When you find out that you or someone you know has breast cancer, one of the biggest questions and fears that comes to mind is, "How quickly will it spread?" It's normal to have thoughts about how quickly the cancer cells divide, meaning how quickly the tumor will grow. "How long has this been in my body?" "How long did it take for it to get to its current size?" You may also be wondering.
To be honest, even doctors have no way of telling exactly when a cancer started growing in your body. So, it’s hard to say exactly how long it took for it to grow to its current size. It could be a few weeks, a few months, or even longer. Usually, after a cancer is detected, doctors remove it as completely as possible with surgery, so there’s no way to see how fast it will grow. However, there are some scientific facts that can help us understand this.
What factors affect the growth rate of cancer?
Although it is impossible to say exactly how fast breast cancer will grow, doctors can look at certain characteristics of the tumor to get an idea of whether it is a fast-growing or slow-growing tumor. These factors will determine how quickly and what kind of treatment you need.
Simply put, everyone and every cancer is different. Here are some of the key factors that will determine how fast your cancer will grow.
| Factor | How it Affects |
|---|---|
| Cancer Subtype | There are different subtypes of breast cancer. Some types grow faster than others. For example, triple-negative is faster than hormone receptor-positive . Your doctor will determine the type by examining a small piece of your tumor (biopsy). |
| Stage | The stage is determined by whether the cancer is still inside the milk ducts or has spread to the breast tissue, lymph nodes in the armpit, or other organs. There are stages from 0 to IV (four). Stage IV means that the cancer has spread beyond the breast to distant organs, such as the brain or liver. Cancers that have spread beyond the milk ducts are more likely to grow quickly. |
| Grade (Grade) | Your doctor will give your cancer a grade from 1 to 3. This is determined by how 'strange' the cancer cells look under a microscope. Cancer cells that look like normal cells (Grade 1) can spread easily, while cells that look very abnormal and deformed (Grade 3) can grow and spread very quickly. |
| Your Age | Breast cancer usually occurs most often in women over the age of 50. However, if a younger person develops breast cancer, it is more likely to be an aggressive type. |
| Genetics | Some people are born with genetic changes that put them at a higher risk of developing cancer and developing it more quickly. In particular, changes in the genes (BRCA1) and (BRCA2) are associated with faster-growing breast cancer. If necessary, your doctor can refer you for genetic testing to find out. |
Types of breast cancer and their growth rate
Let's now look at some of the most common types of breast cancer and their growth rates. This will help you get a clearer understanding of your situation.
| Cancer Type | Growth and special features |
|---|---|
| Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) | This is a very early stage cancer called Stage 0. The cancer cells have not spread outside the milk ducts. This is by definition not a fast-growing cancer. However, sometimes this can become an invasive cancer. |
| Hormone Receptor (HR)-positive | Most breast cancers belong to this type. These cancer cells have receptors that respond to the hormones estrogen and/or progesterone. This type usually grows in women. Treatments that block hormones can further control their growth. |
| HER2-positive | About 20% of breast cancers are of this type. They have a high level of a protein called HER2. This protein causes the cancer to grow rapidly. But now, thanks to targeted therapy that targets this HER2 protein, people with this type also have good results. |
| Triple-negative | These cancer cells do not have hormone receptors (HR) or the HER2 protein. Therefore, it is difficult to treat. This type grows and spreads very quickly (highly aggressive). |
| Inflammatory Breast Cancer | This is a rare and very fast-spreading type. The breast becomes red, swollen, and sometimes has pitted skin, similar to an orange peel. |
Cancer development and the importance of testing
The main goal of breast cancer screening is to catch cancer early, before it has developed and spread throughout the body. Cancers found during routine mammograms are often small in size and are less likely to have spread.
Remember, no matter how aggressive the cancer is, if it can be caught early and in one place, the chances of a complete recovery are much higher.
Because fast-growing cancers are difficult to detect in the early stages, the survival rate for those with these types of cancers may be low. Therefore, the best way to protect yourself from fast-growing, aggressive cancers is to get mammograms at regular intervals from the right age.
What tests are suitable for you?
It is generally recommended that women at low risk start having mammograms after age 40. However, if someone in your family has had breast cancer, you have a genetic predisposition, or have other risk factors, you may need to start screening earlier.
The best advice is to talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and develop a screening schedule that works for you. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions you have.
Take-Home Message
- The growth rate of each breast cancer is different. It is unique to your body and the nature of the cancer.
- A number of factors affect this rate, including the subtype, stage, grade of the cancer, your age, and genetic factors.
- There are aggressive types of cancer as well as very slow-growing types of cancer.
- No matter what type of cancer it is, the earlier it is detected, the more likely it is to be treated and cured.
- Getting regular screenings , such as mammograms, is the best way to detect cancer early. Be sure to talk to your doctor about a screening schedule that's right for you.
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