Breast Cancer Treatment in Kondapur, Hyderabad

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women. It is cancer that forms in the cells of the breast.

People around the world have started becoming more aware of breast cancer because of the campaigns and awareness rallies held for it. Women especially need to be aware of breast cancer, how it can be prevented, about medical treatment and help etc.

What is breast cancer?

Cancer occurs when genes mutate which regulates cell growth. This mutation causes the cells to grow, divide and multiply uncontrollably. Hence, breast cancer is a disease in which the cells in the breast grow out of control.

The cancer forms in either the lobules or the ducts of the breast. Breast milk is produced by the lobules and the ducts carry this milk from the glands to the nipple. The two most common types of breast cancer are invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma. Cancer can also form in the connective tissue consisting of fibrous and fatty tissue.

The uncontrolled cancer cells can often move to the other healthy breast as well and to the other parts of the body through lymph nodes or blood vessels. When cancer spreads to the other parts of the body it is known to have metastasized.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Sometimes in the early stages of breast cancer, the tumour can be too small to be felt. The first sign of cancer or tumour is a lump in the breast or thickened tissue. However, not all lumps are cancerous.

Different types of cancers usually have similar types of symptoms but some can be different too. The common symptoms are:

• A recent lump or thickened tissue around the breast or armpit
• Breast pain that does not change with the monthly cycle
• Changes in the skin colour around the breast usually reddening
• Rash around the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple other than breast milk
• Peeling, flaking or scaling of the skin around the nipple or breast skin
• Changes in shape, size or appearance of the breast
• Inverted nipple

What causes breast cancer?

Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men. Breast cancer occurs when cells grow abnormally. Cancer can metastasize and travel to the other parts of your body through lymph nodes and blood vessels.

There is no single cause that leads to breast cancer. Environmental, hormonal or lifestyle factors may play a role in increasing the risk of getting breast cancer.

Gene mutation can be a common cause of breast cancer in some women. Doctors may request tests if there is a prolonged history of breast cancer in your family.

Risk factors for breast cancer

Since there are no definite causes of breast cancer, the following risk factors make a person more likely to get it:

• Age- Research has shown that with age the risk of developing breast cancer increases. It can be the most invasive in women above the age of 55 years.
• Genetics- Women who carry certain genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 due to a history of breast cancer in the family or otherwise have a higher risk of having breast cancer.
• If you have already had breast cancer or lumps then your risk of developing it again increases.
• Women with dense breast tissue are at risk of having breast cancer
• Beginning your period at a younger age mostly before the age of 12 increases your risk of having breast cancer
• Starting menopause late also increases the risk of having breast cancer
• Women who have taken hormone therapy like postmenopausal estrogen and progesterone medications are at risk of developing breast cancer
• Women never having been pregnant are at risk of developing breast cancer as compared to women who have had one or more pregnancies

When should you see a doctor?

If you notice a lump or any change in your breast contact your doctor at Apollo Kondapur for evaluation and a mammogram. Ask your doctor about breast screening and any kind of information you feel is necessary to stay aware.

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals, Kondapur

Call 1860-500-2244 to book an appointment

How to prevent breast cancer?

There is no certainty in preventing breast cancer however, a few lifestyle changes can reduce the risk.

• Be familiar with your breasts and self-examine your breasts. If you observe any change or any sign of any lums contact your doctor immediately. Have regular mammograms.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising, eating healthy and being cautious of your body weight. Obesity increases your risk of getting breast cancer.
• Drink alcohol in moderation

Breast cancer is cancer that develops in the cells of the breast and is common among women. Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing it. Women and men around the world are becoming more aware of breast cancer and its treatment because of campaigns and organisations.