Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is known as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This month is dedicated to educate the people about Breast Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer(MBC) and the importance of early detection, which in turn can lead to early access to high quality care.

October 13 is Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed in the United States as well as elsewhere.

In the early days, people including women had less knowledge about Breast Cancer  and hence it was often too late when it was diagnosed. The amount of initiatives that have been taken since then has made tremendous shift in the approaches and people's mindset to counter this disease growing inside them.

Death rate from Breast Cancer has seen a significant decline of 40% from 1989 to 2016 in women and is expected to go down further with the active work done to spread awareness about it.

Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer(MBC)

Metastatic Breast Cancer(MBC), also known as stage IV breast cancer is the most advanced form of breast cancer where the cancer spreads beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body like bones, liver and lungs.

While treatable, MBC is not curable but it can be treated to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

MBC is a very complex condition and understanding its symptoms, treament options and recent advancements can be crucial  for managing the disease effectively.

Symptoms

The symptoms of MBC depend on where the cancer has spread. Common symptoms include:

Bone Metastasis: Pain, fractures, and elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause symptoms like nausea, confusion, and constipation.

Liver Metastasis: Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), swelling in the abdomen, and fatigue.

Lung Metastasis: Shortness of breath, chronic cough, and chest pain.

Brain Metastasis: Headaches, vision problems, seizures, and cognitive or personality changes.

Treatment

Treatment options include hormone therapy for hormone receptor-positive cancer, chemotherapy for hormone receptor-negative or resistant cancer, and targeted therapy such as trastuzumab or pertuzumab for HER2-positive cancer.

Immunotherapy, like pembrolizumab, can also be used in certain cases. Additionally, radiation therapy is employed to target specific areas for symptom relief, and bone-strengthening medications like bisphosphonates or denosumab are used if the cancer has spread to the bones.

Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer is important for early detection. Common symptoms include:

Lump in the breast or underarm: The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. While not all lumps are cancerous, it's important to get it checked regardless.

Changes in Breast Size or Shape: Unexpected changes in the size and shape of the breasts or swelling of the breast, could indicate breast cancer.

Nipple Discharge: Any nipple discharge that is not breast milk, particularly if it is bloody, should be required an examination.

Breast Pain: While Breast pain is not commonly associated with cancer, persistent pain in certain areas of the breast should be evaluated.

Cutting-Edge Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment

Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies have transformed breast cancer care. HER2-targeted drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) boost survival rates by zeroing in on the HER2 protein. Meanwhile, PARP inhibitors, such as olaparib (Lynparza), tackle BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, preventing cancer cells from repairing themselves.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is making strides, especially for aggressive types like triple-negative breast cancer. Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) help the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells, offering new hope for those with limited options.

Hormone Therapies
CDK4/6 inhibitors, such as palbociclib (Ibrance), are changing the game in hormone therapy. These drugs, when paired with hormone treatments, stop cancer cell growth in hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, slowing disease progression.

Surgical Advancements
Surgery for breast cancer is now more refined. Oncoplastic surgery blends tumor removal with cosmetic techniques, improving aesthetic outcomes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy has become standard, reducing the need for extensive surgery and lowering the risk of complications.

Global Participation in Breast Cancer Awareness

Throughout October, communities, organizations, and individuals worldwide come together to support breast cancer awareness month activities. Iconic landmarks are illuminated in pink, awareness walks and runs are organized, and educational campaigns are launched to spread the message of early detection and prevention.

This collective effort has not only increased public awareness but also led to significant advancements in breast cancer research and treatment.

How Can You Participate in World Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Wear Pink

Show your support by wearing pink, the universal color of breast cancer awareness. This simple gesture helps spread the message and shows solidarity with those affected by breast cancer.

Educate and Share

Learn about breast cancer’s signs, symptoms, and risk factors, then share this knowledge with others. Use social media to promote awareness and encourage others to take part.

Donate

Support breast cancer charities and research organizations by making a donation. Your contributions fund essential research, patient support services, and educational programs.