Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is classified as one of the most deadly diseases, with 2.3 million women diagnosed with it in 2022, leading to 670,000 deaths worldwide in the same year.  

Although this disease is more commonly associated with women, 0.5% to 1% of the cases are men.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a tumor that begins in the breast tissue. It occurs when the breast cells change and grow uncontrollably.  

Sometimes, the cancer does not spread beyond this part of the body, and in other cases, it becomes "invasive."  

For the second type, the cancer may spread only to the nearby tissues and lymph nodes of the breast, or it may spread to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or blood.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• The appearance of a new lump or thickening in the breast or near it or in the armpit.

• A change in the size or shape of the breast.

• The appearance of dimpled skin on the breast, making it look like orange peel.

• The nipple turning inward toward the breast.

• Discharge from the nipple that is not breast milk, which may happen suddenly, be bloody, or occur in only one breast.

• Scaly, red, or swollen skin around the nipple or breast.

• Pain in any part of the breast.

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First Signs of Breast Cancer

The first and most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump, especially a hard lump with irregular edges. 

Often, the lump is so small that neither you nor your doctor may recognize it. 

This is why it is important to have regular mammograms if you're over 40 years old or have a family history of breast cancer.  

Keep in mind that most breast lumps are not cancerous. 

The lumps may be caused by:

• Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that are usually harmless.

• Fibroadenomas, which are common before menopause and may be caused by hormones regulating the menstrual cycle. These do not require treatment and may shrink over time.

• Fibrocystic breast changes, which make the breast naturally lumpy, especially right before the menstrual cycle.

• Breast infections, which can result in small abscesses after childbirth.

• Blocked milk ducts.

It’s also worth noting that pain or burning sensations in the breast or nipple may be an early sign of inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s disease, both rare types of breast cancer.

How Does Breast Cancer Pain Feel?

Around 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer experience pain as a result.  

For those who experience this pain, it often feels like a hard mass in the breast tissue, or a tumor extending toward the surface of the skin.

Where Do Breast Cancer Lumps Appear (Images)?

A breast cancer lump is a tumor with a different size, shape, and structure. 

The cancerous lump is usually round, smooth, and painful, and it can develop anywhere in the breast, from the armpit to the collarbone.  

There are some specific areas where cancer usually appears in both sexes.

In women, it is typically found in the upper outer quadrant of the breast, and in men, it usually develops near the nipple.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

Health institutions use the 5-year survival rate after breast cancer diagnosis as a standard to discuss the outcomes of the disease.  

The American National Cancer Institute divides the 5-year survival rates for breast cancer into the following three categories:

• Localized: When there are no signs that the cancer has spread beyond the breast, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

• Regional: Once the cancer has spread to nearby structures or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to 86%.

• Distant: After the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, or bones, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to 29%.  

By combining all these stages, the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer is 90%.  

The American Cancer Society also reported data indicating that the 10-year relative survival rate is 84%.

Breast cancer is a complex disease that requires a comprehensive understanding of its symptoms, stages, and treatment options. 

With continuous advancements in medicine, the chances of recovery have significantly increased.  

However, prevention remains the best treatment, which includes regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and eating a balanced diet.  

IV Drip Therapy is also an additional boost to health, alongside specialized medical care. 

They can play a supportive role in improving the health of women, especially those diagnosed with breast cancer or at risk of it. 

These vitamins provide high doses of essential nutrients that may be deficient in the diet.