The breasts are located on the pectoral muscles that wrap over the ribs. Each breast consists of 15 to 20 lobes. The lobes are also made up of smaller lobules. The lobules contain the glands that produce milk. Milk flows through thin ducts between the lobules towards the nipple. The nipple is located in the middle of the dark area called the areola. Fat tissue fills between the lobules and ducts. There are also lymph vessels in the breasts. These vessels go to small and round structures called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are located in the armpit area close to the breast. They are also located behind the collarbone, behind the rib cage bones and in many other parts of the body. Lymph nodes trap bacteria, cancer cells and other harmful substances.
Breast cancer is one of the diseases women fear most. Along with cardiovascular diseases, it is the leading cause of death. It is second only to lung cancer in cancer deaths. However, there is no need to be so pessimistic. Because in the last 30 years, there have been great advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in the field of medicine. Deaths from breast cancer are now decreasing. In the past, the entire breast tissue as well as skin and muscle tissues were removed in breast cancer, whereas now treatment options that do not touch the intact tissues are applied.
Symptoms and Signs
If you know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, you may save your life. With early diagnosis, your chances of treatment will increase and you will have a healthy long life. Most lumps in the breast are not cancer. But of course, the first sign of cancer is a lump in the breast. This mass is usually painless. Other symptoms are as follows;
– Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
– Nipple retraction
– Change in the shape or structure of the breast
– Flattening or collapse of the skin around the breast
– Orange peel appearance on the breast skin
However, keep in mind that your breast will undergo normal changes during menstrual cycles and pregnancy. There are also benign breast tumors that are not cancerous. These are as follows;
Fibrocystic changes. This is when you feel stringy or granular structures in your breast. Fibrocystic changes are very common and occur in half of women. Most of them are harmless and do not develop cancer. If you constantly check your breast yourself, it will be easier for you to detect changes in it.
Cysts These fluid-filled sacs usually occur in women between the ages of 35 and 50. Cysts can vary in size. They can be very small or as big as an egg. They may increase in size or become tender close to your menstrual period. After that, they may disappear completely. Cyst formation is not common after menopause.
Fibroadenomas. These are hard, benign tumors that are especially common in women in their childbearing years. Fibroadenomas are smoothly shaped, rubbery masses with prominent edges. They move under the skin and are painless. They may grow or shrink over time. They may even disappear completely. If a fibroadenoma is detected, it is sometimes necessary to confirm the diagnosis with a biopsy.
Infections Breast infection (mastitis) usually occurs in breastfeeding mothers or mothers who have recently stopped breastfeeding. However, mastitis can develop at any time. Your breast is red, hot, tender and swollen. The lymph nodes in the armpit may also swell. Your temperature rises and you feel exhausted.
Trauma A lump can form with a blow to your breast. This does not mean that cancer will develop.
Calcium deposits (microcalcifications). These tiny calcium deposits can develop anywhere in your breast and can be seen on a mammogram. Most women will have one or more of these of varying sizes. They are thought to be caused by trauma, redness, cell destruction, cell secretions. It has nothing to do with the calcium you take. Most calcium deposits are harmless. However, a very small part of them can turn into cancer. In case of any suspicion, your doctor will order the necessary tests. Even a biopsy may be performed. If you feel a lump or any other change in your breast, wait until you have had one menstrual period before going to the doctor. If it is still the same after a month, then you need to be examined.
Causes
In breast cancer, cells in the breast start to grow abnormally. These cancer cells multiply faster than normal healthy cells and spread through the breast tissue. They can even spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of your body. The most common type of breast cancer starts in the ducts that produce milk. But cancer can also start in the lobules or other breast structures. In most cases, it is not clear what starts the abnormal cell growth in the breast tissue. However, we know that 5 to 10% of breast cancer is inherited. Some genetic disorders are also linked to breast cancer, even if they are not inherited. Such disorders can develop throughout your life. For example, a woman who received radiation therapy to the chest during childhood is more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman who did not. Genetic mutations can also be caused by cancer-causing chemicals (e.g. smoking, burnt red meat). Recent studies are investigating the link between genetic disorders and environmental factors. However, studies are still ongoing and many factors are thought to be involved in breast cancer.
Risk Factors
Any risk factor makes you more susceptible to a certain disease. There are risk factors that you cannot change (gender, age, family history) and risk factors that you can change (smoking, diet). Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get sick. Most women with breast cancer have no risk factors. Just being a woman is a risk factor for breast cancer. However, men can also develop breast cancer, although it is 100 times more common in women. The following factors indicate people who are more vulnerable to breast cancer;
– Age. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. It is rare under 25 years of age. 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.
– Your history of breast cancer. If cancer has developed in one breast, the risk of it developing in the other is very high.
– Family history. If your mother, sister or daughter has breast and/or ovarian cancer, or even if it is a male relative, you are at high risk of developing breast cancer.
– Genetic predisposition. Between 5 and 10% of breast cancers are inherited. The risk of developing breast, ovarian or colon cancer is increased due to faulty genes.
– Radiation exposure. If you have received radiation therapy to your breast area, you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The earlier this radiation intake occurs, the greater the risk of cancer.
– Don’t be overweight. The relationship with this is a bit complicated. If you have more fat in your upper body, the risk is higher.
– Estrogen status. The more estrogen you are exposed to, the higher your risk of breast cancer. There is a slightly increased risk of breast cancer if you started menstruating early (before the age of 12) and went through late menopause (over 50). There is also a slightly increased risk for those who have never had children or who conceive for the first time after the age of 35.
– Race. There is an increased risk in Caucasians compared to Blacks.
– Hormone therapy. Since hormones used to treat menopausal symptoms carry a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, such treatment should be carried out carefully under the supervision of a doctor.
– Birth control pills. Although there are studies showing that hormone therapy increases the risk, there is no clear answer regarding birth control pills.
– Smoking. Smoking has been shown to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in patients with a family history.
– Excessive alcohol consumption. Alcoholic women are 20% more likely to develop breast cancer than non-drinkers.
When to see a doctor
Although most breast masses are not cancerous, they should be diagnosed as soon as possible to find out what it is. Because if there is a problem, it should be detected and treated immediately. If you have felt a lump or change in your breast and it has stayed the same for one menstrual period, you should see your doctor. If you have been treated for breast cancer, see your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms. Also, if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk to your doctor about mammography.
Self-examination
All women are advised to perform a breast self-examination every month from the age of 20. They will then be able to perform breast examinations very well and detect early signs of cancer.
Doctor examination
Until the age of 40, a breast examination by a doctor every three years can detect masses that you may not have noticed during your own examination.
Mammogram
A mammogram shows the masses in the breast tissue with X-rays. Every woman over 40 should have one. However, mammography is not a perfect technique. False negatives and positives are also possible.
What you need to do
Do breast self-examination from the age of 20 and see your doctor if you notice changes.
– If you are between 20 and 30 years old, have a breast examination by your doctor every three years, and if you are over 40, every year.
– If you have a family history of cancer or other risks, talk to your doctor and get checked more often.