📋 Overview
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour that can be felt as a lump or detected via imaging. It can affect both women and, rarely, men.
Breast cancer is categorized by where it starts: ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma), and whether it has invaded nearby tissue (invasive) or not (in situ). Early-stage breast cancer is highly curable with modern treatment.
At Mankori Devi Cancer Centre (MDCC), Dr. Karamvir Yadav provides comprehensive breast cancer care — from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy.
🔍 Symptoms to Watch For
- A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm
- Swelling of all or part of the breast (even without a lump)
- Skin dimpling — often resembling an orange peel
- Breast or nipple pain that doesn't go away
- Nipple turning inward (retraction)
- Redness, scaling, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk (clear or bloody)
- Any change in the size or shape of the breast
⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer (BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations)
- Age — risk increases significantly after 50
- Dense breast tissue on mammogram
- Previous breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
- Early menstruation (before 12) or late menopause (after 55)
- Having first child after 30 or never having children
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for extended periods
- Obesity especially after menopause
- Alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyle
📊 Types & Stages
Stage 0
Non-invasive cancer (DCIS) confined to ducts or lobules. Highly curable.
Stage I
Small tumour (≤2cm), no lymph node spread. Excellent prognosis.
Stage II
Tumour 2–5cm or minimal lymph node involvement. Very treatable.
Stage III
Larger tumour with lymph node spread but no distant metastasis.
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to distant organs — bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Key Point
Even advanced stages can be managed effectively with targeted treatment.
💊 Treatment Options
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Surgery
Lumpectomy (breast-conserving) or mastectomy. Lymph node removal if needed.
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Radiation Therapy
Targeted radiation after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells.
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Chemotherapy
Drugs to kill cancer cells — before or after surgery, or for advanced disease.
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Hormone Therapy
For hormone receptor-positive cancers — blocks estrogen to stop growth.
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Targeted Therapy
HER2-targeted drugs like trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Immunotherapy
For triple-negative breast cancer — boosts immune response against cancer.
🩺 Diagnosis Methods
- Clinical breast examination by a specialist
- Mammography — X-ray of the breast (annual after age 40)
- Ultrasound — differentiates solid lumps from fluid-filled cysts
- MRI — detailed imaging for high-risk patients
- Biopsy — tissue sample to confirm cancer type and receptor status
- Hormone receptor (ER/PR) and HER2 testing for treatment planning
- Genetic testing (BRCA1, BRCA2) for high-risk families
✅ Prevention Tips
- Monthly self-breast examination — know your normal
- Annual mammograms for women above 40
- Maintain healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Breastfeed if possible — reduces risk
- Discuss HRT risks with your doctor
- Genetic counselling if family history is strong