Types of Breast Cancer

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and invading surrounding tissue.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and can spread to nearby tissues.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive condition where abnormal cells are found in the ducts but have not spread.
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): Not considered a true breast cancer but indicates an increased risk of developing breast cancer later.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks three common receptors, making it more challenging to treat.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Characterized by excess HER2 protein, which promotes the growth of cancer cells.

1. Risk Factors

Genetic Factors: Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes significantly increase risk.
Family History: A family history of breast cancer can elevate risk.
Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 55.
Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, and hormone replacement therapy can influence risk.
Lifestyle Choices: Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and alcohol consumption are linked to higher risk.

Lumps: A lump in the breast or underarm area that is easy to see.
Changes in Size or Shape: Alterations in the appearance of one or both breasts.
Skin Changes: Dimpling, redness, or flakiness of breast skin.
Changes in the nipple include either a bloody or clear discharge or the nipple retracting.

Self-Examination: Regular self-exams of the breasts to look for changes.
Clinical Examination: A healthcare provider checks for lumps or abnormalities.
Mammography is a breast X-ray used to find tumors.
Ultrasound and MRI: Additional imaging tests to evaluate suspicious areas.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken for microscopic examination to confirm cancer.

Surgery: Options include lumpectomy (removal of the tumor) and mastectomy (removal of one or both breasts).
Radiation Therapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells, often post-surgery.
Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment using drugs to kill cancer cells, can be neoadjuvant (before surgery) or adjuvant (after surgery).
Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers, medications block hormones that fuel cancer growth.
Targeted Therapy: Drugs that specifically target cancer cell vulnerabilities, such as HER2-positive cancers.

Emotional support can be gained by joining support groups with other people who are going through similar situations.
Counseling Services: Professional help for coping with the emotional impact of a diagnosis.
Educational Resources: Books, websites, and organizations dedicated to breast cancer awareness and education.
Nutrition and Wellness Programs: Guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle during and after treatment.