With an estimated 1 in 8 women being diagnosed in their lifetime, understanding breast cancer is more important than ever. Although the statistics are a sobering reminder to stay on top of your health, advancements in early detection, treatment, and awareness have greatly improved survival rates. By learning more about breast cancer—the different types (yes, there are different types), prevention strategies, and how you can make a difference—you can play an important role in awareness and hope.
Different Types of Breast Cancer – In Situ, Invasive and Inflammatory
Breast cancer is not a single disease but a group of related cancers. The type of breast cancer is determined by the specific cells in the breast that become cancer.
There are two types of ductal or lobular carcinoma. In Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive or pre-cancerous condition where abnormal cells are found in the milk ducts but have not spread to surrounding tissue. While it’s not technically cancer, DCIS can develop into invasive cancer if left untreated.
Invasive (IDC) is the most common type of breast cancer and occurs when the abnormal cells have spread to surrounding tissue. This form of breast cancer accounts for 70-80% of all cases.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and then spreads to surrounding tissue.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer where the skin of the breast becomes red, swollen, and warm. Unlike other forms of breast cancer, IBC doesn’t typically present with a distinct lump but it does require immediate medical attention.
Sub-types of Invasive Breast Cancers
If you or someone you know is diagnosed with breast cancer, they will test the cells looking for receptors. This determination helps define treatment options.
Hormone-receptive breast cancer means that estrogen (ER) or progesterone (PR) attaches to the receptors of the cancer cells and stimulates the cancer to grow. HER2-Positive Breast Cancer is a type of breast cancer that has higher levels of the HER2 protein, which helps cancer cells grow. Breast cancer cells may have a combination of these receptors or none of these receptors.
Triple-negative breast Cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer that does not have the three common receptors (ER, PR, or HER2) that are typically targeted in other forms of breast cancer treatment. TNBC tends to grow faster and is harder to treat, but research into targeted therapies is ongoing. It also disproportionately affects younger women under 40 and women of color.
Triple-positive cancers are ER, PR, and HER-2 positive. This type of cancer can be treated with hormone drugs as well as medications that target HER-2.
Prevention Tips for Breast Cancer
While no prevention strategy guarantees immunity from breast cancer, several steps can reduce your risk or lead to early detection, which significantly improves outcomes. Early detection through self-exams and mammograms remains crucial for increasing the chances of successful treatment.
Maintain a healthy weight and get regular physical activity. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and limit meat intake. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity such as brisk walking or swimming each week. Adding strength training at least two times per week is also helpful.
Research has shown a link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol or eliminating it altogether can help reduce your risk. The American Cancer Society recommends no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men.
Get Regular Screenings
Mammograms are the gold standard for early breast cancer detection. Women aged 40 and older should discuss with their healthcare provider when to start regular screenings. For women at higher risk, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or specific genetic mutations (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), screening should start at age 30.
How You Can Help
Fighting breast cancer isn’t just about treatment—it’s about raising awareness, supporting those affected, and funding research to find a cure. Donate to your preferred organization and don’t forget to look local! Many local breast cancer organizations are not as well-known as their national counterparts, but they do good work closer to home. Your donation can help accelerate progress in developing better treatments and, eventually, a cure.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but efforts to raise awareness and funds are ongoing year-round. If someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, offering emotional support and practical help—like preparing meals, running errands, or just inviting them to coffee—can make a big difference. Remember, each person’s journey with breast cancer is unique, and being there for someone in their time of need can have a powerful impact.
This is a complex disease that can be hard to grasp, but the good news is that with early detection, better treatments, and ongoing research, survival rates have steadily improved. By understanding the risk factors, prevention tips, and how to help support those affected, you can be part of the fight against breast cancer.