October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to spread awareness about one of the most common cancers affecting women. While breast cancer primarily affects women, men can develop it too.
In India, breast cancer has become the most common cancer in cities and the second most common in rural areas. According to the National Cancer Registry Program (2012–14):
- 4% of breast cancer cases occur in women in their 20s
- 16% in their 30s
- 28% in their 40s
This means nearly 48% of patients are under 50 years old, a significant shift over the last two decades.
One in every four cancer cases among women is breast cancer — making awareness and early detection more important than ever.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breast. It develops when genetic mutations cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor.
Typically, breast cancer begins in:
- Lobules – milk-producing glands
- Ducts – channels that carry milk to the nipples
It can also occur in fatty or connective tissue within the breast.
These cancerous cells can invade nearby healthy tissue and spread to lymph nodes under the arms, allowing the disease to reach other body parts — a process called metastasis.
Tip: During a self-breast exam, always check your upper chest and underarms, not just the breasts.
Stages of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is classified into four stages, based on:
- T: Size of the tumor
- N: Spread to lymph nodes
- M: Metastasis (spread to other body parts)
Stage 0: In Situ or Non-Invasive Breast Cancer
Also known as pre-invasive cancer, this stage is limited to the duct or lobule where it began. The cancer hasn’t spread to nearby breast tissue.
Stage I: Early Stage Breast Cancer
The tumor is small (under 5 cm) and hasn’t spread to more than three lymph nodes.
- Stage 1A: Tumor is 2 cm or smaller.
- Stage 1B: Tumor is 2 cm or smaller, or sometimes not visible. A few cancer cells (micrometastases) are found in nearby lymph nodes.
Stage II: Early to Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
- Stage 2A: Tumor is up to 5 cm or smaller and may have spread to 1–3 lymph nodes.
- Stage 2B: Tumor is between 2–5 cm and may have spread to axillary (underarm) or internal mammary lymph nodes.
Stage III: Locally Advanced Breast Cancer
Cancer may have spread to the skin, chest wall, or several lymph nodes.
- Stage 3A: Tumor may be up to 5 cm and has spread to 4–9 lymph nodes.
- Stage 3B: Tumor has grown into the chest muscles or skin and may involve nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage 3C: Cancer has spread to 10 or more lymph nodes, or to those above/below the collarbone.
Stage IV: Metastatic Breast Cancer
Also known as advanced breast cancer, this stage occurs when the disease has spread to other parts of the body such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Unfortunately, this stage has a less favorable prognosis because the cancer has moved beyond the breast and lymph nodes.
Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Early detection saves lives. Watch out for these warning signs during your monthly self-exam:
- A lump or thickened area in the breast
- Change in breast size, shape, or appearance
- Dimpling or puckering of breast skin
- Newly inverted nipple
- Scaling, peeling, or crusting of the nipple or areola
- Redness or texture changes resembling an orange peel
- Fluid or discharge from the nipple
If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately — even if your recent mammogram was normal. Regular self-checks and screenings are key to early diagnosis and effective treatment.
Key Takeaway:
Awareness, early detection, and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes for breast cancer patients. Stay informed and perform monthly self-breast exams — it could save your life.
FAQ’s
What is Stage 0 breast cancer?
Stage 0 breast cancer, often called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), means abnormal cells are present in the breast’s ducts or lobules but have not invaded surrounding breast tissue. The SOFY article emphasises that at this stage the disease is non-invasive and early detection often leads to a very favourable outcome.
What signs might suggest breast cancer at an early stage?
The article lists a variety of early warning signs: a new lump or thickened area in the breast, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple inversion, crusting or peeling around the nipple/areola, and red or orange-peel textured skin. These symptoms warrant prompt check-up even if a mammogram was recently normal.
What changes in the breast skin or nipple should raise concern?
SOFY points out that changes like scaling, peeling or crusting of the nipple or areola, redness, swelling or texture resembling an orange peel (peau d’orange), and a nipple that becomes inverted or newly retracted are significant. Such symptoms may signal underlying breast cancer and should prompt professional evaluation.
How does Stage III breast cancer differ from earlier stages?
In Stage III (locally advanced) breast cancer, the tumour may have grown into the breast skin, chest wall or multiple nearby lymph nodes. According to the SOFY article, sub-stages include 3A, 3B and 3C depending on tumour size and lymph node involvement. Treatment becomes more complex and prognosis varies accordingly.
When does breast cancer become metastatic (Stage IV)?
Stage IV breast cancer means the disease has spread (metastasised) beyond the breast and regional lymph nodes to distant organs such as bones, liver, lungs or brain. The article stresses that at this stage the condition is advanced and treatment focuses on prolonging quality of life, as cure is less likely.
Is a lump always present in breast cancer?
No. While a lump is a common symptom, the SOFY article indicates that breast cancer may present without a distinct lump. Other signs like breast swelling, skin changes or nipple symptoms can occur. Hence, familiarity with one’s own breast appearance and consistent screening are vital.
What role do lymph nodes play in determining breast cancer stage?
The involvement of lymph nodes under the arm or near the breastbone often indicates more advanced disease. For example, in Stage II and Stage III classifications, the number and location of affected lymph nodes influence staging. According to the article, this helps guide treatment and prognosis.
How important is early detection in breast cancer outcomes?
Very important. The SOFY article highlights that awareness of symptoms, monthly self-breast exams and timely screening can significantly improve outcomes. Early-stage cancers (for example Stage 0 or I) often have much higher survival rates compared to those diagnosed at later stages like III or IV.
What should you do if you notice suspicious breast changes?
The article advises seeing a doctor immediately if you notice symptoms such as a new lump, skin changes, nipple discharge or any unusual breast alterations—even if your latest mammogram was clear. Delaying evaluation can allow progression to more advanced stages, which complicates treatment.