Breast Cancer
Overview of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer often begins quietly with the rapid and unchecked multiplication of cells within the breast's milk ducts or lobules. Regular self-exams, screenings, and early detection improves outcomes.
Breast Cancer Types
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
•Starts in the milk ducts (most common type)
•Can spread to surrounding tissues
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
•Begins in the milk-producing lobules
•May be harder to detect on imaging
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
•Non-invasive, early-stage cancer confined to ducts
•Nearly 100% treatable when caught early
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
•Not true cancer but a risk marker
•Indicates higher likelihood of
•developing invasive cancer
HR+/HER2
•Hormone receptor-positive (estrogen/progesterone)
•HER2-negative Most common subtype
Triple-Negative (HR-/HER2-)
•Lacks all three receptors (ER, PR, HER2)
•More aggressive but responds to immunotherapy
HR+/HER2+
•Hormone receptor-positive
•HER2-positive (protein overexpression)
HR-/HER2+
•Hormone receptor-negative
•HER2-positive
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
•Rare, aggressive form causing skin redness/swelling
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple
•Affects nipple skin (often with underlying DCIS/IDC)
Breast Cancer Symptoms
- •
A firm mass in the breast or underarm area
- •
May feel fixed or change in size over time
- •
Sudden inversion (pulling inward)
- •
Discharge (may be clear, bloody, or milky)
- •
Pain or tenderness
- •
Unexplained swelling or shrinkage of one breast
- •
Visible asymmetry between breasts
- •
Dimpling (like an orange peel)
- •
Puckering or scaly patches
- •
Redness or warmth (may resemble infection)
- •
Unexplained weight loss
- •
Persistent fatigue
- •
Bone pain (if spread occurs)
What’s Notable
Early-stage cancer may have no symptoms — which is why screenings matter.
Inflammatory breast cancer (a rare type) often causes redness/swelling without a distinct lump.
Men experience similar symptoms but often delay care due to lower awareness.
When to Seek Help
If any symptom persists for 2+ weeks, consult a doctor — even if your mammogram was recently clear. Some changes develop between screenings.
Breast Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Gender
Higher in women
Age
Higher risk at after 55
Genetics
BRCA1/2 mutations, family history
Exposure
Radiation (<30), HRT, DES
Reproductive
Early periods (<12), late menopause (>55), late/no pregnancy
Lifestyle
Obesity (post-menopause), alcohol, smoking, inactivity, poor diet
Medical Factors
Dense breasts, past benign breast conditions
Other
Oral contraceptives (slight risk increase)
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Check-Up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you notice symptoms like a lump or changes)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Examine your breasts and underarms for lumps and abnormalities.
- Observe skin or nipple changes.
- Ask about family history and your health.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Imaging Tests
Step 2: Imaging Tests Mammogram: Quick breast X-ray Ultrasound: Sound wave imaging MRI: Detailed scan (high-risk cases) PET/CT: Checks for spread (advanced cases)
Biopsy (Definitive Test)
Step 3: Biopsy (Definitive Test) (The only way to confirm cancer)
Types
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Thin needle to collect cells
- Core Needle Biopsy: Larger needle to collect a tissue sample
- Surgical Biopsy: Lump removal for testing
Your role: Your comfort matters. Discuss pain relief options, take breaks
Pathology and Lab Results
Step 4: Pathology and Lab Results (Takes a few days to a week)
What’s checked:
- Cancer type (ductal/lobular)
- ER/PR/HER2 status
- BRCA genetic testing
Your role: Bring a loved one to discuss results
Staging Tests
Step 5: Staging Tests (To plan the best treatment)
TNM Staging System
- T (Tumor size): Tumor size and extent
- N (Lymph node involvement): Checks lymph nodes spread
- M (Metastasis): Determines spreads to other organs
Additional Tests Depending on the Cancer Type
- Bone scans
- Liver function tests
- Chest X-rays
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you notice symptoms like a lump or changes)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Examine your breasts and underarms for lumps and abnormalities.
- Observe skin or nipple changes.
- Ask about family history and your health.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Step 2
Imaging Tests
Step 3
Biopsy (Definitive Test)
Step 4
Pathology and Lab Results
Step 5
Staging Tests
Management & Prevention
Side Effects
•Fatigue, pain, or menopausal symptoms can linger. Talk to your doctor — options like physical therapy or meds can help.
Movement & Food
•Gentle activity (like yoga or walking) boosts energy. Eat nourishing, balanced meals to support recovery.
Follow-Up Care
•Regular scans and tests keep you on track and catch any changes early.
Fear of Recurrence
•Very common. Support groups, mindfulness, or therapy can ease anxiety.
Body Image
•Scars, surgery, and hair loss may impact confidence. Explore reconstruction, prosthetics, or tattoos — or embrace your new body as it is.
Post-Treatment Blues
•Feeling lost afterward is normal. Reach out for mental health support if needed.
Relationships
•Be open with loved ones. Let them know how to support you.
Work & Money
•Return at your pace. Ask about flexible work or financial aid if needed.
New Purpose
•Some survivors find meaning in advocacy or helping others — but there’s no pressure.
