The incidence of breast cancer in South Africa is increasing and is one of the most common cancers among women. It is the most prevalent cancer amongst white and Asian women and the second-most common cancer among black and coloured women.
Early detection can lead to effective treatment and a positive prognosis. Breast cancer forms in the cells of the breasts.
There are two main types:
In rare cases, breast cancer can start in other areas of the breast. About 90% of patients survive for many years after diagnosis when breast cancer is detected at the early stages. Regular self breast examination and regular mammograms are important for early detection.
Early diagnosis may result in more effective treatment leading to a reduction in pain and suffering, and a significant decrease in the loss of life. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women.
Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped improve the screening, diagnosis and advances in the treatment.
Breast cancer survival rates have increased, largely due to a number of factors, such as earlier detection, a new personalised approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease. If you find a lump or other change in your breast – even if a recent mammogram was normal – make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation.
It’s not clear what causes it. According to scientists breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally.
These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. The cells may spread (metastasise) through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma).
It may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast. Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer.
But it’s not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do.
It’s likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.
It is commonly inherited. It is estimated that about five to 10% of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family.
If you have a family history of cancer, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific gene mutations that are being passed through your family.
A breast cancer risk factor is anything that makes it more likely you’ll get breast cancer. But having one or even several breast cancer risk factors doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop it. Many who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors other than simply being women.
The following factors have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and they include:
Tests and procedures used to diagnose breast cancer include:
Breast cancer stages range from 0 (zero) to IV (four) with zero indicating cancer that is non-invasive or contained within the milk ducts. Stage IV breast cancer, also called metastatic breast cancer, indicates cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
Once your doctor has diagnosed breast cancer, he or she works to establish the extent (stage) of your cancer. The stage helps determine the prognosis and the best treatment options. Complete information about your cancer’s stage may not be available until after breast cancer surgery.
Tests and procedures used to stage breast cancer will include tests that will confirm if the cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue.
The tests include: blood tests, such as a complete blood count; mammogram of the other breast to look for signs of cancer; breast MRI; bone scan; computerised tomography (CT) scan and positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Not all women will need all of these tests and procedures. Your doctor selects the appropriate tests based on your specific circumstances and taking into account new symptoms you may be experiencing.
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