BREAST CANCER
# I Pledge To Check
October is pink
What is breast cancer
• Breast cancer is a tumor (a mass of
abnormal tissues)within the breast tissues.
Most breast cancers begin in the milk
ducts(intra ductal cancers),however a
small number starts in milk sacs or lobes
(lobular cancers)
Breast cancer incidence in
Pakistan
Causes of breast cancer
Signs and Symptoms
• In majority of women's breast cancer is noticed
as a lump in breast ,there are however other
signs and symptoms that are important
Change in the shape and size of breast
Change in the appearance of skin I the particular
area of breast
Dimpling or puckering of the skin in a particular
area of breast
A lump or thickening inside the breast
Discharge from nipple
Continue
Rash on the nipple or surrounding area
Inversion or turning in of the nipple
Swelling of upper arm
Swelling or lump in armpit
Who is at Risk?
• All the women are at risk of developing breast
cancer. There are number of factors that put
some women at risk. These are:
Women's whose mothers, aunts ,sisters have
had breast cancer, Have an increased risk of
developing breast cancer.
Chances of developing breast cancer increases
as women grow older.
Women who have already had breast cancer
have a slightly higher chance of developing
cancer in the other breast
Continue
Early onset of periods before the age of 12
Late menopause after age of 50
Women who have never had children and those
who delay giving birth until they are over 30 as
well as women who don't breastfeed
Women who are over weight
Women who have sedentary lifestyle
Cigarette smoking and alcohol has been linked
with the risk of developing breast cancer
Diagnosis
BSE(Breast Self Examination)
CBE(Clinical Breast Examination)
Mammograms
Genetic Screening
Self Breast Examination
• Young girls and women should do self-
examination at least a month.
• About 20% of the time, breast cancers are found
by physical examination.
Age Group Monthly/Yearly Date
Menstruating Woman Each Month 2 days after
menstruation
Menopause Each Month On same day every
month
In Front of Mirror
1. In front of mirror, view from
a forward position.
2. Then change
perspective(raise arms
over head, and press
palms together).
3. Also look under arm region
and visualize nipples.
In The Bed and Shower
During shower
1. Place one hand over the
head, palpitate breast with
free hand.
2. Use “Up and Down "pattern
technique.
3. Cover all areas including
nipples.
Laying down
1. Place a pillow under one
shoulder and repeat the
process.
When to report to Healthcare provider?
Appearance: Any change in shape/outline
Feel: Any pain or discomfort in breasts
Any lump
Any change in nipple
Screening Mammograms
Considered “Gold Standard”.
Helps in early detection of tumors even
before they can be felt.
It’s a special X-ray of breast which gives
more information about the lump.
Group 1st time Then
Normal at the age of 40 every 5year
High risk at the age of 25-30 every year
Clinical Breast
Examination Genetic Screening
Performed by doctor or The BRCA gene test is a
trained nurse practitioner. blood test that uses DNA
analysis to identify mutations.
Annually for women over 40
yrs. In either one of the two
breast cancer susceptibility
At least every 3 years for genes — BRCA1 and
women between 20 and 40 BRCA2.
years.
Offered for people at high
More frequent examination risk.
for high risk patients.
Treatment Options
Prevention
Early diagnosis
According to WCRF,
following can reduce the risk.
• maintaining a healthy weight,
• drinking less alcohol,
• being physically active,
• breastfeeding their children.
Myths
Carrying cell phone in bra can
cause it.
Using anti-perspitant can cause
it.
No family history of it means
I’m safe.
Wearing a push-up bra can
cause it.
Breast cancer diagnosis means
removal of breast
Where u can get help?
• If u have any queries or problems ,contact
Shaukat Khanum memorial cancer hospital and
research center (ranked 6th among oncology
hospitals worldwide
• Hospitals. Lahore Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer
Hospital and Research Centre 7A Block R-3 M.A. Johar
Town, Lahore Postal Code: 54000 Tel: +92 42 3590
5000 .
• Women are advised to visit NCI website for breast
cancer related patient information
#I pledge to check