Breast Cancer Types
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
•Starts in the milk ducts (most common type)
•Can spread to surrounding tissues
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
•Begins in the milk-producing lobules
•May be harder to detect on imaging
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
•Non-invasive, early-stage cancer confined to ducts
•Nearly 100% treatable when caught early
Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
•Not true cancer but a risk marker
•Indicates higher likelihood of
•developing invasive cancer
HR+/HER2
•Hormone receptor-positive (estrogen/progesterone)
•HER2-negative Most common subtype
Triple-Negative (HR-/HER2-)
•Lacks all three receptors (ER, PR, HER2)
•More aggressive but responds to immunotherapy
HR+/HER2+
•Hormone receptor-positive
•HER2-positive (protein overexpression)
HR-/HER2+
•Hormone receptor-negative
•HER2-positive
Inflammatory Breast Cancer
•Rare, aggressive form causing skin redness/swelling
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple
•Affects nipple skin (often with underlying DCIS/IDC)
Breast Cancer Symptoms
- •
A firm mass in the breast or underarm area
- •
May feel fixed or change in size over time
- •
Sudden inversion (pulling inward)
- •
Discharge (may be clear, bloody, or milky)
- •
Pain or tenderness
- •
Unexplained swelling or shrinkage of one breast
- •
Visible asymmetry between breasts
- •
Dimpling (like an orange peel)
- •
Puckering or scaly patches
- •
Redness or warmth (may resemble infection)
- •
Unexplained weight loss
- •
Persistent fatigue
- •
Bone pain (if spread occurs)
What’s Notable
Early-stage cancer may have no symptoms — which is why screenings matter.
Inflammatory breast cancer (a rare type) often causes redness/swelling without a distinct lump.
Men experience similar symptoms but often delay care due to lower awareness.
When to Seek Help
If any symptom persists for 2+ weeks, consult a doctor — even if your mammogram was recently clear. Some changes develop between screenings.
Breast Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Gender
Higher in women
Age
Higher risk at after 55
Genetics
BRCA1/2 mutations, family history
Exposure
Radiation (<30), HRT, DES
Reproductive
Early periods (<12), late menopause (>55), late/no pregnancy
Lifestyle
Obesity (post-menopause), alcohol, smoking, inactivity, poor diet
Medical Factors
Dense breasts, past benign breast conditions
Other
Oral contraceptives (slight risk increase)
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Check-Up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you notice symptoms like a lump or changes)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Examine your breasts and underarms for lumps and abnormalities.
- Observe skin or nipple changes.
- Ask about family history and your health.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Imaging Tests
Step 2: Imaging Tests Mammogram: Quick breast X-ray Ultrasound: Sound wave imaging MRI: Detailed scan (high-risk cases) PET/CT: Checks for spread (advanced cases)
Biopsy (Definitive Test)
Step 3: Biopsy (Definitive Test) (The only way to confirm cancer)
Types
- Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Thin needle to collect cells
- Core Needle Biopsy: Larger needle to collect a tissue sample
- Surgical Biopsy: Lump removal for testing
Your role: Your comfort matters. Discuss pain relief options, take breaks
Pathology and Lab Results
Step 4: Pathology and Lab Results (Takes a few days to a week)
What’s checked:
- Cancer type (ductal/lobular)
- ER/PR/HER2 status
- BRCA genetic testing
Your role: Bring a loved one to discuss results
Staging Tests
Step 5: Staging Tests (To plan the best treatment)
TNM Staging System
- T (Tumor size): Tumor size and extent
- N (Lymph node involvement): Checks lymph nodes spread
- M (Metastasis): Determines spreads to other organs
Additional Tests Depending on the Cancer Type
- Bone scans
- Liver function tests
- Chest X-rays
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you notice symptoms like a lump or changes)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Examine your breasts and underarms for lumps and abnormalities.
- Observe skin or nipple changes.
- Ask about family history and your health.
Your role: Share any changes you’ve noticed openly.
Step 2
Imaging Tests
Step 3
Biopsy (Definitive Test)
Step 4
Pathology and Lab Results
Step 5
Staging Tests
Management & Prevention
Side Effects
•Fatigue, pain, or menopausal symptoms can linger. Talk to your doctor — options like physical therapy or meds can help.
Movement & Food
•Gentle activity (like yoga or walking) boosts energy. Eat nourishing, balanced meals to support recovery.
Follow-Up Care
•Regular scans and tests keep you on track and catch any changes early.
Fear of Recurrence
•Very common. Support groups, mindfulness, or therapy can ease anxiety.
Body Image
•Scars, surgery, and hair loss may impact confidence. Explore reconstruction, prosthetics, or tattoos — or embrace your new body as it is.
Post-Treatment Blues
•Feeling lost afterward is normal. Reach out for mental health support if needed.
Relationships
•Be open with loved ones. Let them know how to support you.
Work & Money
•Return at your pace. Ask about flexible work or financial aid if needed.
New Purpose
•Some survivors find meaning in advocacy or helping others — but there’s no pressure.
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
of all female cancer cases globally and in India
new cases diagnosed worldwide in 2022
of cases occur in men
FAQs on Breast Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Yes, although rare, men can develop breast cancer. Early detection is equally important for men.
No. It increases your risk, but many people with no family history can also develop breast cancer.
Not necessarily. Many lumps are benign (non-cancerous), but any lump should be evaluated by a doctor.
Women over 40 should discuss mammogram screenings with their doctors annually or as recommended based on individual risk factors.
Find a Centre Near You
Gurgaon EBD 65
EBD 65, Sector 65, Golf Course Extension Road, Gurgaon