Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer arises from the abnormal division of cells in the mammary ducts or glands, leading to the formation of a tumor. If not treated, the cancer can grow and spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit and subsequently to other organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, and bones, ultimately resulting in the patient’s death.
In Thailand, data from Globocan 2020 indicates that breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among females, accounting for 22.8% of cases, followed by colon cancer at 10.7% and cervical cancer at 9.4%.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
- Being female (only 1% of breast cancer cases occur in men)
- Advancing age (most commonly seen in individuals aged 40-50)
- Menopausal women using hormone replacement therapy
- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, which may indicate a genetically inherited form of breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- A noticeable lump in the breast (90%)
- Nipple changes, such as indentation or discharge/blood from the nipple.
- Palpable lymph nodes in the axillary area (5-10%)
If you notice a lump in your breast or armpit, even if it is not painful, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately for diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Screening
Given that breast cancer is a common cancer among women and can often be detected through external examination, current research suggests that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
With appropriate care, the 5-year survival rates for stage 1 and 2 breast cancer are as high as 98% and 88%, respectively. According to the guidelines from the National Cancer Institute, breast cancer screening is recommended as follows:
Breast Self-Examination:
- Women should perform a breast self-exam every month starting at age 20. The best time to do this is 2-3 days after the end of menstruation when breasts are less swollen.
Clinical Breast Examination:
- Annual examinations are recommended for women aged 40 and older.
Mammography
- This method is more sensitive than self-examination and can identify small cancerous lumps. It may be combined with ultrasound for patients with denser breast tissue. Screening should begin at age 40, with follow-up examinations every 1-2 years or more frequently if abnormalities are found.
Additionally, women at higher risk for breast cancer, such as those with first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at a younger age (under 40), should begin screenings earlier—typically starting 5-10 years before the age at which their relatives were diagnosed.
If abnormalities are detected during screenings, the doctor may recommend a biopsy of the breast or lymph nodes using a core needle or fine needle aspiration to collect tissue or cell samples for further laboratory analysis to determine the type of breast cancer.
Information from Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Mahidol University, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Kanchanabhisek Medical Center
Know about breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs due to the abnormal division of cells in the mammary ducts or mammary glands, leading to tumor formation. If left untreated, breast cancer can grow and spread to nearby lymph nodes, particularly in the armpit, and subsequently to other organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, and bones, adversely affecting the patient’s health and potentially leading to fatal outcomes.
In Thailand, according to Globocan 2020, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among females, accounting for 22.8% of all new cancer cases, followed by colon cancer (10.7%) and cervical cancer (9.4%). This highlights the importance of awareness, early detection, and proactive management of breast cancer.
Breast cancer risk factors
- Female gender (only 1% of breast cancers occur in men)
- Increasing age, particularly from 40 to 50 years
- Menopausal women undergoing hormone replacement therapy
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, indicative of genetically inherited types of breast cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer
- A noticeable lump in the breast (90% of cases)
- Nipple abnormalities, including indentation or discharge/blood from the nipple
- Palpable lymph nodes in the axillary region (5-10% of cases)
If you feel a lump in your breast or armpit, even in the absence of pain, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional promptly for a diagnosis.
Breast cancer screening
Given the high incidence of breast cancer among women, early detection through routine screening is crucial. Early-stage breast cancer has a significantly higher survival rate with appropriate treatment. The five-year survival rates for stage 1 and 2 breast cancer are as high as 98% and 88%, respectively.
Breast self-examination:
- Women should perform breast self-examinations monthly starting from age 20. It is advisable to check 2-3 days after menstruation, as breasts are less swollen during this time.
Physical examination by a doctor:
- An annual examination is recommended for women aged 40 years and older.
Mammography:
- Mammography is a sensitive imaging technique that can detect small cancerous lumps. Women should start screening at age 40 and continue every 1-2 years, or more often if abnormalities are found. For those with firmer breast tissue, mammography may be supplemented with ultrasound examinations.
Women at increased risk for breast cancer, particularly those with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer occurring before age 40, should consider beginning their screenings 5-10 years prior to when their relatives were diagnosed.
If abnormalities are found during screenings, further assessment through a breast or lymph node biopsy—using core needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration—may be recommended to identify the specific type of breast cancer.
Benefits of Early Detection
Early detection of breast cancer through self-exams and screening can lead to numerous benefits:
- Increased survival rates: Early-stage treatment dramatically improves prospects.
- More treatment options: Patients have access to a broader range of therapies.
- Less aggressive treatments: Cancers caught early may not require chemotherapy or may allow for less extensive surgery.
- Emotional benefits: Knowing one has taken proactive steps can reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being.
Practical Tips for Breast Health
- Maintain a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can contribute to overall health.
- Regular physical activity: Engaging in regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing risk factors associated with breast cancer.
- Avoid tobacco: Smoking is a known risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer.
- Limit alcohol consumption: Studies show a link between alcohol intake and increased breast cancer risk.
Personal Stories: Overcoming Breast Cancer
Hearing from those who have overcome breast cancer can provide inspiration and hope. For example, Jane Doe, a breast cancer survivor, shares her journey:
“I discovered a lump during a routine self-exam. I immediately went to the doctor, and my early diagnosis made all the difference. I underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation, and today, I’m cancer-free. I encourage every woman to perform monthly self-exams and consult their doctor regularly.”
Additional Resources
For further information on breast cancer awareness, prevention, and management, the following resources are invaluable:
- Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health
- Mahidol University, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Kanchanabhisek Medical Center
