Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers found in women of all ages. However, awareness of the symptoms and warning signs allows for more effective prevention and treatment.
It is important to check for abnormalities in your breasts, such as:
Breast self-examination is an important way to detect abnormalities that may indicate breast cancer in its early stages. It should be performed regularly every month, about 5–7 days after the menstrual period ends, as the breasts are typically less tender during this time. The steps for self-examination are as follows:
Mammogram screening is a highly effective method for detecting breast cancer in its earliest stages. It uses X-rays to visualize the internal breast tissue and can detect lumps or abnormalities that may not be palpable by hand. The procedure for a mammogram is as follows:
Preparation Before Screening:
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of breast tissue. It is often used in conjunction with a mammogram to provide clearer detail, especially in women with **dense breast tissue**, where mammograms might struggle to visualize lumps. Ultrasound can accurately differentiate between solid masses and cysts.
MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create highly detailed images. It is suitable for high-risk individuals, such as those with a genetic history or very dense breast tissue. MRI can detect abnormalities that are not clearly visible on mammograms or ultrasounds.
If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, the chances of a complete cure are very high. Treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the size of the tumor, and the spread of cancer cells. Treatment methods for each stage may include:
Surgery is the primary method for breast cancer treatment, available in various forms, such as:
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells remaining after surgery or to inhibit cancer cell growth if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This method helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. However, chemotherapy may have side effects such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and low immunity. Doctors will assess suitability before treatment.
If the detected breast cancer responds to hormones (such as estrogen or progesterone), hormonal therapy is used to prevent cancer cells from growing or spreading. This method is often used in patients with **Hormone receptor-positive** breast cancer. This medication helps reduce hormone levels or blocks hormone function in the body to stop cancer cell growth.
Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells in specific areas. It is typically used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence. Radiation is often used when the patient has undergone a lumpectomy but remains at risk of cancer cell spread. This method can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
In cases where the breast cancer has high levels of a protein called **HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2)**, targeted therapy is used to block the function of this protein to prevent cancer cell growth. Targeted therapy generally has fewer side effects than chemotherapy because it specifically targets only cancer cells.
Breast cancer treatment requires care from a specialized medical team to evaluate the most appropriate method for each patient. Treatment may involve a combination of methods, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. The treatment plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's physical condition.
Methods for reducing risk and recommendations for breast health screening: Breast cancer prevention can be achieved through careful health management, such as:
Regular monthly breast self-examination helps you become more familiar with changes in your body, especially checking for lumps, dimpled skin, or abnormal fluid discharge. Finding abnormalities in the early stages allows for timely treatment, reducing the chance of cancer spread.
Consuming beneficial foods, such as fruits and vegetables rich in **antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals**, helps reduce the risk of cancer. Furthermore, regular exercise helps control weight and estrogen levels, which are risk factors related to breast cancer. Exercising for at least **30 minutes per day** also strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of various chronic diseases.
Examples of fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants that help reduce the risk of breast cancer:
Mammogram screening is a crucial tool for detecting breast cancer in the early stages, even without clear symptoms. A mammogram can detect very small lumps that cannot be felt by hand. It is recommended that women aged **40 and over**, or those at high risk, undergo annual mammograms to increase the chances of curing breast cancer in the early stage.
