Breast Cancer Screening And Treatment
Learn more about breast cancer screening and treatment, along with other factors contributing to the mental and physical well-being of a cancer patient. Knowing this can help better navigate the complex treatment journey.
Written by Dr Sonia Bhatt
Last updated on 11th Mar, 2025
Breast cancer develops in the breast tissues due to uncontrolled and unnatural growth of cancer cells. These cells can invade surrounding tissues and spread throughout the body (metastasis).
Though early-stage breast cancer is often limited, the latter stages can affect lymph nodes and other organs. Treatment outcomes and survival rates depend on early detection of breast cancer.
Over the years, improved screening programs and awareness efforts have been crucial in lowering the mortality rates of breast cancer through early detection.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
Various factors can influence breast cancer risk, from lifestyle choices to genetics and more. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent ones.
1. Genetic Factors
Genetic factors such as the inheritance of breast cancer causing DNA changes in children through their parents can likely develop into cancer. Individuals born with these DNA changes are more likely to develop breast cancer.
For example, the BRCA1 and BRCA2 DNA mutations increase the chances of developing breast cancer.
2. Lifestyle Factors
Liver diseases are a leading risk factor for breast cancer as they increase oestrogen levels and provide a thriving ground for these oestrogen-feeding cancer cells to grow. Lowering alcohol consumption can help decrease the chances of developing breast cancer.
Other factors like obesity, family history of breast cancer, and consumption of oestrogen-related medicines can all lead to developing breast cancer as well.
3. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as radiation exposure or radiation therapy treatments can also increase the chances of developing breast cancer. Early exposure to long-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) also contributes to breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Screening
Screenings aim to detect breast cancer before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier treatment and better outcomes.
1. Mammography
Mammography is an X-ray imaging technique used to check the breast to discover cancer and other breast diseases early. Mammograms can be used as a diagnosis as well as a screening tool.
2. Clinical Breast Exam
During a clinical breast exam, a healthcare professional checks for lumps or other breast anomalies. This approach is often combined with other screening methods.
3. Self-Breast Exam
A self-breast exam encourages individuals to familiarise themselves with their breast tissue. Individuals are advised to report back in case they find any anomalies like a lump or unusual texture around the breast.
4. MRI and Ultrasound
Ultrasound is an imaging technology that uses high-energy sound waves to create echoes that rebound off inside tissues, allowing for a sonogram. Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) uses magnets, radio waves, and computers to produce clear images of both breasts.
Advances in Breast Cancer Screening
Thanks to ever-growing technology, it has become significantly easier to detect breast cancer, offering a detailed diagnosis.
1. Digital Mammography
Digital mammography uses X-rays and solid-state detectors to create computer images. Some of its benefits include better clarity, lower X-ray exposure, fewer re-tests, and easier sharing. It can be used to detect breast cancer in younger women.
2. 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT), or 3D mammography, uses low-dose X-rays to create detailed images of the breast from multiple angles. It can offer better cancer detection compared to 2D mammography.
Diagnosis of Breast Cancer
Accurate diagnosis of breast cancer requires multiple steps to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its types and stages.
1. Biopsy Procedures
During a biopsy, a medical professional removes a small sample of breast tissue for lab analysis. This process is used to confirm cancer and reveal details about its characteristics, such as hormone receptor status.
2. Pathology Reports
Pathology reports describe the biopsy results, including the cancer’s type, grade, and hormone sensitivity. These variables affect future treatment planning.
Breast Cancer Stages and Types
Breast cancer stages are divided into stages 0 to IV, the higher the number, the more considerable the cancer spread.
Stage 0 is non-invasive, whereas Stage IV represents advanced cancer.
Different types of breast cancer are:
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): It is a non-invasive cancer that is confined to the ducts.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): In this condition, cancer has spread beyond the ducts.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: The overexpression of HER2 protein causes the growth of this cancer type. It is often treated with targeted therapies.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This condition is difficult to treat because the breast lacks three common receptors.
Treatment Options for Breast Cancer
Treatment varies based on the type and stage of breast cancer, as well as individual preferences and health status.
1. Surgery
Breast cancer surgery is the first step towards treatment as it can help reduce the risk of future cancer. Surgeries include lumpectomy, where a small part of the breast tissue is removed, and mastectomy, where all breast tissues are removed.
There are also surgeries available to remove nearby lymph nodes and reconstructive surgery post-mastectomy.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is an aggressive treatment method used to kill cancer cells using strong medicine. The medicines can either be injected through the vein or consumed in pill form. In most cases, chemotherapy is used post-surgery to remove remnant cancer cells.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-powered X-rays to damage or kill cancer cells in the breast. It is often recommended for individuals with metastatic breast cancer as it helps in easing symptoms.
4. Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy for breast cancer is used to destroy hormone-sensitive cancer cells. It can help stop the growth of cancer cells, prevent a recurrence, and decrease the chances of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body.
Tamoxifen is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines for hormonal treatment.
5. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecules that drive cancer growth, such as HER2 proteins. These treatments are often less toxic compared to traditional chemotherapy. Targeted therapy medicines attack specific chemicals in cancer cells.
Some of the commonly used medicines in targeted therapy are Ribociclib (Kisqali), Alpelisib (Piqray), and Abemaciclib (Verzenio).
Side Effects and Management
Cancer treatments often leave side effects. However, they can be easily navigated with proper care.
1. Immediate Side Effects
Some of the common immediate side effects include:
Nausea
Fatigue
Hair loss
Skin irritation
These side effects can occur during or post-treatment.
2. Long-term Side Effects
Long-term side effects of breast cancer include:
Early menopause
Heart and bone issues
Lymphedema (swelling in the arm)
3. Strategies for Managing Side Effects
The side effects can be managed through nausea or pain medication, exercising regularly to prevent fatigue, physical therapy to address lymphedema, and joining support groups to manage mental health issues.
Lifestyle and Supportive Care
A detailed approach to self-care can help improve overall health post-treatment.
1. Nutrition and Exercise
It is vital to have a balanced diet, especially one that is rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Regular exercise also helps improve energy levels, reduce fatigue, and boost mental health.
2. Psychological Support
A breast cancer diagnosis can take a massive toll on an individual’s mental well-being, it can be physically as well as emotionally draining. In such cases, professionals recommend therapy and counselling to help relieve stress and anxiety.
3. Support Groups and Resources
Support groups play a vital role in helping people cope, be it for cancer or other issues like alcoholism or drug abuse.
Cancer support groups bring people together to share their similar experiences. These groups offer information, resources, and financial help to support patients and their families.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is a complex disease and requires early detection and accurate diagnosis for a timely, tailored treatment. In recent years, innovative treatments like targeted therapy have grown significantly—thanks to advances in screening, such as 3D mammography, making treatment more efficient.
Regular screenings are strongly recommended by medical professionals to detect early signs of breast cancer, significantly improving survival rates. Alongside this, promoting awareness through self-examinations, screenings, and routine follow-ups plays a crucial role in addressing the condition.
Consult Top Gynaeco-Oncologist
Consult Top Gynaeco-Oncologist
Dr. Rani Bhat
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20 Years • MBBS, MS (Obs & Gyn), MRCOG (UK), Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology (Singapore) Fellowship in Gynae-Oncology & Robotic Surgery (Hong Kong) Diploma in Gynaecological Operative Endoscopy (France)
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