A fast-growing form of breast cancer that is often harder to spot on mammograms now accounts for more than one in ten breast cancer cases in the United States, according to a recent American Cancer Society (ACS) report. Invasive lobular carcinoma, the second most common type of breast cancer, is rising at a rate of about 3% annually, more than triple the growth rate of other breast cancer types, the study published Tuesday morning revealed. With these cases increasing across the U.S., it is worth examining what this cancer is and why its prevalence is climbing.Rare, Dangerous Type Of Breast Cancer On The Rise In The U.S.Rates of lobular breast cancer are climbing three times faster than other breast cancers, at 2.8% per year compared with 0.8% per year, according to researchers in the October 7 report published in Cancer.“Although lobular breast cancer represents just over 10% of all breast cancer cases, the number of new diagnoses each year makes it essential to understand,” said Angela Giaquinto, lead researcher and associate scientist for cancer surveillance research at the American Cancer Society (ACS).“Furthermore, survival rates beyond seven years are notably lower for lobular breast cancer than the most common type, which emphasizes the urgent need for prevention measures and early detection strategies specifically targeting this subtype,” Giaquinto added in a press release.What Is Invasive Lobular Carcinoma?Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most prevalent type of invasive breast cancer. It develops in the milk-producing lobes of the breast and represents roughly 5–15% of all invasive breast cancers. Unlike other breast cancers, ILC grows in single-file lines of cells rather than forming a distinct lump, making it more difficult to detect on mammograms. Symptoms can include thickening or swelling in the breast, changes in breast shape or the nipple, and pain. Surgery is typically part of treatment, while hormone therapy is often central, as ILC is frequently ER-positive.Invasive Lobular Carcinoma SymptomsAt its early stages, invasive lobular carcinoma may not produce any noticeable symptoms. As it grows, possible signs include:Changes in the skin texture or appearance over the breast, such as dimpling or thickening.New areas of fullness or swelling in the breast.Newly inverted nipples.Localized thickening in part of the breast.ILC is less likely than other types of breast cancer to form a firm or clearly defined lump.How Can You Get Invasive Lobular Carcinoma?The risk factors for invasive lobular carcinoma are similar to those for breast cancer in general. Factors that may increase the risk include:Family history of breast cancer: If a parent, sibling, or child had breast cancer, your risk is higher. The risk is particularly elevated if multiple family members were affected or if cancer appeared at a young age. Most people diagnosed with breast cancer, however, do not have a family history.Personal history of breast cancer: Having had cancer in one breast increases the risk of developing it in the other breast.Personal history of certain breast conditions: Conditions like lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) and atypical hyperplasia indicate a higher risk. A biopsy revealing these conditions also raises your risk.Early menstruation: Starting your period before age 12 increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer.Late menopause: Beginning menopause after 55 increases risk.Dense breast tissue: Breasts composed of more dense tissue than fatty tissue increase both risk and difficulty in detection on mammograms. Discuss additional imaging tests with your doctor if you have dense breasts.Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol elevates the risk.Late first pregnancy: Having your first child after age 30 may increase risk.Never having been pregnant: Pregnancy lowers the risk; not being pregnant raises it.Inherited DNA changes: Certain inherited gene changes, such as BRCA2 and CDH1, raise the likelihood of ILC. BRCA2 also increases ovarian cancer risk; CDH1 is linked to hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome.Menopausal hormone therapy: Some hormone therapies combining estrogen and progesterone can increase risk. Stopping these therapies reduces it.Obesity: Being overweight raises the risk of breast cancer.Older age: ILC is more likely to occur at older ages compared with other breast cancers.Radiation exposure: Receiving radiation to the chest in childhood or young adulthood increases risk.Consult a healthcare professional if you notice any changes in your breasts, including lumps, unusual skin texture, thickened areas, or nipple discharge. Discuss when to begin routine breast cancer screening and how frequently it should be done. Most doctors suggest starting regular screening in your 40s.
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