Breast Cancer: Explained

Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals therefore are not able to provide you with an accurate diagnosis towards any symptoms you may experience. These are information obtained from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and the Malaysian Breast Cancer Foundation website. Please seek advice from your doctor should you notice any changes in your body.

To put it in simple terms, cancer is when a group of cells grow in an uncontrollable way, damaging healthy tissues. A group of growing cancer cells eventually forms a lump, otherwise known as a tumour. If the tumour is in the breast, then it is known as breast cancer. The 2 main types of breast cancer are non-invasive and invasive:

1. Non-invasive breast cancer is when the cancer cells are still in place where they first developed. In other words, they are not fast-spreading however do require immediate treatment as they can either develop into or raise the risk of contracting invasive cancer.

2. Invasive breast cancer happens when the cancer cells spread outside the breast in the surrounding tissue. The cells may also spread outside the breast to other parts of the body by moving through blood vessels. However, do note that invasive breast cancer is not the same as metastasis, which occurs when the cancer cells break away from the primary tumour and spread into organs in other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.

Different people will experience different symptoms of breast cancer. In fact, some people may not even have any symptoms at all which is why practicing a routine self-examination is extremely important. Remember that early detection of breast cancer means having an increased number of available treatment options thus leading to an improved quality of life.

First, let’s understand there is no standard guideline to how your breasts should look and feel. What’s normal for you may not be normal for another woman. The appearance and feel of your breasts can be affected by a variety of factors such as before or during your menstrual period, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, as you’re approaching or just getting over menopause or simply gaining or losing weight. Breasts also tend to change as you age, with younger women having perkier breasts and older women having sagging breasts. So, being aware of how your breasts are normally should be sufficient for you to detect and notice any changes along the way.

Second, not all lumps are cancerous. Many women find that their breasts feel lumpy. Breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture and some women may have naturally more lumpiness in their breasts compared to others. In most cases, this lumpiness is of no cause to worry. If the lumpiness can be felt throughout the breast, then it’s likely to be normal breast tissue. However, lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast should be checked. This type of lump may be a sign of breast cancer or a benign medical condition such as a cyst or fibrocystic breast condition.

Finally, let’s go through some of the most common warning signs of breast cancer. Keep in mind that these symptoms can also happen with other conditions that are not cancer. Therefore, it is extremely important to pay attention to your body and keep track of what’s normal for yourself.

1. A new lump in the breast or armpit area.
2.Thickening of swelling of a part on the breast.
3. Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin.
4. Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
5. Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
6. Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
7. Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
8. Pain in any area of the breast.