Breast Cancer
Oncology section
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, although it can also occur in men. Breast cancer can develop in different parts of the breast,
including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple (ductal carcinoma) and the lobules that produce milk (lobular carcinoma). Early detection and treatment are crucial for better prognosis and outcomes.
ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Understanding Sympthomps
Factors Influencing Breast Cancer Prevalence
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with its prevalence varying significantly across different regions and populations. The prevalence of breast cancer is influenced by various factors, including age, genetics, lifestyle, and access to healthcare.
Breast cancer is a significant public health concern globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide, accounting for 11.7% of all cancer cases. It is estimated that over 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year globally. The prevalence of breast cancer varies by region, with higher rates observed in developed countries compared to developing countries. Western countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and those in Western Europe have relatively higher incidence rates of breast cancer compared to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. However, breast cancer incidence rates are rising in many developing countries due to changing lifestyles, increased urbanization, and improved detection and screening programs. Breast cancer primarily affects women, and the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. The majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women aged 50 and older, with the risk increasing significantly after menopause. However, breast cancer can also occur in younger women, particularly those with a family history of the disease or genetic predisposition.
Population-based breast cancer screening programs, such as mammography screening, aim to detect breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more effective. These screening programs vary by country and are often targeted at women within certain age groups, such as women aged 50 to 74 years in many Western countries. Regular screening can lead to the early detection of breast cancer and potentially reduce mortality rates.
Types of Breast Cancer
Overview of Breast Cancer Types
Understanding Different Forms of Breast Cancer
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive breast cancer confined to the milk ducts.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, where cancer cells invade the surrounding breast tissue.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and spreads to surrounding tissues.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): A subtype of breast cancer that lacks estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and HER2/neu protein expression, making it more difficult to treat with hormone therapy or targeted therapy.
- HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Breast cancer cells that have an overexpression of the HER2/neu protein, which promotes cell growth and division.
Breast cancer can involve both germline and somatic genetic alterations that contribute to its development and progression. Germline mutations are inherited genetic changes present in all cells of an individual's body, while somatic mutations are acquired alterations that occur specifically in the breast tissue cells, leading to cancer formation.
Genetic Basis of Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Germline Genes:
PALB2 is another gene associated with hereditary breast cancer. Mutations in PALB2 increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly in individuals with a family history of the disease. PALB2 interacts with BRCA2 in DNA repair pathways.
Somatic Genes:
