WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can form a tumor and, in some cases, spread to nearby tissue or other parts of the body. It affects both women and men, though it is far more common in women.

How common is it?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Thanks to better screening and treatment, survival rates have improved significantly over the past few decades—especially when the disease is found early.

Risk factors

Some risk factors can’t be changed, such as age, genetics (including BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations), family history, and hormonal factors. Others are lifestyle-related, including physical inactivity, alcohol use, obesity (especially after menopause), and long-term hormone therapy. Having risk factors does not mean someone will develop breast cancer, and many people diagnosed have no clear risk factors.

Signs and symptoms

Common signs include a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling, nipple discharge, or nipple inversion. Not all lumps are cancerous, but any new or unusual change should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Detection and screening

Mammograms are the most common screening tool and can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear. Self-awareness—knowing what’s normal for your body—also plays an important role in noticing changes early.

 Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. Care is often personalized.

Why early detection matters

When breast cancer is found early, treatment is more effective and outcomes.

From: Paul S. Dangha. MLT(AMT).BSc Microbiology.