Overview on Breast Cancer

Overview on Breast Cancer Breast cancer is cancer that originates from the breast tissue. It can affect women of all ages but most commonly affects those above 40. It is potentially fatal but achieving a survival rate is also possible. There are 5 stages of breast cancer (stage 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4). Treatment at stage 0 & 1 can result in survival rates of above 90%.

Symptoms Symptoms and Signs of Breast Cancer See your doctor if you notice any of these signs: A persistent lump or thickening in the breast or axilla that may or may not be painful A change in the size or shape of the breast, such as swollen and thickened skin A change in the colour or appearance of the skin of the breast, such as redness, dimpling or puckering Retracted nipple A persistent rash or scaliness around the nipple Bleeding or any unusual discharge from the nipple

Treatment Options Treatment for Breast Cancer The surgical (lumpectomy or mastectomy) option is often the initial treatment to remove the tumour, without removing the entire breast where possible. If the cancer has spread to the surrounding tissues and lymph nodes, it might be necessary to do a mastectomy. This is usually followed up by chemo- or radiotherapy. These therapies work towards killing off any remaining cancer cells. Another option for some women with early stage breast cancer, is hormone therapy. This may help reduce the chance of recurrence. Lumpectomy A lumpectomy is surgery to remove a small area of breast tissue that is cancerous.This surgery is carried out only in early breast cancer, if the area of tissue to be removed is relatively small. Women who choose a lumpectomy will require radiation therapy to destroy any cancer cells that may remain in the area. Mastectomy A mastectomy is the surgical removal of the entire breast that is done in order to remove a malignant tumour in cases of invasive breast cancer, with or without removing the lymph nodes in the armpit. Sometimes, if more tissue needs to be removed, a lumpectomy may be disfiguring and a mastectomy may be recommended instead. Following a mastectomy, a woman may choose to wear a breast prosthesis or may opt to undergo breast reconstruction, which can be done at the same time as the mastectomy or later. Many women suffer a loss of body image after mastectomy. Hence, options of breast reconstruction can be discussed with the patient. This can be performed using myocutaneous flaps or by the use of saline or silicone implants