Health Watch – Breast Cancer

Breast cancer usually appears in the cells, which make up breast glands and most tumours start in milk ducts. Some cancers are found “in situ” meaning they have not spread outside the milk duct or lobule where they began. However, most are not found until they are invasive meaning they have progressed beyond the duct or lobule into other breast tissue and possibly to lymph nodes under the armpit. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer related death in women with around one in ten diagnosed with the disease. If found early and treated promptly, most women with breast cancer can lead a normal life.

Causes and Risk Factors?

The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown but risks include;

• Gender – being a woman though men account for approximately 1% of cancers
• Age - most cases occur in woman over age 50 (over 70%)
• Heredity – a family history increases risk on either mother or fathers side
• Previous history of breast cancer
• Early age of first period eg; before age 12
• Having children over the age of 30
• Lifestyle – high alcohol and high fat intake and being overweight and low amount of exercise.

Important note: Having some of these risk factors doesn’t mean you will get breast cancer in fact most women have no known risk factors.

Symptoms?

• Lumps or thickening under the skin
• Discharge from the nipple
• Change in shape or texture of the nipple or breast
• Underarm tenderness or persistent unusual pain
• Changes in size or shape of breast

Diagnosis/Detection?

• Self Examination – this should be done monthly from early age at the same time of the month preferably after your period.
• Mammogram – The younger you are the harder it is for a mammogram to be effective due to the denseness of the breast. They are most effective over the age of 50 however it is recommended between 40 and 50 every one to two years and even healthy women should have one between 30 and 40, please consult your Doctor about this.

Women over 40 are eligible for a free two yearly mammogram with BreastScreen Australia. Call 132050 to discuss.

Treatment?

Treatment options include surgery, from minor removal of tissue and nodes to mastectomy, being full removal of breast including lymph nodes from the armpit.
Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are also used.

Summary

As with most cancers early detection and treatment goes a long way to living a normal life. It is well known that if you are physically active and maintain a healthy body weight you have a lower risk of breast cancer by 30% or more.

If you fall into the higher risk category such as being over 50 or having a family history then you need to consult your Doctor ASAP. If you have any concerns with a possible lump or build up of tissue or changes in the breast then get it checked out now.

Sources of information include www.medicalonline.com.au  www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au and Breast Cancer Institute of Australia.