Breast Cancer Awareness Month: The Essential Awareness of Early Detection

October is a month to promote awareness about breast cancer and the value of early detection. The pink ribbon is a symbol of this event to bring hope and solidarity!

Photo by Breast Cancer Now

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where abnormal cells within the breast or chest tissue begin to evolve uncontrollably. The cells in this area tend to proliferate, forming a tumor can invade surrounding tissues or spread to other parts of the body. 

After skin cancer, breast cancer ranks as the second most frequent cancer among women in the US. One in eight women in the US are predicted to get breast cancer at some point in their lives, and one in three of them will develop metastatic illness. Metastatic breast cancer affects an incredible 73,000 to 86,000 women in the United States alone each year; this number is predicted to rise by as much as 30% in the years to come.

Early Detection is Key

For breast cancer to be effectively identified and detected early, early detection is essential. Mammograms and other screening procedures are used by medical experts to find cancers that are invisible. Self-examinations and clinical breast exams are equally crucial for early detection. While women at higher risk should be checked more regularly, average-risk women should get mammograms every two years.

Stages

From 0 to IV, the Roman numerals represent the stages of breast cancer, where 0 signifies the earliest and IV represents the most advanced stage:

• Stage 0 (DCIS) is noninvasive, meaning it hasn't spread beyond the milk ducts.

• Stage 1 indicates a small tumor that is localized, with a low risk of lymph node involvement.

• Stage 2 involves larger tumors that may have spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• Stage 3 signifies more extensive local spread, with involvement of lymph nodes.

• Stage 4 is metastatic, meaning the cancer has spread to distant organs.

  
  

Tumor size, spread, and cell type all affect the stage of breast cancer. It helps doctors determine to find treatments including immunotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. Systemic treatment, such as immunotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted medications, is usually necessary for stages I, II, or III. The results of therapy are comparable for similar tumors.

Breast cancer in Men

Although it may occur in men, breast cancer is more common in women. Males account for fewer than 1% of all breast cancer cases in the United States. The majority of male breast cancers are ductal carcinomas, which originate in the milk ducts. Because men are not routinely screened or aware of their symptoms, they are frequently detected at a later stage. Studies on women are frequently used to inform treatment choices for male breast cancer.