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.