Breast cancer in women

Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. Approximately 1 in 8 women are expected to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. This cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control. There are several types, depending on the cells where it develops.

There may be no signs or symptoms in the early stages of this disease. The main signs and symptoms of breast cancer are as follows:

• Palpable breast mass, either tender or painless
• Abnormal mammogram without a palpable mass
• Discharge of fluid or blood from the nipple
• Changes in breast size or shape
• Retraction of the nipple or the breast skin

Causes and triggers

The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood. However, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer. At the same time, women can still develop breast cancer even if they have none of the following risk factors:

Treatment

Several factors are considered before choosing a breast cancer treatment: blood tests, menopause, stage of cancer, overall health, and risk of cancer recurrence.

Surgery and radiation therapy are used to treat the cancer locally. Depending on the size of the tumour, surgery can be performed to remove the entire breast or just the tumour. Then, radiation therapy can be performed to prevent local recurrence (i.e., the formation of another tumour) by destroying the cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment and is sometimes given alongside hormone therapy. Chemotherapy may be performed if one or more lymph nodes are affected or if the cancer has spread. Hormone therapy is given if tests show that the tumour needs hormones to grow. This treatment prevents hormones from reaching the cancer cells and helping them grow.

Immunotherapy, or biological therapy, is sometimes used to complement these treatments, depending on the type of breast cancer and the immune response of the patient.

Screening measures

These measures must be taken before the signs and symptoms of the disease appear. The goal is to detect breast cancer early. Early detection facilitates treatment and increases the chances of recovery. However, it is not yet possible to prevent breast cancer.

Mammograms are the best way to screen for breast cancer. A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. There are provincial and territorial programs that offer screenings without requiring a referral from a health care professional.

Other measures, such as a thorough breast examination performed yourself or by a health care professional, are no longer recommended for breast cancer screening. However, it is recommended that women remain vigilant and report any changes or abnormalities in their breasts to their health care provider.

When should I see a health care professional?

Speak with your health care provider in the following cases:

• You notice a change or abnormality (e.g., a lump) in your breasts.

For more information:

• Canadian Cancer Society