Early Detection Saves Lives
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in East Africa, where its mortality rates are among the highest in the world. It is increasingly affecting young women in their thirties.
On average, women develop breast cancer at a younger age in Sub-Saharan Africa than in the West. While screening and early detection is available, most often these cancers are detected very late when treatment options become limited, expensive and often when it is difficult to cure.
In order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival, early detection is critical.
What is Breast Cancer Cancer?
Breast cancer starts when cells in breast tissue begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumour that can often be seen on an x-ray (mammogram) or felt as a lump. The tumour is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs most commonly in women, but men can get breast cancer too.
Screening
Breast cancer in its early stage is easier to treat and is more likely to be cured. It is important to attend a screening clinic in order to be fully assessed, especially when you find new symptoms or changes in your breast. Early detection often reduces the need for breast amputation (mastectomy) and chemotherapy, with breast conserving treatment more widely available.
Staging & Grading
When breast cancer is diagnosed, your doctors will give it a stage. The stage describes the size of the cancer and how far it has spread, and is used to predict the outlook. The TNM s taging system may also be used to describe breast cancer, as it can provide accurate information about the diagnosis. The grade describes the appearance of cancer cells.
Treating Breast Cancer
The main treatments for breast cancer include:
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiotherapy
Hormonal therapy (also called endocrine therapy)
Targeted cancer drugs
Bone strengthening drugs (bisphosphonates)
Breast Pain
Breast pain is very common in women of all ages. By itself, breast pain is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer.
Many women experience breast pain as part of their normal menstrual cycle (periods). This is called cyclical breast pain.
Lasting pain in the breast that’s not related to periods is known as non-cyclical breast pain.
Sometimes pain that feels as though it's in the breast is coming from somewhere else, such as a pulled muscle in the chest. This is known as chest wall pain.
Cyclical breast pain
Dull aching heavy pain linked to periods. Usually begins 2 weeks to a few days before the start of the period and ends once the period is over. It is linked to the rise in oestrogen and progesterone just before the period.
- The pain can be mild to severe.
- The pain usually affects both breasts but can affect just one; it may also be felt in the arm pit, arm and shoulders.
- Breast pain is commonly felt by pregnant women in their first trimester when there is a significant increase in hormone levels.
- Hormonal changes during the menopause can also cause breast pain, usually ending after the menopause is over.
- Breast pain can also be associated with starting to take or changing contraception that contains hormones.
Non-cyclical breast pain
Pain unrelated to the menstrual cycle
- In many women it is likely to occur after the menopause
- This can be a sore, sharp, burning or stabbing pain
- May cause tightness
- May be in one or both breasts
- Continuous or may come and go
- This could be due to injuries
Treating breast pain
- Wear a well-fitted, supportive bra
- Limit the intake of caffeine
- Avoid smoking
- Get regular exercise
- When unmanageable, take paracetamol or ibuprofen
- If the pain started after taking the contraceptive pill, changing to a different pill may help. If the pain continues, you may want to try a non-hormone method of contraception such as condoms, a non-hormonal coil or a cap. If the pain started after hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and continues, speak to your family doctor.
Breast Cancer in Men
Can men get breast cancer?
While breast cancer in men is very rare, it is possible. All men have a small amount of breast tissue, where it is possible for cancer to develop. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, although younger men can be affected.
What are the Symptoms
The most common symptom is a lump in the chest area which is often painless.
What are the other symptoms of male breast cancer?
Other symptoms of male breast cancer may include:
• Liquid, sometimes called discharge, that comes from the nipple without squeezing and which may be blood-stained
• A tender or inverted (pulled in) nipple
• Ulcers (sores) on the chest or nipple area
• Swelling of the chest area and occasionally the lymph nodes under the arm
If you notice a change to your breast tissue or nipple, visit breast clinic as soon as you can. You should also report any changes on the chest wall up to the collarbone or in in the armpit.
What is gynaecomastia?
Men’s breast tissue can become enlarged because of a condition called gynaecomastia. This can present with enlargement of breast tissue or the nipple.
Gynaecomastia can have various causes, and it's therefore important for men to visit breast clinic if they notice any change in the shape of their chest.