Early Detection Saves Lives: A Doctor's Guide to Breast Cancer Awareness

Understanding Breast Cancer: A Growing Concern

Cancer is becoming an increasingly serious issue worldwide. While lung cancer has been a leading concern, breast cancer is gradually taking the lead. Together with Dr. Ekaterina Kobzar, an obstetrician-gynecologist at EVACLINIC, we aim to understand how to detect the early signs of malignant tumors and prevent future occurrences.

Breast Cancer: A Silent Threat

Breast cancer is particularly insidious because it can remain asymptomatic for a long time. The growth from a single cell to a clinically detectable tumor can take 8-15 years. In Belarus alone, nearly 4,000 new cases are registered annually. Breast cancer is the leading oncological disease among women, characterized by its ability to spread to neighboring tissues, lymph nodes, and other organs through metastasis.

Breast Cancer in Men

Although breast cancer is predominantly a women’s health issue, men can also be affected, albeit much less frequently. Due to a lack of awareness and oncological vigilance, about 46% of men with breast cancer are diagnosed at an inoperable stage.

Risk Factors: What to Watch For

Risk factors for breast cancer can be divided into two categories: those that cannot be changed and those that can be influenced.

Unchangeable Risk Factors

Being female
Age (90% of cases are diagnosed after age 40)
Genetic predisposition (mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes)
Pre-existing benign breast diseases
History of chest radiation
Early onset of menstruation (before age 12)
Late menopause (after age 55)

Modifiable Risk Factors

Lack of pregnancies
Not breastfeeding
Long-term use of steroid hormones
Alcohol consumption and smoking
Lack of physical activity

It’s crucial to understand that having risk factors does not guarantee the development of breast cancer.

Self-Examination: Your First Line of Defense

Regular self-examinations can help detect early signs of breast cancer. Symptoms to watch for include:

Skin swelling resembling an orange peel
Skin or nipple retraction
Redness or ulcers on the nipple
Asymmetric enlargement of subcutaneous veins (if not breastfeeding)
Palpable lumps
Skin ulcers
Bloody or dark yellow nipple discharge
Lumpy or uneven breast surface
Skin redness

Perform self-examinations monthly. Start by inspecting your breasts in front of a mirror for any swelling, redness, retractions, asymmetry, or skin changes. Then, raise your arm and use the opposite hand to feel your breast in a circular motion. Pay special attention to the area under the breast and the armpit. Gently squeeze the nipple to check for any discharge. Finally, feel the area above the collarbones.

Professional Diagnosis: What to Expect

Professional diagnosis begins with a physical examination and palpation. If any suspicious symptoms are detected, further tests such as mammography and ultrasound may be recommended.

Mammography

Mammography is an X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors composed of microcalcifications. It is more informative for women over 40, especially those with predominantly fatty breast tissue. Women aged 50-70 should have a mammogram every two years. However, it can be performed at any age if necessary.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a safe and highly informative method that can distinguish between simple cysts and solid masses, as well as assess lymph node involvement. It can be performed on anyone, regardless of age or frequency.

MRI

MRI is highly sensitive and can detect small tumors, but it is less popular due to its high cost.

For more information on breast cancer awareness, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Biopsy and Treatment

If a suspicious tumor is detected, a biopsy is performed to confirm or rule out malignancy. If cancer is confirmed, additional tests such as immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis of the tumor are conducted.

Treatment depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease, age, tumor structure, and growth rate. A combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is often used. Early detection allows for less invasive surgery and better outcomes.

Prevention: Your Best Defense

While not all tumors are malignant, all breast tumors require monitoring as they can potentially become cancerous. Here are some preventive measures to reduce your risk:

Perform monthly self-examinations
Have an annual check-up with your doctor
Get an annual ultrasound and additional screenings as recommended by your doctor
Have a mammogram every two years if you’re over 50, or as recommended by your doctor
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active
Monitor your genetic health and get tested for gene mutations if necessary