When I found out I had breast cancer the first thing I did was research the different types of breast cancer. I wanted to know how serious each type was. And what kind of treatment and survival rate there was for each one. At that point in my journey, I knew little about breast cancer. There is a lot of information out there about breast cancer, I wanted to share information in smaller posts so that I do not overload you with information. Click herehttps://twins4wellness.com/introducing-my-unique-breast-cancer-journey/ to read more about my Breast Cancer Journey so far.

First, I’m going to explain the 5 most common types of breast cancer. Then in our next post, I will explain what the stages of breast cancer mean.

The 5 Most Common Types of Breast Cancer  

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)
• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)
• Triple-Negative (TNBC)
• Inflammatory

Breast Cancer Type: Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS)

This type of breast cancer is non-invasive. It is comprised of abnormal cells that are found in the milk ducts of the breast and has not spread outside the breast. 

• The treatment for this type of breast cancer is typically surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy.
• The survival rate is close to 100%.

Breast Cancer Type: Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

This type of breast cancer is where abnormal cancer cells invade the breast tissue beyond the milk ducts. This is the most common type of breast cancer and is the type of cancer I was diagnosed with.

• The treatment for this type of breast cancer is typically surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and if it has spread. The stage of breast cancer describes how large the tumor is and if it has spread.
• The grade of cancer describes how normal or abnormal cancer cells are. The more normal the cells look, the less aggressive the cancer is. Abnormal cells tend to be more aggressive which means they grow faster and spread. This is important information for your doctor to plan your treatment. For more information on the stages and grades of cancer see https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/diagnosis-staging
• The survival rate depends on factors such as stage, grade, and individual characteristics. Generally, the 5-year survival rate is between 95-99%.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

This type of breast cancer begins in the breast’s milk-producing glands and can spread to nearby tissues.

• The treatment for this type of breast cancer is the same as IDC.
• The survival rate is the same as IDC as well.

Triple-Negative (TNBC)

This type of breast cancer does not have estrogen, progesterone, or HER/neu receptors. This makes it more challenging to treat. This type of breast cancer also tends to grow faster than other types of breast cancer. It is often found in younger women (less than 40 years old), who are black or have a BRCA1 mutation.

• The primary treatment for this type of breast cancer is surgery. Chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy are also used to treat this type of cancer. Because this type of cancer does not have estrogen, progesterone, or HER/neu receptors it is more difficult to treat. It also is more aggressive and usually spreads faster before it is found.
• The survival rate can be lower because it is more difficult to treat. TNBC has been associated with a higher risk of recurrence and shorter survival compared to other breast cancers. For more information on this type of cancer go here: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/types-of-breast-cancer/triple-negative.html

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

This type of breast cancer is a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer. It occurs due to cancer cells blocking the lymphatic vessels in skin covering the breast. This type of breast cancer presents with redness, swelling, and warmth in the breast.

• The treatment for this type of breast cancer is usually chemotherapy, surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapy.
• The survival rate of this type of breast cancer can vary due to the aggressive nature of the disease. It is generally considered to have a poorer prognosis compared to the other types of breast cancer.

I have Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC). We were happy that I have IDC because it is a common type of breast cancer which means that there are many different treatments for it. I will write more about the different types of treatments and survival rates in the next few blog posts.

Disclaimer:

The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.