Breast
Cancer
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a formidable adversary, which one in every 27 Malaysian women face and conquer. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It can start in different parts of the breast, such as the ducts or lobules.
Types of Breast Cancer
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where cells are confined to the ducts.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, spreading to nearby tissues.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): Aggressive and harder to treat due to the lack of hormone receptors.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Caused by the overexpression of the HER2 protein, often treatable with targeted therapies.
Signs and Symptoms
 | 1. Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling or redness |
|---|---|
 | 2. Nipple discharge that is not related to breastfeeding |
 | 3. Unexplained pain the breast or nipple area |
 | 4. Changes in the size or shape of the breast |
 | 5. A lump or thickened tissue in the breast or armpit |
Key Risk Factors
- Age – Most common in women over 40
- Family history of breast cancer
- Personal history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Hormonal factors – Early menstruation, late menopause, prolonged use of hormonal replacement therapy
- Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Diagnosis
- Breast Self-Exam: Performed monthly at home, to identify any suspicious lumps
- Mammogram: A key screening tool to detect abnormalities. Recommended for women above 40 years old.
- Ultrasound: Used to detect any lumps and usually are recommended for women below 40 years old.
- Biopsy: If there’s a suspicious lump or mass is found during the test, biopsy will be done to confirms diagnosis by examining tissue samples or fluid from the breast.
Treatment
- Surgery: Options include lumpectomy (removal of tumor) or mastectomy (removal of the breast).
- Radiation Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Hormonal Therapy
Prevention
While breast cancer cannot always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking. Early detection through regular screenings and self-exams is another vital aspect of prevention.
Navigating breast cancer can be daunting, but with the right information, support, and a positive outlook, you can face it head-on.
Remember, you are not alone, and there is hope in every step of your journey. Stay strong, stay determined, and believe in your ability to overcome breast cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered systemically (through the bloodstream) to target cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy is used in various cancers, either as the primary treatment or in combination with other therapies, such as with surgery or radiotherapy.
