Question 1

What are the early signs of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Early symptoms of breast cancer include

Lump in your breast after periods
Alteration in the shape and size of your breast
Discharge from the nipple
Peeling and flaking of skin on your nipple or breast
Breast pain

Question 2

What are the 5 stages of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

There are 5 stages of breast cancer. The earliest stage of breast cancer is called carcinoma in situ.

In Stage I breast cancer, the cancer cells spread past the initial site to surrounding areas.

Stage II breast cancer is also known as invasive breast cancer, in which the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes.

In Stage III breast cancer, the cancer spreads to axillary lymph nodes.

Stage IV breast cancer is also known as metastatic breast cancer. During this stage, the cancer spreads to even distant parts of the body.

Question 3

What are the types of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

There are several types of breast cancer and they’re placed into two major categories - invasive and non-invasive or in situ. The former spreads from the breast ducts to other parts of the breast and the latter does not spread from the original tissue.

Ductal carcinoma in situ
Lobular carcinoma in situ
Invasive ductal carcinoma
Invasive lobular carcinoma

Few other less common types of breast cancer are

Paget disease of the nipple
Phyllodes tumour
Angiosarcoma

Question 4

What causes breast cancer in females?

Accepted Answer

Cancer is caused when cells grow abnormally and divide more rapidly than healthy cells. Recent studies have shown that the risk of breast cancer increases due to a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Most of the cases are linked to gene mutations passed through family generations.

Other factors that increase the risk of breast cancer are

Increasing age
Radiation exposure
Late pregnancy
Obesity

Question 5

Can you be completely cured of breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

The earlier that breast cancer is detected, the higher the probability of long-term survival. Breast Cancer survival rates depend on the type of cancer and the stage at which you begin diagnosis. Other factors influencing survival rate include age, race, and gender.

Question 6

What is the best treatment for breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for breast cancer includes

Surgery: This can include removing either or both the breasts or removing the lymph nodes.
Radiation therapy: In this treatment, cancer cells are killed with the help of high-energy waves.
Chemotherapy: Chemo is mostly done post-surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells that can further spread throughout the body.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy blocks the hormones that can sometimes increase the growth of cancer cells.
Targeted therapy drugs: This treatment aims at cancer cells with irregularities.
Immunotherapy: The treatment interferes with your body's immune system to fight cancer.

Question 7

Can you die from Stage 1 breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Stage 1 cancer, also known as Carcinoma in situ, is 100% curable as it is the earliest stage of breast cancer. The tumours are small and the spread through lymph nodes is microscopic.

Question 8

How fast can breast cancer spread?

Accepted Answer

Breast cancer spreads quickly only once the tumour is 2 centimetres in size. Some types may spread in the early stages.

Question 9

Can I test for breast cancer symptoms at home?

Accepted Answer

Place a pillow under the right shoulder and the right arm behind your head. Use the left hand and move the fingers around your right breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit. Use light, medium or firm pressure, and check for lumps. You can also squeeze the nipple and check for bloody discharge and lumps. If you find any abnormalities, visit your doctor immediately.

Breast Oncology & Oncoplastic Surgery