Definition of breast cancer

Breast cancer is a condition characterized by the formation of cancer cells in breast tissue. Cancer can form in the milk-producing glands (lobules) or in the ducts that direct milk from the glands to the nipples. Cancer can also be formed in adipose tissue or breast connective tissue.

Breast cancer is formed when breast cells develop abnormally and are out of control. These cells usually form tumors that look like lumps. Although breast cancer usually attacks women, it can also affect men.

The most common breast cancer, divided into several types.

• Ductal carcinoma in situ. This cancer develops in the ducts and does not spread to surrounding tissues. This type of cancer includes cancer in its early stages and is easily treated. However, this cancer can spread to the surrounding tissue if not treated immediately.
• Lobular carcinoma in situ. Is a cancer that develops in the lobules. Like ductal carcinoma in situ, this cancer does not spread to surrounding tissues.
• Invasive ductal carcinoma. This cancer develops in the ducts and can spread to surrounding tissues, or even to other parts of the body. This type of cancer occurs in 70 to 80% of cases of breast cancer.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma. It is a cancer that develops in the lobules and can spread to surrounding tissues. This cancer occurs in 10% of breast cancer cases.

A rare type of breast cancer is

• Angiosarkoma. Is a type of cancer that develops in blood vessels and breast lymph nodes.
• Paget's disease. Paget's disease is a cancer that develops in the nipple, then spreads to the black area around the nipple (areola).
• Phyllodes tumor. This rare type of cancer develops in the connective tissue of the breast called the stroma.
• Inflammatory breast cancer. This is a rare type of breast cancer, but it develops rapidly and clogs the lymph nodes, making the breasts inflamed.
• Triples negative breast cancer. Is a type of cancer that has a negative result in the presence of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone hormone receptor (PR) and HER-2 receptors in cancerous tissues, generally positive for breast cancer.

Symptoms and causes of breast cancer

Breast cancer is often difficult to detect at an early stage because of its small size. New lumps can be felt if the size is large enough. However, not all lumps in the breast are identical to cancer. Therefore, it is important to check whether the mass is cancerous or not.

We do not yet know what causes the growth of cancer cells in the breast. However, a number of factors can put a person at risk of contracting this disease. For example, having menstruation at too young or too old and having family members also suffer from breast cancer.

How to treat and prevent breast cancer

Breast cancer can be treated in various ways, depending on the patient's condition and the type of breast cancer itself. Treatment efforts include:

• radiotherapy
• hormone therapy
• chemotherapy
• Surgical procedure

Prevention of breast cancer can be done by self-examination or examination by medical personnel. Checks should be done regularly if you are at risk of developing breast cancer. In addition, it is recommended to exercise regularly and not to consume alcoholic beverages.

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