UNDERSTANDING
CANCER OF THE BREAST – KEY POINTS
A.
What causes cancer of the breast?
The causes
of cancer of the breast are not yet fully understood, but certain women
seem to be at a higher risk:
- If several
close members of their family have had cancer of the breast
- If close
members of their family have had cancers of the ovary and colon, as
well as cancer of the breast.
- If a
close relative had cancer of the breast when under the age of 40
- If they
have no children, or had children late in life.
- If their
periods started very early, or their menopause occurred late.
B.
What are the symptoms of cancer of the breast?
In most
cases, cancer of the breast is first noticed as a limp in the breast.
Other signs to be aware of are:
- Breast
- lump, change of size or shape, dimpling and thickening of skin
- Nipple
- becomes inverted (turns in), Bloodstained discharge (very rare)
- Rash
on nipple or surrounding area (very rare)
- Arm
- a swelling in armpit
C.
How is cancer of the breast diagnosed?
Various
tests are used, including:
- Ultrasound
- Needle
aspiration
- Needle
biopsy
- Excision
biopsy
- Mammography
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Breast
Cancer Patients
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What
are the stages of cancer of the breast?
- Ductal
carcinoma in situation - an early form which is precancerous and which
may develop into cancer if left untreated.
- Stage
one tumors - these measure under 2cm, the lymph nodes in the armpit
are not affected and there are no signs that the cancer has spread.
- Stage
two tumors - these measure between 2 and 5cm, or the lymph nodes are
affected, or both. However, there are no signs that the cancer has
spread.
- Stage
three tumors - these are larger than 5cm, the lymph nodes are usually
affected but there are no signs that the cancer has spread.
- Stage
four tumors - these are of any size, the lymph nodes are usually affected
and the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
What
types of treatment are used?
Surgery,
radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy can be used, alone or
in combination, to treat cancer of the breast.
How
will I feel during and after treatment?
You may
feel anxious, afraid or angry because of the cancer, the treatment and
its effects.
The worst
fear is often fear of the unknown. It may help you to find out as much
as you can about the cancer, its treatment, and living with it.
The
following are general guidelines suggested by the University of Pittsburgh
Cancer Institute.
- Beginning
at age 18 Perform monthly breast self-exam (BSE)
- Age
20-35 Monthly BSE + Have a health care professional check your breast
every year.
- Age
35-40 Monthly BSE + Breast exam by your health care provider yearly+
Have your first mammogram
- Age
40-50 Monthly BSE + Breast exam by your health care provider yearly
+ Have a mammogram every year
- Age
50+ Monthly BSE + Breast exam by your health care provided + Have
a yearly mammogram
MAMMOCARE
MAKES YOU BREAST CANCER AWARE, NOT BREAST CANCER SCARED
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