What you should know about breast cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, so Spirit Pharmacy is keen to provide everything its customers need to know about breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. One in 12 women develops it. Recovery rates after breast cancer exceed 90% in high-income countries, while they do not exceed 66% in India and poorer countries.

A small, rare proportion of men also develop breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening involves self-examination, clinical examination, imaging and mammography. The chance of recovery is high when detection and diagnosis take place early.

Regular self-examination is advised after the menstrual period ends, from the fifth to the tenth day. See a doctor if you notice any unusual change in the texture or shape of the breast.

Symptoms of breast cancer

• A lump or thickening in the skin of the breast that differs from surrounding tissue.
• A change in breast size or shape.
• A newly inverted nipple.
• Peeling or hardening of the area of skin around the nipple, the areola, or of the breast skin itself.
• Redness or dimpling of the breast skin, resembling orange peel.

Causes and risk factors

• An unhealthy lifestyle.
• Heredity.
• Early puberty.
• Late menopause.
• Hormone treatment.

Stages of breast cancer

• Stage 0: very small and inside the glands.
• Stage 1: less than 2 cm.
• Stage 2: 2–5 cm.
• Stage 3: 5 cm or more.
• Stage 4: spread to other parts of the body.

Treatment

• Radiotherapy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Hormonal therapy.
• Immunotherapy.
• Surgery.