Breast cancer is a type of malignant tumor that develops in breast cells. This cancer can grow if there is an abnormal growth of cells in the breast. These cells divide faster than normal cells and accumulate, which then form lumps or masses. In more severe stages, these abnormal cells can spread through the lymph nodes to other organs of the body.
There are several types which are divided into two different types, namely invasive and non-invasive. Invasive breast cancer occurs when cancer cells have spread to other parts of the breast. Meanwhile, non-invasive breast cancer is a condition where the cancer cells have not spread from their original tissue.
There are several types of breast cancer that often occur:
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ;
- Lobular Carnicoma In Situ;
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma; and
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.
Meanwhile, some rare types are Paget's disease of the breast, angiosarcoma, to phyllodes tumor. Knowing the type of breast cancer you have is quite important. This will determine the treatment and care you need to do to overcome this disease.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer occurs due to abnormal growth of cells in the breast. The abnormal growth is thought to be caused by genetically inherited gene mutations.
A number of inherited mutated genes that may increase the likelihood of this condition have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which significantly increase the risk of this disease and the ovaries.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
In addition, there are several risk factors that are thought to trigger this condition, namely:
- The female gender is much higher than that of the male.
- The increasing age, mostly at the age of over 50 years.
- Never been pregnant before.
- Have dense breasts with more connective tissue than connective tissue.
- Starting menopause at an older age, ie after the age of 55 years.
- Start menstruating before age 12.
- Use of hormonal contraceptives and hormone therapy after menopause.
- History of breast cancer in oneself in one breast.
- History of breast cancer in grandmother, mother, aunt, sister, brother, or biological child.
- Never been exposed to radiation.
- The habit of smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Overweight or obesity.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
In its early stages, the disease may not show any symptoms. Therefore, it is very important to do BSE or breast self-examination every month, 10 days after the end of menstruation period. Carefully feel the breast clockwise to detect any lumps or changes in the breast.
Some of the symptoms of breast cancer that sufferers can experience are:
- A lump or hardening of the breast that is different from the surrounding tissue.
- Blood coming out of the nipple.
- Redness or enlarged breast skin pores that resemble orange peel.
- Pain and swelling in the breast.
- Exfoliation of the skin around the nipples.
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as depression.
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breasts.
- The nipple is pulled in (retraction or inversion) inward.
- A lump or swelling under the armpit.
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