Understanding Breast Cancer

What is Breast cancer, and what are the risk factors? Breast cancer is a condition in which cells within the breast tissue grow uncontrollably. Normally, abnormal, old, or damaged cells are programmed to die. However, cancer cells bypass these signals, continuing to grow and disrupt the function of healthy cells. These malignant cells can evade the immune system and utilize blood vessels to sustain their growth, ultimately forming a mass known as a tumor or neoplasm. The breast comprises three primary components: lobules, which are milk-producing glands; ducts, which transport milk to the nipple; and connective tissue, which provides structural support. In the United States, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women. Risk factors for breast cancer are categorized into non-modifiable and modifiable factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-modifiable risk factors include:

• Aging: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

• Genetic Mutations: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which play a crucial role in cancer suppression and cell growth regulation, significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

• Reproductive History: Initiating menstruation before the age of 12 and experiencing menopause after the age of 55 extend the duration of hormone exposure in women, thereby increasing their risk of developing breast cancer. 

• Dense breast tissue: Higher breast density can increase the risk of breast cancer.

• Personal History: A prior diagnosis of breast cancer or other breast diseases.

• Family History: A family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

• Previous Radiation Therapy: Although the general risk with radiation therapy is considered very low, particularly to the chest, it can elevate breast cancer risk.

• Exposure to Diethylstilbestrol (DES): The use of DES, a drug administered to pregnant women in the U.S. between 1940 and 1971 to prevent miscarriage, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
  

Modifiable risk factors for breast cancer include:

• Being overweight

• Obesity after menopause

• Physically inactivity

• Hormone replacement therapy or the use of certain oral contraceptives

• Reproductive history with first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, or never having a full-term pregnancy 

• Alcohol consumption 

For more detailed information on risk factors, please visit the CDC website.

Types of Breast Cancer 

There are many types of breast cancer, each defined by the specific cells affected. Approximately 70 percent of all breast cancers are classified as invasive breast carcinomas, while the remaining cases involve less common subtypes with distinct morphological, clinical, and genetic characteristics.

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive or pre-invasive form of breast cancer in which abnormal cells are confined to the lining of the milk ducts and have not yet spread to the surrounding breast tissue

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This type originates in the ducts and can spread to surrounding breast tissue and beyond. It represents 70 to 80 percent of invasive breast cancer cases.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Arising in the lobules, this type of cancer can extend to adjacent breast tissue and other parts of the body, accounting for 5-10% of invasive breast cancers.

• Tubular Breast Carcinoma (TC): Comprising 2 percent or less of invasive breast cancers, tubular carcinoma typically has a favorable prognosis.

• Mucinous (Colloid) Carcinoma (CC): This rare subtype constitutes 1 to 2 percent of invasive breast cancers and usually affects older individuals.

• Medullary Carcinoma (MTC): Representing 1 to 10 percent of invasive breast cancers, this type is more common in younger patients and those with BRCA1 gene mutations.

• Tubulolobular Carcinoma (TLC): This subtype exhibits characteristics of both ductal and lobular differentiation.

• Micropapillary Carcinoma (IMPC): An aggressive form that often metastasizes to lymph nodes, even when small.

• Metaplastic Carcinoma (MBC): A rare and aggressive form associated with fast-growing tumors, usually diagnosed at a larger size.

• Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC): This rare type of cancer, resembling adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands, is characterized by its infrequent metastasis to axillary lymph nodes and is commonly found in older Caucasian women.

• Secretory Carcinoma (SC): An extremely rare tumor mimicking the salivary gland counterpart is often diagnosed in children and can equally affect any gender. However, most cases are reported in adults.

• Apocrine Carcinoma (AC): A rare form originating from the sweat glands in the breast.

• Paget's Disease: A rare type affecting the nipple and areola.

• Inflammatory Carcinoma (IBC): A rare and aggressive form that causes the breast to become red, swollen, and warm.

Community Support and Resources: Many Shades of Pink offers free breast exams. You can find us at the Community Health and Resource Fair at the Jackie Robinson Family YMCA on the first Wednesday of every month.

For additional resources, visit the Many Shades of Pink website. We host a monthly virtual support group dedicated to individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. For more information on the types of breast cancer listed here, see the FAQ's on our website here: Many Shades of Pink FAQ. If you need breast cancer support, please: Register here.

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