UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer originates in the breast tissues, primarily the lobules and ducts. It manifests in various forms:
- Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): Accounting for 16% of cases, this is the most common type, limited to the milk ducts without progression to the surrounding tissue.
- Invasive Breast Cancer (IDC or ILC): Representing 81% of cases, it involves the cancer cells breaking through the duct walls and invading surrounding breast tissue.
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This subtype, accounting for 15% of cases, is more prevalent in premenopausal women and those with a BRCA1 gene mutation.
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): Uncommon, accounting for 1% to 5% of cases, it causes the breast skin to appear red, swollen, and warm.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer (Stage IV): In this stage, cancer cells or tumors have spread further, affecting axillary lymph nodes and potentially the lungs, accounting for 5% of initial diagnoses.
In cases where a first-degree relative has a history of breast cancer, there’s a risk factor for hereditary breast cancer, accounting for 5% to 10% of patients.
Podcast 1 - Dr Sybille Podcast 2 - Dr Sybille