Breast Cancer: Everything You NEED to know!

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a cancer that begins in the breast tissue. While typically starting in the milk ducts, it can also begin in the lobular or milk-producing cells. Breast cancer can develop in either one or both breasts.

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and leading cause of death in women worldwide. However, men can also develop this cancer. 

Types of Breast Cancer

• Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)

DCIS is an early type of breast cancer that forms in the milk duct and has not spread to surrounding tissue. It is usually found through a mammogram and does not cause any signs or symptoms.

However, if left untreated, DCIS can develop into a more aggressive type of cancer that can spread to nearby tissue.

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)

The most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which begins in the milk ducts but can spread to surrounding tissue. It has the ability to grow and spread to other parts of the body.

IDC symptoms include breast lumps or bumps, changes in breast shape or size, loose or dimpled breast skin, and nipple changes such as discharge.

• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC)

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) begins in the lobes of the breast and can spread to surrounding tissue. It usually does not cause any early signs or symptoms and is often found through a mammogram.

Signs of ILC include changes in breast shape or size, lumps or bumps in the breast, or nipple discharge.

• Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but life-threatening form of the disease. It usually shows symptoms such as swollen, red, hot, and painful breasts.

Treatment for this cancer depends on the stage of the disease and involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.

• Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer cells spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs. It is harder to treat than breast cancer that has not spread.

7 Causes of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer can be a fatal disease that should not be overlooked. Understanding the causes of breast cancer is critical so that preventative measures can be taken early. Here are some of the breast cancer causes you should be aware of:

1. Medical history - If you have a family history of breast cancer, your chances of developing it are higher. Breast cancer risk is heavily influenced by genetic factors.
   
   
2. Age - Breast cancer risk increases with age. Women over the age of 50 account for the vast majority of breast cancer cases.
   
   
3. Lifestyle- Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, a lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor eating habits, all contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.
   
   
4. Hormones - Breast cancer risk can be increased by hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. Women who use hormone therapy after menopause are also at a higher risk of developing this cancer.
   
   
5. Obesity - Overweight people are more likely to develop breast cancer because fat cells produce hormones that influence the growth of cancer cells.
   
   
6. Radiation exposure- Prolonged breast radiation exposure, such as X-rays or radiation therapy, can also increase the risk of breast cancer.
   
   
7. Miscarriage - Women who have had a miscarriage are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Signs of Breast Cancer

Here are some signs of breast cancer that need to be addressed if you experience them:

      1.  Changes in breast size 

Unusual changes in breast size or shape can be an early sign of breast cancer. Your breasts may feel larger or smaller than usual, or there may be an imbalance between the two breasts.

      2.  Loose and shiny breast skin 

If your breast skin appears shiny or loose, this could be an early sign of breast cancer. The skin may also appear blue or black.

      3.  Lumps or bumps on the breast 

Breast lumps or bumps can be an early sign of breast cancer. If you notice a lump or bump on your breast, see your doctor right away.

      4.   Fluid discharge from the nipple 

Fluid coming out of your nipple could be an early sign of breast cancer. This fluid may contain blood or a foul-smelling fluid.

      5.  Pain or discomfort in the breast 

If you have breast pain or discomfort, this could be an early sign of breast cancer. If you notice any of these warning signs, seek medical attention.

How to Detect?

Breast cancer is a serious concern for many women, but early detection can lead to better outcomes. Here are some steps for detecting breast cancer:

• Breast self-examination (BSE)

Every woman should perform a BSE every month, especially after menstruation. Use your fingers to examine your breast in the bathroom or on the bed. Look for lumps, pain, or changes in the skin on your breast.

• Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray screening test for detecting breast cancer. This test is usually performed on women aged 40 and above, or those who have a high risk of developing breast cancer. It can help detect breast cancer at an early stage.

• Clinical examination

A clinical breast examination is performed by a doctor or nurse. This examination involves checking the breast for signs of breast cancer such as lumps or changes in the skin on the breast. This examination is usually performed every two years.

• MRI

MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a test that produces a 3D image of the breast using magnets and radio waves. This test can aid in the early detection of breast cancer, especially in women who are at high risk of developing the disease.

• Biopsy

A biopsy is a test that takes a tissue sample from the breast to determine the presence of cancer cells. This test is usually done after a mammogram or MRI reveals evidence of breast cancer. A pathologist will examine the tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer.

What Types of Treatments are Available?

Treating breast cancer is a complex process that requires careful investigation to ensure the best treatment for the patient. Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, risk factors, and the overall health of the patient. Here are some common treatments for breast cancer patients in Malaysia.

1.  Surgery

Surgery is the most common initial treatment for breast cancer patients. During surgery, the doctor is able to remove the tumour or affected area of the breast.

A lumpectomy or mastectomy procedure can be used for surgery.

Lumpectomy: A procedure that removes the tumour as well as a small portion of the breast. 

Mastectomy: The surgical removal of the entire affected breast.

2. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment commonly used to treat breast cancer. Chemotherapy requires the use of drugs given through injections or taken orally. These drugs kill cancer cells and ensure they do not grow again. 

Chemotherapy is done for several months and can cause side effects such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and hair loss.

3.  Hormone Therapy

Hormone treatments reduce or block the effects of oestrogen and progesterone in the body. Hormone therapy is likely to be effective only if the breast cancer cells have oestrogen receptors (ER).

Hormone therapy is used for several years, and its side effects include fatigue, hot flashes, and vaginal dryness.

4.  Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is used to eliminate cancer cells that were not removed during surgery. Radiation therapy employs the use of X-rays to kill cancer cells. 

This treatment is usually administered over a period of several weeks, and its side effects include fatigue and skin redness.

5.  Supportive Care

Supportive care is a treatment used to help breast cancer patients cope with treatment side effects and improve their quality of life. Counselling, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and social support are all part of this therapy.

6.  Alternative Treatment

Alternative treatments such as herbal medicine and supplements can be used as an addition to conventional treatment. However, patients should be careful and discuss with their doctor before using alternative treatments to avoid interfering with the primary breast cancer treatment.

Preventing Breast Cancer

Although the risk of breast cancer cannot be completely eliminated, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk. Here are some approaches for preventing breast cancer:

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and drinking less alcohol, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Consume foods that are high in nutrients, such as vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy fats.

• Breast health monitoring

Every woman must care for her breasts. You can check your breasts on a regular basis to detect any changes and receive prompt treatment if necessary.

• Avoid hormone intake

Taking hormones after menopause may increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you need to take hormones to manage menopausal symptoms, make sure to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

• Avoid smoking

Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs, but it can also increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you don't smoke, avoid places where there is secondhand smoke.

• Get regular check-ups at the clinic

Regular breast exams can aid in the early detection of breast cancer. These exams administered by a healthcare professional should be obtained at a clinic or hospital.

• Don't let stress take over

Stress has been shown to have an impact on overall health, including the risk of breast cancer. If you are stressed, make time to get some rest and find ways to relieve stress.

Take Your First Step Today!

It is critical to understand that breast cancer is not a death sentence. With advances in technology and medical treatments, many women are able to overcome breast cancer and live long, healthy lives.

Your health is your top priority. Schedule a regular breast exam with a health professional today and take the first step towards protecting yourself.

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