RISK FACTORS

🔹 Gender – Women are at a higher risk than men.
🔹 Age – The risk increases as you get older, especially after 40.
🔹 Family history – If a close relative had breast cancer, the risk goes up.
🔹 Genetic mutations – Changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase susceptibility.
🔹 Hormone levels – An imbalance of estrogen and progesterone can contribute to cancer growth.
🔹 Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55)
🔹 Obesity
🔹 Excessive alcohol consumption
🔹 Radiation exposure.
🔹 Lack of physical activity

SYMPTOMS

🔹 A lump in the breast or underarm – A firm, painless lump
🔹 Changes in breast size or shape – Any swelling, shrinkage, or asymmetry.
🔹 Nipple changes – Retraction (pulling inward), redness, or unusual discharge
🔹 Skin changes – Dimpling, puckering, or a texture like orange peel.
🔹 Pain in the breast or nipple area – Persistent discomfort or tenderness.
🔹 Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone –

TYPES OF BREAST CANCER

🔹 Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) – A non-invasive cancer that stays within the milk ducts.
🔹 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) – The most common type, spreading from the milk ducts into surrounding tissue.
🔹 Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) – Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and may spread.
🔹 Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) – Lacks hormone receptors and HER2, making it harder to treat.
🔹 HER2-Positive Breast Cancer – Has high levels of HER2 protein, which can make cancer grow quickly.
🔹 Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) – A rare but aggressive type that causes redness and swelling instead of a lump.

DIAGNOSIS

🖥️ Imaging Tests:

• Mammogram
• Ultrasound
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

🔬 Biopsy & Laboratory Tests:

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) –.
• Core Needle Biopsy –.
• Hormone Receptor Testing –
• Genetic Testing – Checks for BRCA1 & BRCA2 mutations, which may indicate a higher risk.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

🔹 Surgery – Removes the tumor while trying to save as much healthy tissue as possible.

• Lumpectomy – Removes only the tumor and a small area around it.
• Mastectomy – Removes one or both breasts, depending on how far cancer has spread.

🔹 Radiation Therapy – Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

• External Beam Radiation – Directs radiation at the tumor from outside the body.
• Brachytherapy – Radioactive material is placed inside the breast to target cancer cells.

🔹 Chemotherapy – Uses powerful drugs to shrink or kill cancer cells, often before or after surgery.
🔹 Hormone Therapy – Blocks estrogen and progesterone receptors to slow or stop cancer growth.
🔹 Targeted Therapy – Uses special drugs to attack HER2-positive cancer cells.
🔹 Immunotherapy – Helps boost the immune system to fight cancer more effectively.

PREVENTION OF BREAST CANCER

✔️ Maintain a healthy weight – Being overweight can increase estrogen levels.
✔️ Exercise regularly – At least 30 minutes of activity every day.
✔️ Limit alcohol intake – No more than one drink per day.
✔️ Avoid smoking – Tobacco increases the risk of many cancers, including breast cancer.
✔️ Breastfeed if possible – Breastfeeding has been linked to a lower risk of breast cancer.
✔️ Have regular screenings – Mammograms and self-exams help detect cancer early.
✔️ Consider genetic testing – If you have a family history, testing can help assess your risk.