Breast Cancer – What You Need to Know
Breast self-exams and mammograms can detect breast cancer at an early stage
Cancer is a disease caused when cells grow out of control. The type of cancer diagnosed will depend on where in the body cancer starts, like lung cancer in the lungs or breast cancer in breast tissue. These cells can then spread to other parts of the body.
In South Africa, breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed in women. A woman over 35 years of age has about a 13 to 15% lifetime risk for breast cancer. About 1% of all breast cancer occurs in men but it is 100 times more common in women. Other risk factors include age, a family history of breast cancer and exposure to radiation.
There are different types of breast cancer, named for the area of the breast where the cancer occurs. Breast cancer in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, called ductal carcinoma, is a common type of breast cancer. Cancer may also start in the lobules that produce milk, called lobular carcinoma. Rare breast cancers are phyllodes tumours (in connective tissue) and angiosarcoma (in lymphatic vessels or cells that line blood vessels). Most breast cancers form a lump in the breast which can be felt, but not all do.
Reducing your cancer risk
Learn more about your family health history – having a mother, aunt or sister with breast cancer can double your risk. For women, a father or brother diagnosed with breast cancer can also increase your risk for developing the disease.
While genetic risks cannot be changed, there are lifestyle choices that you can make to reduce your risk. This starts with eating a healthy diet and getting exercise. If you are still smoking, consider quitting. Also, limit your intake of alcohol to no more than one drink per day. This recommendation is based on research into the effects of alcohol and its links to breast cancer.
If you do get breast cancer, early detection will increase your chances of a positive prognosis, as the cancer is likely to be small and confined to the breast (not metastasised or spread to other parts of the body). Regular screenings can detect changes in the breast that may warrant further investigation.
- A monthly breast self-exam
Conduct a breast self-exam (BSE) once per month. Schedule your BSE around the time you ovulate and at the same time of the day. Ovulation occurs about 14 days before the start of your next period, so this is day 14 if you have a 28-day cycle or day 18 if you have a 32-day cycle. BSEs are not just for women, men should do them too, called a male breast self-exam or MBSE.
- Firstly, do a physical check of your breasts. Stand in front of a mirror and look for signs of changes. Do this check with your arms raised above your head, your arms at your sides, your hands pressed firmly on your hips and lastly, as you bend forward.
- Next, lie down on your back. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right hand under your head. Use four fingers of your left hand (not your thumb) on your right breast. Scan your breast using an up and down movement, starting at the collar bone and working down to the bottom of the breast. Move across from the underarm to the breastbone. Press firmly to feel the tissue. Swop to your right hand for your left breast.
- The last test can be conducted in the shower or bath. Apply soap to your left hand and check your right breast. Raise your right arm and place it behind your head. Use the same pattern as indicated above. Swop arms and repeat on the left breast.
The following changes, signs and symptoms should be reported to your doctor:
- Pain in the armpits
- Pain in the breast (not related to your menstrual cycle)
- Redness of breast skin; pitting (like orange peel)
- Swelling in the armpits
- Change in breast colour, size or shape that concerns you
- Changes in nipple appearance, especially turned inward, nipple discharge
- Flaking or peeling breast skin
- A breast lump
- A mammogram
Mammograms are special x-rays that take pictures of the inside of the breast. They are able to detect breast cancer much earlier than a physical examination. A mammogram may be used for non-symptomatic screening or to investigate lumps, changes or symptoms that have been identified.
The Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) advocates a mammogram every year for women from age 40 – for non-symptomatic screening. Women 55 years and older can have a mammogram every two years or as advised by your doctor. Depending on your current plan, your medical aid may pay for a mammogram every one or two years as part of your preventative benefits. Mammograms are not routine for men but may be used for diagnostic purposes if symptoms or changes in male breast tissue warrant further investigation.
- Getting a mammogram
If you still have a menstrual cycle, book your appointment for the week after your period, especially if you experience lumpy, painful breasts just before you menstruate. Wear pants or a skirt so you can keep these on when you remove your top and bra. Although mammograms are believed to be painful, for most women, the discomfort is minimal. The whole procedure takes about 15 to 20 minutes. X-rays will be reviewed and you will be called with the results.
Finding a lump in your breast can be frightening, but keep in mind that most breast lumps are benign (not cancerous). However, if you do feel a lump or notice any changes in your breasts that concern you, make an appointment to see your doctor so further tests can be scheduled if deemed necessary.
If you feel you need health and wellness support or advice, please contact us on 0861 GOLIFE (465433), SMS “Wellbeing” to 43821, or email golife@healthichoices.com.
Resources: https://www.cancer.org/; https://cansa.org.za/; http://www.dgmc.co.za/; https://www.mayoclinic.org/; https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/; https://www.cancer.gov/; https://www.medicinenet.com/; https://www.cancer.org/