DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Cancer

Breast Cancer

HIGH SEVERITY

Cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Most common cancer in women worldwide. Can occur in men rarely. Subtypes include ductal carcinoma in situ, invasive ductal carcinoma, and invasive lobular carcinoma. HER2, hormone receptor status important.

Global Affected

2.3M

Countries

35

Symptoms

Breast lump or thickening
Change in breast size/shape
Changes to skin over breast
Nipple inversion
Nipple discharge
Peeling or flaking
Redness or pitting
Breast pain
Swollen lymph nodes

Treatment Options

Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy)
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone therapy (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors)
HER2-targeted therapy (trastuzumab, pertuzumab)
CDK4/6 inhibitors
Immunotherapy
PARP inhibitors
Clinical trials

Risk Factors

1Female gender
2Age (over 50)
3Family history
4BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations
5Previous breast cancer
6Dense breast tissue
7Hormone exposure (early menarche, late menopause)
8HRT use
9Alcohol consumption
10Obesity
11Sedentary lifestyle
12Radiation exposure

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Mammography
  • 2Ultrasound
  • 3MRI
  • 4Biopsy (core needle, surgical)
  • 5Receptor testing (ER, PR, HER2)
  • 6Genetic testing
  • 7Sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • 8Staging imaging (CT, PET, bone scan)

Prognosis

Excellent for early-stage; 5-year survival >90% for localized disease. Advanced disease still treatable but not curable. Personalized medicine improving outcomes. Regular screening key to early detection. Quality of life focus in survivorship.

Prevention

  • Regular mammography screening
  • BRCA testing (high risk)
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Limit alcohol
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Physical activity
  • Breastfeeding
  • Risk-reducing medications (high risk)
  • Prophylactic surgery (BRCA carriers)

Research Status

Screening mammography reduces mortality. Targeted therapies based on receptor status (ER, PR, HER2). CDK4/6 inhibitors for metastatic. Immunotherapy (atezolizumab, pembrolizumab) for TNBC. PARP inhibitors for BRCA-mutated. Liquid biopsies emerging.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoNigeriaSouth AfricaEgyptIndiaChinaIndonesiaPakistanBangladeshPhilippinesVietnamThailandRussiaTurkeyIranAustraliaNew ZealandSwedenNorwayFinlandDenmarkNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustria

Sources

  • https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html
  • https://www.breastcancer.org
  • https://www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/breast-cancer

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.