October 2024 – “The Breast Cancer Awareness Month”

“Cancer is only going to be a chapter in your life,

not the whole story” – Joe Wasser

Facts & Figures

• Most prevalent cancer worldwide
• Approximately 2.3 million new cases are reported each year
• Most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally
• Less than 1% of all breast cancers occur in men
• 25% to 30% of cases of breast cancer are preventable

Risk Factors

• Female sex – Breast cells that are highly susceptible to female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone.
• Old age -80% of patients with breast cancer are individuals aged >50 years. Genetic mutations (permanent changes in the genes) – Changes to certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, increase breast and ovarian cancer risk.
• Family History – Major factor significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
• Reproductive history– Starting menstrual periods before age 12 and menopause after age 55 First pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy.
• Personal history- Women who have had breast cancer are more likely to get breast cancer a second time.
• Dense breast – Greater breast tissue density correlates with the greater breast cancer risk.
• Lifestyle factors- Lack of physical activity; Obesity ; Alcohol intake.

Warning Signs

• New lump in the breast or armpit (underarm)
• Change in breast size or shape or appearance
• Breast skin dimpling or skin changes (eg, thickening, swelling, or redness)
• Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
• Nipple discharge, particularly if bloodstained
• Pain in any area of the breast

Effective Tools for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

• Mammography – The most common screening test for breast cancer. An x-ray technique  is used to check the breast for the early detection of cancer and other breast disorders.
• Clinical breast examination breast exam conducted by a doctor or other healthcare practitioner. He or she will thoroughly inspect the breasts and underarms for lumps or anything else that appears strange.
• Breast Self-Examination– An important, cheap and easy method It is recommended for each woman > 20 years to be done for 20 minutes once monthly, between the 7th and 10^th days of the menstrual cycle (2–3 days after the menses have gone). Menopausal women should do it on the same day every month.

Further Reading

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/17/4287

Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book. 2015:e66-73.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/17/4287

https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/risk-factors/index.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10237491