Breast Cancer Treatment & Diagnostics in Karol Bagh, Delhi

Breast Cancer Introduction

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts forming in the cells of the breasts. It is the most common form of cancer in India in women. It can happen to men as well but it is commonly found in women. A lot of breast cancer awareness programs have played a great role in advancing the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Consequently, the survival rates have become better.

About Breast Cancer

Breast cancer happens when mutations occur in genes responsible for regulating cell growth. As a result, the mutation causes the cells to multiply and divide uncontrollably. Breast cancer usually forms in the lobules (glands producing milk) or ducts (pathways bringing the milk to the nipple) of the breast.

The stages of cancer depend on the size of the tumor and how far it has spread in your body.

There are 4 main stages of breast cancer

• Stage 0: In this stage, the cells limit to within the ducts and do not invade surrounding tissues.
• Stage 1: The tumor grows up to 2 cm across. So far, it does not affect any lymph nodes.
• Stage 2: The 2 cm tumor starts spreading to the nearby nodes or becomes 2-5 cm across but does not spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage 3: The 5 cm tumor spreads to numerous lymph nodes or the 5 cm tumor grows larger and starts spreading in a few lymph nodes.
• Stage 4: Cancer starts spreading to distant organs like bones, liver, lungs, or brain.

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The early stages of breast cancer may not cause any symptoms. But, make sure to look out for these common breast cancer symptoms:

• Breast pain, lumps or swelling
• Bloody discharge from nipples
• Rapid and unexplained change in your breasts’ shape or size
• Nipple discharge (not milk)
• Scaling, peeling, or flaking of your breast’s or nipple’s skin

What are the Causes of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer happens as some breast cells start growing abnormally. Your hormonal, environmental and lifestyle factors can increase your risk of breast cancer. However, it is still not clear why some people with no risk factors also develop breast cancer.

On the other hand, the other people having no risk factors still develop breast cancer. It is most likely that a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment causes breast cancer.

What are the Risk Factors of Breast Cancer?

Risk factors increase your chance of getting breast cancer. But, it is not necessary that having one or several risk factors means you will develop breast cancer. The factors that increase the risk are:

• Being female
• Increasing age
• Family or personal history of breast cancer
• Radiation exposure
• Getting periods at a younger age
• Having a baby or getting menopause at an older age
• Drinking alcohol
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy

When to See a Doctor

If you notice a lump or any other changes in your breast, consult your doctor immediately. Even if your recent mammogram comes out normal and you still find a lump, get a prompt evaluation by contacting your doctor.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment

How can You Prevent Breast Cancer?

Bring about changes in your day-to-day life to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. You can:

• Begin breast cancer screening exams and tests
• Self-inspect your breasts for unusual signs like lumps
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Exercise daily
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet

What are the Treatment Options for Breast Cancer?

Different treatment options depend on various factors like your type of cancer, stage of cancer, and more. They include:

1. Surgery: Different surgeries are used for removing breast cancer like lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, etc.
2. Radiation therapy: High-powered beams of radiation target and kill cancer cells.
3. Chemotherapy: Drug treatment that destroys cancer cells. Often used along with other treatments.
4. Hormone therapy: It blocks your body’s production of hormones like estrogen and progesterone to slow or stop the growth of cancer.
5. Medications: They are used to attack certain abnormalities or mutations within cancer cells.

Conclusion

Your outlook for cancer depends on your stage of cancer. If it is detected early, there are higher chances of a positive outlook. Thus, make sure to go for regular checkups and screenings to help detect the symptoms of breast cancer early. Feel free to discuss your options with your doctor.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Karol Bagh, New Delhi

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment