Breast Cancer

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“Cancer may have started the fight, but I will finish it.”

By Jill Conley 



Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, accounting for about 12% of all new cancer cases and approximately 25% of all cancers in women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide in 2020, and it resulted in around 685,000 deaths. The incidence and mortality rates can vary significantly by region due to factors like access to healthcare, screening programs, and awareness. What's breast cancer? Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of breast cells, which we might describe as 'cell madness,' where breast cells grow non-stop if not caught early and treated appropriately. Breast cancer have many types but the most common types are:


1. Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):

also called infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of breast cancer. About 80% of all breast cancers are IDC, according to the American Cancer Society.  It begins in the milk ducts and invades nearby breast tissue.

  1. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):

also known as infiltrating lobular carcinoma, begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. It's also a metastatic breast cancer. This means it will use the lymphatic system or bloodstream to move into other areas of the body.

  1.  Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS):

is a condition that affects the cells of the milk ducts in the breast. The cells lining the milk ducts turn malignant (cancerous) but stay in place (in situ).


What symptoms you may experience:

  • Nipple discharge 

  • Feeling a mass near the breast 

  • Swelling and redness

  • Sudden change in size of one of the breasts 


Treatment:

Treatment ways may vary from an individual to another depending on :

  • The size and type of the cancer 

  • Where is it located 

  • The stage of the cancer and,

  • Has it spread over the body 

 

But the most common measures taken in treating breast cancer are,


1. Surgery

  • Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumour and a small margin of surrounding tissue.

  • Mastectomy: Removal of one or both breasts.

  • Sentinel Node Biopsy: Removal of a limited number of lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.

  • Axillary Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of several lymph nodes from the armpit.

2. Radiation Therapy

  • High-energy waves are used to target and kill cancer cells, usually after surgery to eliminate any remaining cells.

3. Chemotherapy

  • Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth. Can be administered before surgery to shrink tumours or after to reduce recurrence risk.


Prevention  

Preventive measures for breast cancer focus on reducing risk and promoting early detection.

1. Regular Screenings

  • Mammograms: Recommended annually or biennially for women aged 40 and older, or earlier for those at higher risk.

  • Clinical Breast Exams: Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider to detect abnormalities.

2. Self-Exams*

  • Performing breast self-exams monthly can help individuals become familiar with their breasts and notice any changes.

3. Genetic Testing

  • For those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing (e.g., for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations) can help assess risk and guide preventive options.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

  • Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.

  • Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity for at least 150 minutes a week to maintain a healthy weight.

  • Limit Alcohol: Reducing alcohol intake, as higher consumption is linked to increased breast cancer risk.

  • Quit Smoking: Avoiding tobacco can reduce cancer risk.

5. Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Obesity, especially after menopause, is a known risk factor for breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is important.


*  here is a link to visually understand how the self breast exam is performed 

https://youtu.be/u-LzRJQJn3Q?feature=shared


In summary, breast cancer is a major health issue that affects millions of women and their families around the world. It's really important to catch it early, and regular screenings along with self-exams can make a big difference in reducing risks and improving treatment outcomes.


As research and treatment continue to improve, raising awareness and supporting those impacted by breast cancer is crucial. Whether it’s through learning more, getting involved in community events, or just being there for someone going through a tough time, we all have a role to play in the fight against this disease.


Let’s take action by staying informed about breast health and encouraging others to do the same. Together, we can support those affected by breast cancer and help foster hope for a future with better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.

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