Abstract

BREAST CANCER, FACTORS INFLUENCING OF IT AND MANAGEMENT OF BREAST CANCER

Shirode Nitesh G.* and Jadhav Sejal R.

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Abstract

This article investigated different dimensions of breast cancer and its associated factors. This disease affects all physical, mental, and social aspects of women life. On the other hand, such factors as social and family supports during the illness can reduce its damages. Although, the etiology of breast cancer is unknown, its associated risk factors were identified. Such factors as aging, history of breast cancer in the family, specific changes in breast(s), gene changes, history of productivity and menopause, lack of physical activity, alcohol consumption, obesity, nutrition, race, and radiation therapy to chest are risk factors of breast cancer. Advanced breast cancer with distant organ metastases is considered incurable with currently available therapies. On the molecular level, breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease; molecular features include activation of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2, encoded by ERBB2), activation of hormone receptors (oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor) and/or BRCA mutations. Treatment strategies differ according to molecular subtype. Management of breast cancer is multidisciplinary; it includes locoregional (surgery and radiation therapy) and systemic therapy approaches. Systemic therapies include endocrine therapy for hormone receptorpositive disease, chemotherapy, anti-HER2 therapy for HER2-positive disease, bone stabilizing agents, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors for BRCA mutation carriers and, quite recently, immunotherapy. Future therapeutic concepts in breast cancer aim at individualization of therapy as well as at treatment de-escalation and escalation based on tumor biology and early therapy response. Next to further treatment innovations, equal worldwide access to therapeutic advances remains the global challenge in breast cancer care for the future.

Keywords: Breast cancer, HER-2, obesity, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy.