10 Main Causes Of Breast Cancer
1. Gender: Females are far more at risk
2. Family history: 2% of cases
3. Genetic Mutation : –
-
- Tumor suppressor gene BRCA 1 of chromosome 17 delivers the risk of 35-45%.
- In men, a high-grade ER-negative may place them at a higher risk
- Estrogen sensitivity (BRCA-2- on chromosome 13)
- OVARIAN cancer.
4. Diet: A low phytoestrogen diet, high alcohol consumption, a diet high in saturated fats.
5. Nulliparity: Females who have never given birth
6. Late pregnancy: After 35 years of age
7. Have not breastfed: mothers who do not breastfeed increase their chances of breast cancer
8. Obesity: There is a higher risk of breast cancer among obese women
9. OCP: More than 5 years of oral contraceptive pills consumption
10. Cancer of other breast: A breast cancer patient has a high chance of getting cancer in her other breast
Note: Breast cancer is more prevalent in females (19-34%), and rare in men (1%).
Prevention of Modifiable factors: STAY WELL & GET WELL
- Avoid obesity
- Abstain from alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a more plant-based diet
- Avoid the consumption of saturated fat
- Breastfeed your baby
- Plan your family earlier in life (early pregnancy)
- Consult your doctor early if a lump is detected
- Use oral contraceptive with the supervision of your doctor
Prevention of Non-Modifiable factors
- Early detection:
- Conduct regular breast self-examination
- Prioritise health education.
- Radiological screening – MMG (for females 45 years old and above)
- Early Mastectomy for IN SITU cancer;
Types Of Breast Surgery Available For Cancer
Surgery is one of the primary mode of therapy in all stages as per presentation. A primary biopsy will be needed to diagnose the disease
Types Of Breast Surgery For Cancer
- Total Mastectomy-
- Skin Sparing mastectomy (Video Assisted Mastectomy).
- Classical Modified Mastectomy.
- Bilateral Mastectomy
- Limited Mastectomy (Breast Conservative Surgery)
- This type of surgery will be conducted if a tumor is less than 4cm and is non-aggressive The procedure is called Wide Exicision/Quadrantectomy, which is the removal of a small area of diseased or problematic tissue with a margin of normal tissue
- Axillary Lymph node and Node Biopsy
- Conducted for surgical clearance.
- Breast Reconstructive surgery (BRS)
- Chest Wall Exision and Reconstruction.
- Surgery for Isolated Metastasis in other parts of the body.
- Surgery for lung complications such as Pleorodesis, etc.
These surgeries may be needed at any stage, whereby the desired outcome is to acheive freedom from disease, a local cure or a local control of the disease and its complications.
Symbol Of Femininity
While the main function of the breasts is to produce milk to nurture one’s baby, the breasts are also a sign of femininity and sexual indentification. Breast recontruction will help restore a woman’s feminine identity in this regard. However, a poor prognosis and/or progressive/uncontrollable disease will prevent breast reconsturction surgery. An alternative to breast reconstruction surgery would be the use of extrenal prosthesis.
Dr. Anantha Kumar Chinnaswamy
Sri Kota Specialist Medical Centre, Klang
