Chronic Disease Prevention and Management: Breast Cancer Awareness and Prevention

By Elizabeth Oladapo

Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most commonly occurring cancer among women, but men can also develop it, though less frequently.
There are different types of breast cancer, each with its own characteristics and treatment options. Symptoms may vary, but common ones include lumps in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, nipple discharge, and skin changes. The awareness and prevention of breast cancer is very important for few reasons. Early detection through regular screenings like mammograms increases survival rate by leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment. When breast cancer is detected early, the intensity of treatment may be less invasive thereby reducing physical and emotional strain on patients. Breast cancer awareness and prevention efforts can help reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer. Also, understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and available resources empowers individuals to take active steps to protect their health. Awareness campaigns can help reduce stigma associated with breast cancer which then makes it easier for individuals to seek help.
Research can be used to develop innovative therapies and technologies that help improve outcomes for individuals with breast cancer. Moving on to the different types of breast cancer by identifying each characteristics and treatment method, they include,
Invasive ductal carcinoma: This is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 80% of breast cancers. It occurs when cancer cells grow and spread beyond the ducts of the breast. The treatment for invasive ductal carcinoma depends on several factors like the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Lumpectomy, a treatment method, involves removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue. Mastectomy involves the removal of the entire breast when the stage for the cancer is already very high. Invasive ductal carcinoma can also be treated through radiation therapy which includes external beam radiation that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Another way to treat invasive ductal carcinoma is by chemotherapy which includes systemic treatment (using drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body). The specific treatment plan will be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual patient’s situation.
Invasive lobular carcinoma: This type accounts for about 10% of breast cancers. It occurs when cancer cells grow and spread beyond the lobules of the breast. The treatments includes, surgery, chemotherapy and hormone therapy which are all based on the stage and personal preference of the individual.
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that remains within the ducts of the breast. It can also be considered a precursor to invasive breast cancer.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that remains within the lobules of the breast. It is often found on a mammogram and may increase the risk of developing invasive breast cancer in the future.
Triple-negative breast cancer: This type is aggressive and doesn’t express three specific receptors (estrogen, progesterone, or HER2). It can be more difficult to treat.
The general treatment of breast cancer as seen are chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery and target therapy used for some specific type of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is a complex disease with various risk factors that can increase your chances of developing it. These factors can be categorized into genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors.
Genetic factors includes family history (having a close relative, especially a first-degree relative like mother, sister, daughter), with breast cancer increases one’s risk of having breast cancer. Genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
Lifestyle factors include age (the risk of breast cancer increases with age), weight, hormone therapy (postmenopausal hormone therapy can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer), alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of physical activity your risk.
It is important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn’t guarantee that one will develop breast cancer. Many women with risk factors never develop the disease. However, understanding your risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your health and screenings. It is very important to regularly go for screening for early detection of breast cancer. Some screening recommendations are mammogram, clinical breast examinations, etc. Remember, early detection is key to improving outcomes for breast cancer. Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk.
However, a person with breast cancer should not keep to themselves, it is very important to seek medical support, learn about the type of breast cancer one has, its stage and the potential treatment options. Also one should be surrounded with loved ones or support groups (there are many people who have gone through similar experiences and can offer support and guidance) who can offer emotional and practical support. It is important to prioritize self-care, including healthy eating, exercise, and adequate rest. By raising awareness and promoting prevention, we can work towards a future where breast cancer is a more manageable disease with better outcome for everyone.