Breast Cancer- An Efficient Killer

Breast is a leading cause of cancer in women. The majority of women who develop Breast Cancer have no obvious risk factors. Breast Cancer is extremely uncommon below 30 yrs, but there are few incidences. The peak incidence of Breast Cancer in women is in 60 and 70 age group.

Breast Cancer progresses rapidly and hence examination of breast on regular basis becomes really important. The most common type of Breast Cancer is ducal carcinoma (90%) i.e. cancer of the ducts in breast tissue, followed by lobular carcinoma i.e. cancer of the globules. Ducts and Lobbers are the part of breast tissue through which milk flows and is stored during lactation period.

Usually females are asymptomatic i.e. they do not show any symptoms in early stages of cancer. Some of the symptoms of breast cancer are as follows:

• Discoloration of skin over the breast, which remains for a long period.
• Change in skin texture over affected breast like dimples over that part of the breast, also described as skin like that of an orange.
• Change in size and shape of the breast due to underlying growth or tumor.

But all these symptoms usually occur after the tumor has grown large or at later stages of the disease. So Breast Cancer, even though silent, is a very efficient killer as its detection is difficult. As with all cancers, early detection and prompt treatment only offers good hopes to the patient.

TNM staging systems is commonly followed to assess stage of the Breast Cancer and its prognosis. Primary tumor assessed on physical examination, mammogram, and ultrasound is classified as “T” disease.

Spread of Breast Cancer to axillary lymph nodes of same side is classified as “N” disease. Spread to opposite breast’s lymph nodes and other organs like lungs, liver, bones, brain etc is called as “M” disease.

For early detection of Breast Cancer, monthly self examination of breast is important along with other screening tests such as mammogram, ultrasound etc yearly. Especially those female having family history of this disease are more at risk. They should be alert and cautious to prevent this dreaded disease, which has the potential to kill.