Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting women, with an increasing incidence in South Africa over the past 20 years. In this article we explain what breast cancer is, what the risk factors are and why it is important to do regular screenings.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. Typically, this type of cancer starts in the ducts or lobules of the breast, but it can spread outside the breast through blood vessels or the lymphatic system. When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it’s known as metastasis.

The two most common types of breast cancer are:

• Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): Cancer cells form in the ducts of the breast and then invade surrounding breast tissue, and
• Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Cancer cells begin in the lobules and can spread to nearby breast tissues and potentially other parts of the body.

Is having a family member with breast cancer my only risk?

While a hereditary factors can increase your risk, only about 10% of breast cancer cases are linked to family history. The remaining 90% is caused by non-familial factors. These risk factors can be divided into two categories – those you cannot change and those you are able to influence.

Risk factors beyond your control:

• Inherited genetic mutations.
• Early menstruation (before age 12) or late menopause (after age 55).
• Dense breast tissue, which can make it difficult to detect lumps.
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases.
• Prior radiation therapy.

Risk factors you can influence:

⦁ Lack of physical activity.
⦁ Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause.
⦁ Long-term hormone replacement therapy (over five years).
⦁ Reproductive history, including first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, or having no full-term pregnancies.
⦁ Alcohol consumption, as the risk increases with higher intake.
⦁ Night shift work, which can disrupt hormone levels.

According to  Lorraine Govender, CANSA National Manager of Health Programmes, early breast cancer seldom shows any symptoms. “However, as the tumour grows, the appearance of the breast, or how it feels, can change.”

Most people associate breast cancer with lumps, but there are other symptoms to be aware of. It is crucial to consult a doctor if you notice any of the following:

⦁ Changes in breast size or shape.
⦁ Pain in any part of the breast.
⦁ Lumps in the armpit.
⦁ Thickening or swelling of a part of the breast.
⦁ Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
⦁ Redness or flaky skin in the nipple or breast area.
⦁ Nipple retraction (“turning in”) or pain in the nipple.
⦁ Nipple discharge (other than breast milk).

Remember, while these symptoms may not necessarily mean that you have cancer, they should never be ignored. “There are more treatment options available and a better chance of survival if breast cancer is found early,” explains Govender. “Regular checks can put your mind at ease, and early detection may save your life,” she adds.

Early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. It is important to know your breasts and do regular self-checks, preferably monthly. Additionally, one of the most effective screening tools is a mammogram, which is a low-dose x-ray of the breast. It’s recommended that women start getting mammograms between the ages of 35 and 40 and continue with annual screenings, especially if they have dense breast tissue. Mammograms can detect breast cancer early, even before lumps are felt, and early detection is linked to higher survival rates.

⦁ Know your body: Stay familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and be alert to any changes.
⦁ Mammograms save lives: If you can make time for self-care by going for a manicure, make time for a mammogram, too!

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