Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It happens in females and occasionally in males as well. Signs of breast cancer may consist of a lump in the breast, a lump in the armpit, breast pain, bloody nipple discharge, and alterations in the shape or texture of the breast, nipple, or skin around the breast.
The stage of cancer determines the course of treatment. The treatment could involve a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and surgery.
How It Starts?
Breast cancer cells originate within the milk ducts or milk-producing lobules of the breast. The initial type (in situ) is harmless and can be identified early on. Cancer cells have the ability to invade surrounding breast tissue. This results in the formation of tumors that lead to the presence of lumps or thickening.
Life Expectancy
The typical survival rate after 5 years for individuals with breast cancer is 89%. The 10-year rate stands at 83%, while the 15-year rate is at 78%. If cancer remains confined to the breast (Stage I), the survival rate after 5 years is 99%. Early-Stage breast cancer accounts for over 70% of diagnoses.
Treatment & Management
Surgery is the main form of treatment for breast cancer, although other treatment options may also be utilized by healthcare providers. Different types of treatments for breast cancer include:
- Surgical removal of the breast.
- Removal of a lump.
- Reconstructing the breasts.
- Healthcare professionals have the option to integrate surgery with any of the subsequent therapies:
- Chemotherapy treatment.
- Treatment with radiation, which includes a method called intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT).
- Treatment involving the use of the immune system to fight against diseases.
- Treatment involving hormones, such as selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) therapy.
