, or warmth in the breast (National Breast Cancer Foundation, 2024).

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions. However, if you notice any changes in your breasts, you should consult a doctor or healthcare provider immediately for a thorough evaluation. Early detection is a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer.

References

• American Cancer Society. (2024). What Is Breast Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/what-is-breast-cancer.html
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
• National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2024). Symptoms & Signs of Breast Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-symptoms-and-signs