Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, Diagnosis & Prevention Guide (2025)
- Spirit of Hope Home Healthcare
- Nov 14
- 5 min read
Everyone is born with some amount of breast tissue, which means anyone can be affected by breast cancer.
Breast cancer occurs when normal cells in the breast mutate and begin growing uncontrollably. Although it is most common in aging women, men, and younger women can also develop it.
It can be treated through surgery and other medical therapies that destroy or slow the growth of cancer cells.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, especially in aging women. It occurs when breast cancer cells multiply and form tumors.
About 80% of breast cancer is invasive, meaning the tumor can spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body if not detected early
Types of Breast Cancer
Oncologists identify the specific type of cancer to create the most effective treatment plans while minimizing side effects. Here are the various types of breast cancer:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This cancer begins in the milk ducts and spreads to the surrounding tissues. It's the most common type of breast cancer.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and often spreads to the nearby tissue. It's the second most common type of breast cancer.
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive condition. Cancer cells remain in the milk ducts and do not spread.
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): A more aggressive type that grows and spreads faster than most cancers and does not respond to common hormonal therapies.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC): A rare but fast-growing cancer. Instead of forming a lump, it causes redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast..
The 5 Major Causes of Breast Cancer
The exact cause of this mutation isn’t fully known, but research has identified several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. These include:
● Family History: Having a close relative (mother, siblings) with breast cancer increases the risk.
● Age: Most common in individuals 55 and above.
● Sex: Women are more likely to develop the condition.
● Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase exposure to estrogen.
Lifestyle Factors: Alcohol use, poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity can contribute.
Warning Signs And Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer can appear in various ways, and its signs aren’t always obvious. Some symptoms are easy to notice, while others may just make one part of the breast look or feel different from the rest. In some cases, there are no visible signs at all. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
● A change in the size and shape of the breast.
● A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
● A change in the look or feel of the skin of the breast. It may look dimpled, red, purple, or darker than other parts of the breast.
● Inverted nipple.
● Swelling or Pain in a part of the breast.
● A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple.
Not all lumps are cancerous. But every new breast change should be examined by a Doctor.
How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed
Physical examination may be used to check for signs of breast cancer. But the following tests are needed to diagnose the disease:
● Mammogram.
● Breast MRI scan.
● Breast biopsy.
● Immunohistochemistry.
● Genetic tests.
Stages of Breast Cancer
The stage of breast cancer describes how much the cancer has grown and whether it has spread beyond the breast. Staging helps doctors decide the most effective treatment plan. Breast cancer is typically classified from Stage 0 to Stage IV:
● Stage 0: Cancer is found only in the lining of the breast ducts or lobules and hasn’t spread. It’s considered non-invasive.
● Stage I: The cancerous cell is small (up to 2 cm) and confined to the breast or has only slightly spread to nearby breast tissue.
● Stage II: The cancerous cell is larger (2–5 cm) or has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes but not to distant organs.
● Stage III: The cancer has spread to several lymph nodes or nearby tissues, such as the chest wall or skin, but hasn’t reached distant organs. This stage is also known as locally advanced breast cancer.
● Stage IV: The cancer has spread beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to distant parts of the body, most commonly the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Management and Treatment Options For Breast Cancer
Cancer management and treatment depend on the stage, type, and the patient's health. Surgery is the primary cancer treatment, which includes:
● Mastectomy: Removal of the breast.
● Lumpectomy: Removal of the breast lump.
● Breast Reconstruction.
Other forms of treatment for breast cancer include:
● Hormone therapy.
● Chemotherapy.
● Immunotherapy.
● Radiation therapy.
Complications of Breast Cancer
If not detected or treated early, breast cancer can lead to several complications that affect both physical health and emotional well-being. These may include:
● Metastasis: Cancer cells can spread from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
● Lymphedema: Swelling in the arm or chest area caused by fluid buildup after lymph node removal or radiation therapy.
● Recurrence: Even after successful treatment, breast cancer can return in the same area or elsewhere in the body.
● Fatigue and Weakness: Side effects of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or hormone therapy can cause long-term tiredness.
Heart or home problems: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy, can affect heart health or bone strength over time.
How to Lower The Risk of Breast Cancer
● Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
● Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
● Avoid smoking and beverages containing alcohol.
● Schedule regular mammograms as recommended by your doctor.
● Do regular self-examination.
● Breastfeed if possible.
● Discuss family history with your doctor; Genetic testing may be advised.
Breast Cancer Awareness starts with knowledge and action. Don't wait for symptoms to appear. Talk to your healthcare provider about screening and breast health. Every check, every conversation, and every act of awareness brings us one step closer to ending breast cancer.
We’re Here to Help
Spirit of Hope Home Care provides quality in-home care for Aging Adults in Howard, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Montgomery Counties.
We assist with daily tasks, coordinate regular health checkups, support ongoing wellness monitoring, and provide specialized care for conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, stroke recovery, and other neurological needs.
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