What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer, also known as mammary cancer, is a disease that occurs when breast cells start to grow uncontrollably. Breast cancer mostly occurs in women, but men can also be affected by it.
The type of breast cancer can be defined based on where it is located within the breast. Identifying the exact site of the cancer involves either taking an X-ray or detecting it through palpation as a mass or lump.
While many types of breast cancer may result in breast lumps, they do not occur in all individuals, so it is important to remain vigilant and to promptly inform your doctor. Many breast cancers can also be detected during screening mammograms, which can show cancer at an earlier stage, typically before lumps are felt and/or symptoms appear.
Understanding the composition of breasts is crucial since breast cancer can develop in various areas. The breasts consist of three main parts:
- Lobules: These are the glands that produce milk.
- Ducts: These are the tubes that carry milk to the nipple.
- Connective tissue: Surrounds and supports the parts of the breast.
The most common types of breast cancer are:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma: Cancerous cells start out in the duct, then break through the duct and multiply in the surrounding breast tissue. These aggressive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
Invasive lobular carcinoma: Cancerous cells start out in the lobules and subsequently spread from these structures into the surrounding breast tissue. These aggressive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
There are other less common types of breast cancer, such as Paget’s disease, medullary breast cancer, mucinous breast cancer, inflammatory breast cancer, among others.
Breast cancer can spread when cancer cells reach the bloodstream or lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body. This process is referred to as metastasis.
Breast cancer in Mexico.
According to statistical data from the National Center for Gender Equity and Reproductive Health in Mexico, the states with the highest mortality rates from breast cancer are:
- Sonora (28.6)
- Nuevo Leon (26)
- Coahuila (25.7)
- Chihuahua (24.8)
- State of Mexico (24.7)
- Sinaloa (22.2)
The average age of a breast cancer diagnosis is 54.9 years, with the highest incidence occurring in the 50 to 59 age group, accounting for 45% of all cases.
Breast cancer worldwide
Breast cancer is the most common tumor in the world population, predominantly affecting women, with an approximate annual incidence of 1,671,149 new cases and a prevalence of 6,232,108, which is 36.3%.
Developed countries generally experience higher incidence rates, with Japan being the exception.
It is the leading cause of mortality in women, accounting for 521,907 annual deaths, which represents 14.7%. The mortality trend is on the rise due to an increased incidence of the disease resulting from longer life expectancy at birth, lifestyle changes, and the correlation between cancer and obesity.
Breast cancer in Latin America.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in Latin America, with an annual incidence of 152,059 cases. In the region, the incidence rate is 27 cases per 100,000 women, but it exceeds 50 in countries like Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Guyana.
In the region, mortality stands at 43,208 deaths, with a rate of 47.2 per 100,000 women. This accounts for 14% of annual deaths attributed to this cause. Three countries with higher mortality rates are Argentina (19.02), Uruguay (22.69), and Guyana (20.05).
Treatments
Breast cancer is treated in various ways. This depends on the type of breast cancer and how much it has spread. Breast cancer patients often receive more than one type of treatment.
Surgery: A procedure in which doctors remove cancerous tissue.
Chemotherapy: Special drugs are used to shrink or kill cancer cells. These medications can come in the form of oral tablets or injections administered into your veins, or in some cases, both methods may be used.
Hormone therapy: It prevents cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow.
Biological therapy: It works with the patient’s immune system to aid in fighting cancer cells or managing the side effects caused by other cancer treatments. Side effects are the body’s response to medications or other treatments.
Radiation therapy: High-energy rays (similar to X-rays) are used to kill cancer cells.
Internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy): In a surgical procedure, radioactive seeds or pellets are inserted into the cancerous tumor or in the surrounding area to destroy malignant cells.