Breast Cancer Awareness : What Does Breast Cancer Look Like?

Breast Cancer Stages

Breast cancer is categorised into stages based on several factors, including the size of the tumour, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and if it has metastasized to other parts of the body.

Understanding the stage of breast cancer helps determine the best treatment approach.

• Stage 0: This is the earliest stage of breast cancer, often referred to as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). At this stage, the cancer cells are confined to the ducts of the breast and haven’t invaded nearby tissue. While non-invasive, treatment options should still be discussed with a healthcare professional.
• Stage I: In this stage, the tumour is small (less than 2 centimetres) and hasn’t spread beyond the breast. There might be very minimal involvement of nearby lymph nodes, but the cancer is still considered highly treatable.
• Stage II: At this stage, the tumour is larger (between 2 and 5 centimetres) and may have spread to nearby lymph nodes. However, it hasn’t reached other parts of the body. Treatment at this stage often involves a combination of surgery and additional therapies.
• Stage III: Breast cancer in stage III has typically spread to more lymph nodes or nearby tissues, like the chest wall or skin. It’s more advanced but still treatable with aggressive interventions such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
• Stage IV: This is the most advanced stage of breast cancer, known as metastatic breast cancer.

  At this point, cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other organs, such as the lungs, liver, or bones. While stage IV cancer is challenging to treat, treatments can help manage symptoms and may prolong life.

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Detecting breast cancer early significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Below are the most common diagnostic tools used to identify and assess breast cancer:

• Mammograms: Mammograms are breast screening X-ray images of the breast used to detect tumours that may not yet be felt. They are considered the gold standard for breast cancer screening and are especially effective in detecting early-stage breast cancer.
• Breast Ultrasound: If an abnormality is detected on a mammogram, a breast ultrasound may be used to further investigate. This test can distinguish between fluid-filled cysts (which are usually benign) and solid masses that may require further examination.
• Biopsy: If a suspicious lump is detected, a biopsy may be performed to remove tissue for lab testing. A biopsy can confirm whether the lump is cancerous and provide critical information about the cancer’s characteristics.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a highly detailed image of breast tissue. It’s often used for women with a high risk of breast cancer or for those whose cancer has been difficult to diagnose through mammograms or ultrasounds.

Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Common treatments may include:

• Surgery: Surgical options vary depending on the size and location of the tumour. Procedures may include:
  • Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour while preserving the rest of the breast.
  • Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast, and in some cases, nearby tissue.
• Chemotherapy: This treatment uses drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. Chemotherapy is often used in combination with other treatments and may be given before surgery to shrink tumours.
• Radiation Therapy: This treatment involves the use of high-energy waves to target and destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy: For cancers that are HER2-positive, targeted therapy drugs specifically attack the HER2 protein, helping to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy: If the breast cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy can help block the body’s ability to produce estrogen or progesterone, which fuels the growth of some breast cancers.