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Understanding Breast Cancer

In the battle against breast cancer, knowledge is our greatest ally, and the first step to victory begins with understanding the facts.

Before diving further into statistics, there is a common misconception one would like to clear out, Breast Cancer does not only happen to women but males as well! (Albeit very rare – it could occur). In 2023, it is estimated that a total of 2.5 million people will contract breast cancer worldwide while 740,000 will succumb to the disease. (Of them 100,000 Pakistanis will be affected and 38,000 will die)

The cancer begins when healthy cells in the breasts mutate and grow out of control slowly forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can either be cancerous (malignant – It can grow and spread) or non-cancerous (benign – It can grow but does not spread). Cancer ranges from stage I to IV. As breast cancer progresses from stage 1 to 4 (non-invasive to metastatic), it first spreads to the nearby lymph nodes and then invades the blood vessels to areas such as the bones, lungs, liver, and brain (the survival rate is slim to none if the cancer is detected at this stage).

The most common types of breast cancer are :

1.Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) – This is a non-invasive (stage 0) cancer that is localized only in the duct and does not spread outside of it.

2.Invasive/Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma – This is the most common type of invasive breast cancer that spreads outside the ducts.

3.Invasive Lobular Carcinoma – This type of breast cancer spreads outside the ducts.

Causes and Risk Factors

While breast cancer can affect anyone, certain factors can significantly increase the risk of its development, making it crucial to understand and address these potential contributors to this prevalent disease. For example, gender.

There is a major disparity between both as women account for 99% while males at just a mere 1% (primarily due to higher estrogen production in women). About 1 in every 8 women get breast cancer whereas the probability for a man to contract this cancer in his lifetime is 1/833 – This goes for Pakistan and worldwide.

Although there isn’t a specific age to be infected by a cancer, the median age for women to be affected by breast cancer is around 62 while 68 for males. The highest probability of it occurring in women is above 70 while 30% of the people diagnosed are between 15-39. (This data may vary as per the location, social, economic, and medical factors)

Inheritance does also play a pivotal role in increasing the risk factor of Breast Cancer-approximately 15% of the women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of it while those with a first-degree relative affected by it are twice as vulnerable to it.

To further, radiation therapy in childhood or adolescence, long-term hormone replacement therapy, and hormonal factors related to menstruation, menopause, and childbirth all have roles to play. Dense breast tissue and excessive alcohol consumption can add to the equation, just as obesity, physical inactivity, and dietary habits high in saturated fats and low in fruits and vegetables can contribute. It is still vital to understand that possessing these risks does not equate to a breast cancer diagnosis. But these risks and awareness are pivotal to keeping your health a priority.

Symptoms and Early Detection

To save yourself from breast cancer, it’s really important to be aware of its symptoms. One of the most visible symptoms found in someone facing breast cancer is the formation of lumps near the breast area or in the armpits. However, it’s not necessary that this is the only indication of breast cancer. Thickening or swelling of the nipple, along with the pulling in of the nipple, are evident symptoms of breast cancer. There are also other visible symptoms, such as redness or flakiness of the skin, along with nipple discharge other than breast milk, such as blood, and any change in the size of the breast. Additionally, pain in the breast is also a very common symptom of breast cancer.

Detecting unusual symptoms or changes in your breasts can be daunting, but early detection can make a world of difference. If you suspect a change, it’s crucial to take the right measures promptly. For your convenience, we have outlined the actions you can follow:

1. Avoid panicking! Take a deep breath and stay calm. Not every symptom indicates breast cancer, so it’s important to approach the situation logically.

2. Perform regular breast self-exams to help you notice any lumps or changes that deviate from the normal look and feel of your breasts.

3. If you discover lumps, changes in the shape and size of your breasts, or persistent pain, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare facility. Book an appointment with a doctor for a clinical check-up. They will provide the right guidance in this situation.

4. Following the clinical examination, your doctor might suggest a mammogram, which is an X-ray of the breast tissue designed to detect cancer. In some cases, an ultrasound is also used for further evaluation. It is essential to go through these diagnostic tests to come to a sound conclusion.

5. If suspicions persist, a biopsy is the next step where a tiny sample of your tissue is extracted for an examination under the microscope. If the biopsy confirms breast cancer, don’t worry. A specialist will be referred to you to suggest the most efficient course of action and you’ll need to discuss treatment options with them.

6. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Seek support from friends, family, or various online support groups. Talking to people who are going through a similar experience can be comforting. In addition to these steps, don’t forget to do your own research and educate yourself about the condition. Websites like BreastCancer.org are valuable resources for addressing your questions and concerns.

Supporting Others and Raising Awareness

While it is a tragedy, a little support goes a long way! Here’s how you can be an ally to those around you inflicted with breast cancer: firstly, be there for them as much as you can. Let them know you’re available for doctor appointments, errands, consultant trips, and anything they need. Be prepared to attend calls at 3 am, or 3 pm for them. Additionally, find a balance where you can respect their boundaries too. Be involved, but don’t be pushy. If they need privacy, understand where they’re coming from and respect their wishes. They may not always want to share every detail with you, but when they do, it’s important to be present. That’s the secret!

On a wider scale, to raise awareness, have discussions with your female friends and even male ones if the need arises, about breast cancer. Educate yourself and your loved ones about symptoms, procedures, and treatments. Join campaigns in October, or even all around the year to make more people cognizant of this. Pay close NGOs around you a visit, especially those aiming to improve the lives of women, and collaborate with them to educate their staff or residents about breast cancer.

A little from our side might just save someone’s life.

As we journey through Breast Cancer Awareness Month and beyond, let us remember that knowledge is our greatest weapon in the fight against this disease. By embracing early detection, advocating for research and support, and understanding the risk factors, we can create a world where breast cancer is not a life sentence but a chapter in the story of our resilience. Together, we can paint a future filled with hope, strength, and a brighter shade of pink, where every woman’s battle becomes a triumph, and where breast cancer awareness is a powerful force for change. Let us stand united, raising our voices and our hearts in solidarity, as we continue to push for a world free from the shadow of breast cancer.