Breast Cancer Awareness

Knowledge is power in the fight against breast cancer. Learn about prevention, detection, and treatment options.

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What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. These cells typically form a tumor that can often be felt as a lump or detected on an imaging test, such as a mammogram. Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, most commonly in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple or in the glands that produce milk.

The most important thing to know: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women worldwide, but when detected early, it is also highly treatable. Awareness and early action save lives.

Know Your Risk

Understanding what factors can increase your risk helps you make informed decisions about your health.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors (You Cannot Change These):

  • Being a Woman: While men can get breast cancer, it is about 100 times more common in women.
  • Age: Your risk increases with age. Most breast cancers are found in women aged 50 and older.
  • Family History: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer increases your risk.
  • Inherited Genes: Certain inherited genetic mutations, such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, significantly increase the risk.
  • Personal History: A personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
  • Reproductive History: Early menstruation (before age 12) and late menopause (after age 55) expose the body to hormones for a longer period, increasing the risk.

Modifiable Risk Factors (You Can Influence These):

  • Physical Inactivity: A sedentary lifestyle can increase risk.
  • Being Overweight or Obese: Especially after menopause.
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy: Using certain types of hormone therapy for menopause for more than five years.
  • Alcohol Consumption: The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk.
  • Not Having Children or Having Your First Child After Age 30.

Reduce Your Risk / Take Action

While you can't change some risk factors, you can take proactive steps to lower your overall risk and detect any problems early.

  1. Know What is Normal for You (Breast Awareness): Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. This makes it easier to notice any changes. You do not need to follow a strict self-exam schedule, but it is essential to report any changes to your doctor promptly.
  2. Get Screened Regularly: Screening can help you detect breast cancer early when it is easiest to treat.
    • Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): A physical exam of the breasts by a doctor or nurse.
    • Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast. This is the most effective screening tool.
    • Recommendation: Consult with your doctor to determine when to start and how often to have one. For many women, regular screening mammograms are recommended starting at the age of 40.
  3. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
    • Maintain a Healthy Weight.
    • Exercise Regularly (aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week).
    • Limit Alcohol.
    • Breastfeed, if possible, as it can lower breast cancer risk.
  4. Talk to Your Doctor: Discuss your personal risk factors and create a personalized screening plan. If you have a strong family history, consider consulting with a genetic counselor and discussing genetic testing options.

Signs and Symptoms

Early breast cancer often has no symptoms, which is why screening is vital. As cancer grows, it can cause changes that you should watch for:

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Lumps & Thickening

A new lump or mass in the breast or underarm. Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.

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Skin Changes

Irritation or dimpling of breast skin (sometimes looking like an orange peel). Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.

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Nipple Changes

Nipple discharges other than breast milk (including blood). Any change in the size or shape of the breast. Pain in the breast or nipple.

Important: Many of these symptoms can also be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions. However, if you notice any persistent change in your breasts, it is essential to see a doctor right away for evaluation.

Treatment Options

If breast cancer is diagnosed, treatment is highly personalized based on the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall health. A combination of treatments is often used.

  • Surgery: An operation to remove cancer.
    • Lumpectomy: Removal of the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.
    • Mastectomy: Removal of the entire breast.
  • Radiation Therapy: Utilizes high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells in a specific area.
  • Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It can be administered before surgery (to shrink a tumor) or after.
  • Hormone Therapy: Used for cancers that are sensitive to hormones (ER-positive or PR-positive). It blocks the body's natural hormones from fueling cancer growth.
  • Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific weaknesses in cancer cells (e.g., HER2-positive breast cancer).
  • Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer.

You Are Not Powerless: Facing Breast Cancer Begins with Knowledge and Proactive Health Choices. While some risk factors are beyond your control, your power lies in early detection through awareness and screening, as well as in reducing your risk through a healthy lifestyle.

Your health journey is yours to lead. Be aware, get screened, and speak up for your health.