Breast cancer : The importance of screening

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting women. If it is diagnosed early, however, it can be successfully treated and even eliminated. Many women are alive and well because their cancer was caught and treated quickly.

Definition of breast cancer

Throughout our lives, the cells in our bodies reproduce in order to replace damaged cells. At times, these cells can begin to divide at an abnormally rapid pace. This anarchical growth can cause cancer.

Risk factors of breast cancer

While no single cause or trigger has been linked to breast cancer, there are certain risk factors:

• A woman’s age (50 years and over)
• A family history of breast cancer
• A first pregnancy later in life or no pregnancy
• The early onset of menstrual periods
• The late onset of menopause
• Smoking and the overuse of alcohol
• The use of oral contraceptives over many years
• Obesity, especially after menopause 

Men can also develop breast cancer, but they represent less than 1 percent of cases in Canada.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Most of the time, breast cancer is first noticed as a lump or swelling in the breast or armpit. The following signs may also be present: 

Breasts

• Change in size or shape
• Change in only one breast
• visible or palpable lump (breast or armpit)
• Inflammation of the breast or arm

Skin

• Orange peel skin
• Thickening
• Discolouration
• Redness
• Dimpling or puckering
• Increased warmth in the breast area
• Ulceration or sores
• More visible veins

Nipples

• Change in appearance
• Discharge
• Nipple inversion (turned inward)
• Deviation
• Eczema

These changes can point to breast cancer, but they may also indicate another health problem. In fact, approximately 8 out of 10 lumps are non-cancerous. You should also know that the appearance of small masses, especially before menstruation, is not necessarily an indicator of cancer.

Detecting breast cancer

Early detection for a better outcome

Mammography is the recommended exam for breast cancer screening in Quebec. It is the best method to detect breast cancer. It is the only screening test that can reduce the number of deaths caused by this type of cancer. This exam is offered to all eligible women between the ages of 50 and 69 as part of the Quebec Breast Cancer Screening Program (PQDCS).

However, there are other ways to detect an abnormality, such as breast self-examination and clinical breast examination.

Breast self-examination is a method in which women observe and touch their breasts with a precise technique on a regular basis. Women who practice breast self-examination can notice changes in their breasts because they know the texture and shape of their breasts. It has been shown that this method does not reduce mortality rates from breast cancer, but women may still notice changes.

Regarding the clinical breast examination, studies do not support the conclusion that it can be used as the only method of screening. It is performed by a clinician and should be done if a woman observes a change in her breasts.

In summary, it is important to consult a physician as soon as you notice any unusual lumps or something that appears suspicious. If cancer is suspected, certain imaging techniques will be used to further investigate. A biopsy may also be necessary. If the cancer is not treated in time, it can spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

The types of treatment available vary depending on the cancer’s stage of development. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal treatment, breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy or a combination of these treatments are the main methods used.

Pharmacy services 

Do you have questions about breast cancer and its treatment? Talk to your pharmacist. He’s there to help!