Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023: Know About The Types, Stages And Symptoms Of Breast Cancer

The stage of breast cancer is determined by several factors, including the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized (spread) to distant organs.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023

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Breast cancer is typically staged to determine the extent of the disease and guide treatment decisions. The stage of breast cancer is determined by several factors, including the size of the tumor, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized (spread) to distant organs. It can have varying effects on the body, and treatment options may differ accordingly. Breast cancer is commonly staged using the TNM system, which stands for Tumor, Nodes, and Metastasis.

But before knowing about the stages, let's know about the types of breast cancer:

Types Of Breast Cancer:

Dr. Debabrata Bose, who is a Consultant in General Surgery, at Manipal Hospital, Salt Lake, Kolkata said, "There are various types of breast cancers. However, some are invasive while others might be non-invasive or pre-invasive. The two variants of non-invasive cancers, that are most common among women are DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ), which means that the malignant cells do not grow through the wall of the duct or spread to lymph nodes of the blood stream. It is not an infiltrating cancer."

"The second one is the LCIS (Lobular Carcinoma In Situ). Early breast cancer is only localized to the breast and has not spread to other parts of the body whereas advance breast cancer could either be locally advanced in the form of either a big tumour or it could be metastatic breast cancer," he added.

Stages Of Breast Cancer:

Dr Kundan Singh Chufal, who is a Senior Consultant & Unit Head, Radiation Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCI) said, "Breast cancer is categorized into different stages (0-IV) based on the size of the tumor and the extent of spread" and then listed them down.

• Stage 0: Abnormal cells are present but haven’t spread to nearby tissue.
• Stage I: Early stage with small tumors and minimal spread.
• Stage II/III: Larger tumors and/or spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs.

"As cancer progresses, it affects the body more extensively. Early stages may have minimal impact and are often curable, but advanced stages can cause significant systemic effects, including weight loss, fatigue, and organ dysfunction, and are more challenging to treat, often requiring a combination of therapies aimed at managing symptoms and controlling cancer growth," he added.

Effects On Body In Each Stage:

Dr Pankaj Goyal, who is a Consultant – Medical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute (RGCI) listed the stages of breast cancer and their effects on the body:

Stage 0 (in situ):

• Effect on the body: At this stage, cancer cells are confined to the ducts or lobules of the breast and have not invaded surrounding tissues.
• Treatment: Typically treated with surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy) or sometimes with radiation therapy.

Stage I:

• Effect on the body: Cancer is small and localized within the breast tissue, without lymph node involvement.
• Treatment: Usually involves surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), possibly followed by radiation therapy.

Stage II:

• Effect on the body: Cancer has either not spread to lymph nodes or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Treatment: Typically involves surgery, radiation therapy, and possibly chemotherapy or hormone therapy.

Stage III:

• Effect on the body: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, but it has not yet metastasized to distant organs.
• Treatment: Often requires a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. 

Stage IV (Metastatic):

• Effect on the body: Cancer has spread to distant organs, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
• Treatment: Focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms, and improving quality of life. Treatment options may include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care.

Talking about the intensity of breast cancer, Dr. Deepak Jha who is a Chief - Breast Surgery & Sr. Consultant: Surgical Oncology, at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram said, "Breast cancer's impact on the body intensifies as the disease progresses through the stages. Early detection and treatment at lower stages give better outcomes and minimize the physical and emotional toll on the patient. It's important for individuals to undergo regular screenings and be aware of breast cancer risk factors to catch the disease at its earliest and most treatable stages."

Common Effects Of Breast Cancer:

Dr Pankaj Goyal said, "The effects of breast cancer on the body can vary widely depending on the stage and individual factors."

Common effects of breast cancer and its treatments may include:

• Physical Symptoms: These can include breast lumps, pain or discomfort, changes in breast shape or size, and skin changes like redness or dimpling.
• Fatigue: Cancer and its treatments can cause significant fatigue, which can affect daily activities.
• Emotional and Psychological Effects: A breast cancer diagnosis can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress. Emotional support is crucial.
• Hair Loss: Chemotherapy can lead to hair loss, including eyebrows and eyelashes.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Chemotherapy can cause nausea and vomiting, which can be managed with medications.
• Lymphedema: Removal of lymph nodes during surgery can lead to lymphedema, swelling in the arm or chest.
• Hormone-Related Effects: Hormone therapy may cause menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and bone density loss.
• Bone Health: Some treatments may affect bone health, increasing the risk of fractures.
• Cognitive Changes: Often referred to as "chemo brain," some individuals may experience cognitive changes such as memory problems and difficulty concentrating during and after treatment.

Prevention Of Breast Cancer:

Dr. Debabrata Bose said, "There may not be any defined rule to prevent breast cancer, however awareness and early diagnosis can help in cure and spread of cancer. The fact that breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women and it is, imperative to note that almost 1 in 28 women is at a considerable risk to develop breast cancer. The risk increases particularly when the women reach the stage of menopause. With advancing age, the chances of breast cancer also increase. Apparently, women in the age group of 50-64 years are prone to breast cancer but the disease has no such age boundaries."

"Awareness plays a primary role in reducing the stigma of breast cancer through education about screening, symptoms and treatment. Adequately self-examining the breast, looking for any changes in the area, any lump or swelling on or around the breasts or even any changes in the shape of the breasts can help in detecting any abnormalities in the breast area at an early stage. Should there be any such concerns or doubts, women should report to a doctor followed by an immediate consultation with a breast specialist," he added.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]