Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. Each year, around 220,000 women in the U.S. are newly diagnosed with breast cancer. Receiving this life-altering news often means women must make quick, critical decisions about treatment. While breast cancer is often curable if detected early, it remains a leading cause of death among women ages 35 to 54.
Cancer is a complex group of over 100 diseases, all stemming from cells that begin to grow uncontrollably and out of order. Typically, cells divide only when needed for growth or repair. In cancer, however, cells continue to divide without this control, leading to tumors and, in some cases, the spread of abnormal cells to other areas.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are multiple types of breast cancer, with the most common being ductal carcinoma, which originates in the milk ducts of the breast. Another type, lobular carcinoma, begins in the breast’s milk-producing lobules. If cancer cells invade nearby tissue, it is referred to as invasive cancer.
In advanced cases, cancer cells may spread beyond the breast to other lymph nodes, bones, liver, or lungs. When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer. For example, breast cancer that spreads to the liver is still breast cancer, termed “metastatic breast cancer to the liver,” not liver cancer.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
While doctors cannot fully explain why breast cancer affects some people and not others, researchers are uncovering details about cellular changes that can lead to cancer. They have identified certain genetic changes within breast cells that increase cancer risk. These changes may be inherited from parents or develop over time. Breast cancer generally starts with a single cell that gradually becomes malignant, but it’s impossible to predict when or if this will happen in any individual case.
Who is at Risk?
Every woman has some risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime, and the likelihood increases with age. In the U.S., about 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Though it is more common in older women, breast cancer can affect younger women and even a small number of men—about 1,300 cases occur annually in men in the U.S.
The Importance of Early Detection
While there is currently no guaranteed prevention for breast cancer, early detection significantly improves survival rates. There are three key practices that every woman should consider to catch breast cancer early:
- Annual Mammograms: Women over the age of 50 should plan for yearly mammograms, as this specialized X-ray is crucial for early detection.
- Doctor’s Breast Exams: Make time for regular breast exams by your healthcare provider each year.
- Self-Examinations: Perform a monthly breast self-exam (BSE) to stay familiar with your body and identify any changes.
Treatment Options: No Single Path
If diagnosed with breast cancer, it’s essential to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. Breast cancer is a highly complex disease, and each case is unique. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, doctors conduct additional tests to determine the cancer’s stage—a process that helps guide the best treatment plan.
Your doctor will likely consider:
- Tumor Size
- Location of Cancer Cells: Whether the cancer has spread within the breast.
- Lymph Node Involvement: If the cancer is present in underarm lymph nodes.
- Metastasis: If cancer has reached other parts of the body.
Multiple treatment options may be available, and seeking a second opinion can be helpful. Educating yourself about breast cancer and understanding the different treatments available can be empowering during this challenging time. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek support—you are not alone in this journey.
Hope for a Healthy Future
Many women treated for early breast cancer go on to live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. The best chance for survival lies in early detection, so be proactive: schedule mammograms, have regular visits with your doctor, and practice self-examination consistently.
Your health matters. Here’s to many years of well-being and strength!