Breast cancer in postmenopausal women is the development of cancer who have completed menopause. Breast cancer is common cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It occurs when cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass or lump known as a tumor. This tumor can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). 

Hormones can play a role in developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women. After menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen. However, small amounts of estrogen can still be produced in the body with the help of an aromatase inhibitor (lower estrogen levels by stopping an enzyme in fat tissue). This estrogen can stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells in women. Postmenopausal women also have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than premenopausal women.

Warning signs of breast cancer: 

• A mass or new lump in the breast or armpit is the most common symptom of breast cancer. It may feel hard, irregular, or different from the rest of the breast tissue. 
• Changes in breast size or shape may include swelling, thickening, or skin dimpling. 
• Nipple changes can include a nipple that has turned inerted (pulled inward instead of pointing outward.) and produces discharge or become itchy. Persistent itchiness in the nipple area can be a symptom of Paget's disease, a rare form of breast cancer.
• Breast pain or tenderness: While breast cancer is typically painless, some women with breast cancer may experience pain or tenderness in the breast. 
• Skin changes: This can include redness, scaling, or puckering of the skin on the breast, including redness or dry skin in the nipple area or the breast.
• Unusual nipple discharge includes discharge that is bloody or clear and sticky.

Risk factors of breast cancer: 

The actual causes of breast cancer are unknown, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. 

Non-modifiable risk factors: 

• Age: Breast cancer's risk increases as women age, with most cases occurring in women over 50. 
• Family history of breast and ovarian cancer: Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease. 
• Genetic mutations: Breast cancer risk is increased in women who have mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• Previous breast cancer: Women who have had breast cancer in one breast are at higher risk of developing new cancer in the other breast.
• Dense breast tissue: Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of developing breast cancer because it is more difficult to detect small abnormalities on a mammogram. 

Modifiable risk factors: 

The risk factors for breast cancer in postmenopausal women can be divided into modifiable and non-modifiable factors includes, 

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of HRT, especially combination estrogen-progestin therapy, has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Obesity: Women who are obese have higher estrogen levels in their bloodstream. Due to the increase in estrogen levels, the risk of breast cancer is higher. Overall, studies have shown that obesity is associated with a 30-50% increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer compared to women who are not obese.  Alcohol consumption may increase the level of estrogen. So, drinking alcohol has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.  Physical inactivity may help regulate hormone levels, including estrogen, and improve insulin sensitivity which can reduce the risk.  Late or no pregnancy: Women who have their first child after age 30 or who have never been pregnant have a higher risk of developing breast cancer due to hormonal changes. 

Regular breast cancer screening, such as mammograms, is recommended for postmenopausal women to help detect breast cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. Breast cancer treatment depends on several factors, including the cancer stage, tumor size, location, and the patient's overall health and preferences. Some common breast cancer treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy. 

Faslodex 250mg injection treats breast cancer in postmenopausal women. The mechanism of action involves its ability to bind to and block the activity of the estrogen receptor, a protein that promotes the growth and survival of breast cancer cells. Some common side effects of Faslodex 250mg injection are nausea and vomiting, headache, back pain, fatigue, joint pain, loss of appetite, constipation, and diarrhea.