5 Facts You Must Know about Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC). In Singapore, it occurs among one out of 11 women in their lifetime. Fight breast cancer with knowledge and decisions to mitigate the risks.

1. Breast cancer happens when mutations cause uncontrolled cell growth of the breast.

The mutations in genes that regulate cell growth cause the breast cells to divide uncontrollably. The copies become progressively more abnormal with each multiplication. Eventually, these cell copies form a tumour that can invade healthy breast issue. If the cancer cells enter the lymph nodes under the arms, there is a higher risk that the cancer might spread to other parts of the body.

2. Breast cancer is most commonly detected through new breast lumps.

Breast cancer might be overlooked during the early stages as there are usually no symptoms. Small tumours that usually go unnoticed with physical examination may also be present. If a new lump is felt, tests will be done to rule out breast cancer. Nevertheless, most tumours are non-cancerous.

Symptoms can vary as there are many types of breast cancer. Generally, watch out for these signs:

• New breast lump that feels different than surrounding tissues
• A lump or swelling under your arm
• Redness or pitting of skin over the breast
• Swelling in all or part of the breast
• Nipple or breast pain
• Bloody discharge from the nipple
• Redness, scaling, or thickening of skin on the nipple or breast
• Nipple retraction which is new in onset

3. You can take actions to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Although having close family members with breast cancer increases the risk of getting breast cancer, certain lifestyle decisions may be able to help to reduce your risk .

Women should be educated and empowered to:

• Give birth to the first child before 35
• Choose breastfeeding
• Avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy exceeding 5 years
• Refrain from smoking and limit alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight especially after menopause
• Exercise regularly

4. Breast cancer is not exclusive to women — men are susceptible to breast cancer too.

Interestingly, since men also have breast tissue, they can also have breast cancer. Additionally, men suffer from symptoms similar to breast cancer in women. However, the cancer is 100 times less common in men than in women.

5. Regular check-up helps to detect early breast cancer.

Early detection with regular mammogram is necessary to identify small tumours that may otherwise go unnoticed. The recommendations for women by the Ministry of Health, Singapore are as follows:

• 40 to 49 years old (normal risk): Benefits, limitations and risks should be discussed. If screening is indicated, it should be done annually.
• 55 years old and older (normal risk): A mammogram once every 2 years is recommended.

In addition, specific recommendations for mammogram may also vary depending on the individuals’ health condition. Hence, consult a doctor for a suitable check-up routine if necessary.

Acknowledgement:

Dr Tan Sing Huang, Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Clinic, who has contributed to this article.

Reference:

Breast Cancer (American Cancer Society website). https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer.html (accessed 25 Nov 2018)

Understanding breast cancer – The basics.  https://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/understanding-breast-cancer-basics#1 (accessed 25 Nov 2018)

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• Breast Cancer