Breast Cancer: The Basics
Good morning, afternoon, or evening, Bestie! Thanks for stopping by for a quick chat. Today, let’s talk about the basics of breast cancer. I think it’s fair to say that most of us know someone that has been affected by breast cancer. It is an extremely common type of cancer and we need to know the basics before we talk about rehabilitation for breast cancer, which we’ll dive into next time.
Let’s start with the anatomy of the female breast. Breasts are made up of fat, blood vessels, lymphatics, nerves, and mammary glands. Each breast, or mammary gland, is broken up into 15-20 sections, called lobes (1). These lobes are arranged like petals of a flower. The lobes are further broken down into smaller structures, called lobules. The lobules are responsible for producing milk during lactation. Mammary ducts carry milk produced by the lobules to the nipples. Most breast cancers develop at the intersection between the ducts and the lobules, called the terminal ductal lobular unit (TDLU) (1).
Breast Cancer Prevalence:
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in females (after skin cancer) and it is the second leading cause of malignancy-related death in females (2). The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is one in eight women (similar to the lifetime risk for prostate cancer in males) and the risk for breast cancer increases after age 50 (2). Male breast cancer makes up less than one percent of all cases of breast cancer and the lifetime risk of a man getting breast cancer is one in one thousand. Remember that most breast cancers develop at the TLDU; since males don’t lactate, they have no need for ducts and lobules. Male breasts contain few (if any) lobules and undeveloped ducts, which leaves them less susceptible to this type of cancer. They also have less overall breast tissue, again protecting them from breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Survival Rates:
Breast cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancer diagnoses. If caught at stage 0 or stage 1, the survival rate is close to 100%. If caught at stage 2, the survival rate is around 93%; for breast cancer caught at stage 3, survival rate is 72%; and if caught at stage 4, survival rate is 22% (3). While survival rates are very positive for this type of cancer, it is important to recognize everything that goes into these survival rates. Women that are breast cancer survivors may deal with the effects of the cancer and/or treatment for the rest of their lives. Folks post-breast cancer treatment experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), lymphedema, skin changes, brain fog, nerve damage, changes in body image, and more.
Screening for Breast Cancer:
There are a few different ways to screen for breast cancer including clinical breast exams (CBEs), breast self-exams (BSEs), and mammograms. According to the American Cancer Society, females should begin performing BSEs monthly at the age of 20 (4). They can be performed by yourself or with the help of your partner (whatever makes you most comfortable). In the past, CBEs were performed every one to three years, but the research for CBEs picking up on breast cancer has been lacking. For the past few years, the American Cancer Society has not recommended CBEs for women of average risk for breast cancer, instead drawing attention to the importance of knowing your own breasts and watching out for any changes (4).
Mammograms are low-dose radiographs (x-rays) of the breast. They are able to detect breast cancer years earlier than symptoms may present themselves. A mammogram doesn’t confirm breast cancer, but may constitute further testing to determine whether any abnormal findings are cancerous. They’ve been shown to reduce breast cancer-related deaths by 20-35% depending on the age of the affected person. Mammograms should begin between the ages of 40 and 44 and should be performed yearly by age 45 (2). After age 55, mammograms can decrease in frequency to every other year (2). In the past few years, a new type of mammogram (digital breast tomosynthesis) has been developed and this type of imaging can be especially helpful in finding abnormalities in females with dense breast tissue.
Some folks have a higher-than-average risk for developing breast cancer. For example, women that have the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutations or a history of chest radiation before age 30 are at an increased risk for breast cancer. These folks should get yearly mammograms regardless of age and may also require regular MRIs. If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk with your medical provider about your risk for developing the disease and the steps you can take to prevent breast cancer or reduce your risk.
We have a lot more to cover when it comes to breast cancer. Next time, we’ll talk about the medical management of breast cancer and more!
XOXO,
Your Pelvic Bestie
References:
1. Halperin E, Perez C, Brady L, Ed. Perez and Brady’s Principles and Practice of Radiation Oncology: Fifth edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia: 2008. 1162-1317.
2. Irion JM Irion G. Women’s Health in Physical Therapy. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2010.
3. What is breast cancer in men? | Male breast cancer. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer-in-men/about/what-is-breast-cancer-in-men.html#:~:text=Male%20breast%20tissue,-Until%20puberty%20(on&text=Even%20after%20puberty%2C%20boys%20and,a%20few%20if%20any%20lobules.
4. ACS Breast cancer screening Guidelines. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html.
*The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives
