Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in India, according to a study done by the American Cancer Society, affecting more than 216,000 women and accounting for 28.2% of all cancers that affect women. Dr. Amar Prem, a leading Breast Cancer Specialist in Ranchi, offers expert diagnosis and personalized treatment to support women through every stage of their journey.
The incidence of breast cancer is rising steadily in India and approximately 162,500 new cases are diagnosed each year with a 5-year survival rate of 60%, based on the stage of diagnosis. The prevalence of breast cancer in India is among women of 40 to 50 years, which is 10 years younger than in Western countries.
With the rising incidence and mortality rates(ratio of deaths) of breast cancer, spreading awareness about the disease and its screening is critical for survival. Here, we'll cover the various aspects of breast cancer to help people understand the disease, its causes, risk factors, symptoms, types, stages, warning signs, and treatment options.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer (a disease where the body's cells multiply abnormally) that originates from breast cells, especially ducts and lobules. It forms when the breast cells mutate and start to grow uncontrollably, resulting in a tumor. These cells can start invading surrounding healthy tissues and metastasize (spread) to other body parts. One important thing to keep in mind is that even though breast cancer commonly occurs in women, it can also develop in men. If you’re looking for expert care, Dr. Amar Prem, a trusted Breast Cancer Specialist in Ranchi, provides advanced diagnosis and treatment for both women and men facing this disease.
In normal conditions, the breast cells grow in an orderly and controlled manner and the new cells form to replace the old and damaged cells only. However, due to a variety of factors, the cell growth can get out of control and form a mass, called a tumor. When this tumor is malignant(cancerous), it poses a great risk to the individual's life and can also lead to death, if not treated on time.
Breast cancer can affect both men and women. Though it is comparatively rare in men, there is a 1% chance of men developing breast cancer as well. The most crucial factor that leads to the development of breast cancer is the hormonal imbalance in the body. As the estrogen level in the body increases, the cell growth in the breast gets out of control and results in breast cancer.
Other than hormonal levels, an individual’s age, family history, genetic mutations, late pregnancy, lack of breastfeeding, being overweight, lack of physical activity, and lifestyle factors also contribute to and increase the chances of an individual getting breast cancer.
One thing to note here is that regardless of the breast tissue growth, there is always a slight chance of the development of breast cancer. That’s why there is a misconception that men cannot get breast cancer as the breast tissues in their anatomy are dormant and their growth is not triggered.
In normal conditions, the breast cells grow in an orderly and controlled manner and the new cells form to replace the old and damaged cells only. However, due to a variety of factors, the cell growth can get out of control and form a mass, called a tumor. When this tumor is malignant(cancerous), it poses a great risk to the individual's life and can also lead to death, if not treated on time.