09/10/2023
So what is breast cancer?
This is a malignancy or uncontrolled growth of cells in the breast, especially affected are those cells lining the lobules and the milk ducts.
It is a cancer that is hormone dependent in order to thrive.
In Zambia breast cancer is the second highest cancer affecting women accounting for 6.4% of the total patients attended to at the Cancer Diseases Hospital.
What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
• Early onset of menstrual periods coupled with late menopause as the breast epithelium is exposed to oestrogen and progesterone for a longer period of time.
• Obesity in postmenopausal women
• Late parity after age 30years
• Increased age, the risk increases after age 35
• Having a history of benign breast disease
• Women with a higher socioeconomic status or those from urban settings have a higher risk
• Increased breast density is another risk factor for developing breast cancer
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer in a primary relative before the age of 50
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
Most early stage cancers are found incidentally on physical exam or screening mammography BECAUSE THERE ARE NO SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS IN EARLY STAGES OF DISEASE
Pruritis or itching of the skin
Ni**le discharge which can be blood tinged
Enlargement of the affected breast
Orange peel dimpling of the skin
Rash or redness of the skin
Ulceration of the skin
Inflammation of the breast
A painless lump in the breast or armpit
Discomfort, tenderness, or fullness in an area of the breast
How can we detect breast cancer early?
By carrying out periodic Self Breast Exam, Clinical Breast Exam and Screening Mammography
How is breast cancer treated?
Treatment of breast cancer takes several months and entails various approaches.
• Surgical removal of the tumour (mastectomy) is the gold standard of treatment
• Chemotherapy ensures that any microscopic cancer cells are eliminated from the body
• Radiation therapy is also given to the chest wall.
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