Breast cancer: everything you need to know

By Cristiano Antonino On Feb 8, 2023

Breast cancer is a neoplasm. It consists of cells that grow in an uncontrolled manner. Diseased cells can form in all types of breast tissue, but predominantly tumours form in the glandular cells, i.e. in the lobules, or in those that make up the wall of the galactophore ducts

Basically, breast tumours are divided into two macro-categories: invasive and non-invasive.

The classification of this type of tumour identifies 5 stages:

Stage 0: also called carcinoma in situ. Lobular carcinoma in situ is not an aggressive tumour, however it may represent a risk factor for subsequent malignant formations. Ductal carcinoma in situ, on the other hand, is considered a precancerous form rather than a true tumour and can regress spontaneously thanks to the action of our immune system.

Stage I: this is an early-stage cancer with a diameter size of less than 2 cm and which does not involve the lymph nodes.

Stage II: cancer in the initial phase, still less than 2 cm in diameter, but which has involved the lymph nodes, or with a diameter size greater than 2 cm but which has not involved the lymph nodes.

Stage III: in this case we speak of a locally advanced tumour, which may therefore vary in size, which has involved the lymph nodes located under the axilla or which involves other tissues in the vicinity of the breast.

Stage IV: this is cancer that has metastasised and has therefore affected other organs.

When talking about breast cancer, it is very important to talk about survival rates

In fact, fortunately, today in most cases it is possible to survive this type of cancer.

Specifically, when the tumour is Stage 0, the 5-year survival rate for women is 98%.

The percentage drops to 75% if lymph nodes are involved.

As for metastatic cancer, so we are talking about Stage IV, on average survival is 2 years in those patients treated with chemotherapy, but it can be up to 10 years.

How breast cancer is recognised

Unfortunately, the onset of breast cancer is asymptomatic.

This means that in the very early stages one does not realise that one has cancer.

The only way to know is prevention, which is carried out with screening tests.

When the tumour is more advanced, however, you may notice signs such as changes in the nipples, inside or outside, leakage from one nipple, change in the surface and colour of the skin or the shape of the breast.

In all these cases it is a good idea to consult your doctor immediately.

How the diagnosis is made

Breast cancer is diagnosed by mammography, ultrasound and breast examination.

A home X-ray of the breast may be requested, which is very useful in the case of patients who are bedridden or have walking and mental disorders.

In more doubtful cases, i.e. when the breast has a very dense structure, an MRI is more useful.

If the doctor suspects something, he or she may request a biopsy to perform a cytological or microhistological test.

How breast cancer is prevented and how it is treated

A very important role, as we have seen, is played by prevention.

Prevention means carrying out mammography screening, recommended by the Ministry of Health from the age of 50, unless there is a familiarity with the tumour, in which case from the age of 40 it is a good idea to have a mammogram every two years; an ultrasound scan is instead recommended for younger women, accompanied by a manual examination.

If a breast tumour is diagnosed, one must undergo appropriate treatment depending on the stage.

Recommended treatments include radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as new hormonal and biological treatments.

Thanks to innovations in the medical field, today there is a tendency to perform less invasive surgery and to preserve the nipple if the breast has to be removed with a mastectomy.

In less severe cases, quadrantectomy is performed, i.e., the removal of a quadrant located around the lymph node.

Diet is also important

It has also been found that diet is very important.

To prevent breast cancer, one should eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, favour fish among animal proteins, include a good portion of cereals and fibre in the diet, and reduce dairy consumption.

Those who are genetically predisposed to this type of cancer should undergo screening and possibly genetic testing.

Breast Cancer: For Every Woman And Every Age, The Right Prevention