| to raise public and professional awareness of breast cancer |
| to generate funds for research into its causes, treatment and prevention |
| to provide information for women about steps they can take to detect the disease early |
| to provide vital information and support to those affected by the disease. |
Despite the high profile nature of breast cancer, many women of all ages are unaware of the basic facts about the disease and tend to ignore even the most simple of its signs and symptoms, which, if observed at an early stage, would help save thousands of lives.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumour of the breast, which can often be contained before it spreads to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment of the disease can in some cases increase survival by as much as 90%. It is frequently believed that the risk of developing breast cancer is inherited but, in fact, only between 5 and 10% of breast cancers occur because of a family history of the disease.
The majority of breast lumps are initially detected either by women themselves or by their partners. Most breast lumps (approximately 90%) are not cancerous at all and may be caused, for example, by harmless cysts. However, once a breast lump has been detected, it is always wise to check it out with your doctor at the earliest possible time.
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A few important facts about breast cancer are:
| Each year more than 700,000 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed worldwide. |
| Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer among women in Western countries, accounting for 18% of all female cancers. The life-time risk for a woman to develop breast cancer is approximately 1 in 9 |
| The risk increases with increasing age and is less common in young premenopausal women. Approximately 70% of breast cancers occur in women who have already reached the menopause. |
| Whilst mortality rates are falling in some countries, breast cancer remains the leading cause of death among women aged 35 to 55 years. |
Many women ask how they can best improve their awareness of breast cancer, to make a real impact in reducing their risk of developing the disease.
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Five important pointers towards breast cancer awareness are briefly outlined below:
a. breasts of different sizes
b. nipple inverted
c. additional breast/nipple
d. lumpiness
e. pain/tenderness.
During and immediately before the menstrual cycle, many women experience tenderness in the breasts or lumpiness, whilst others have tender breasts throughout their adult life. After the menopause, the breasts tend to lose their elasticity and may change their shape and size. Becoming familiar with these changes throughout life, so that you know what is normal for you, is an important factor for breast awareness.
a. Has their shape changed since you last examined them?
b. Does the nipple look different (pulling in)?
c. Is there any noticeable swelling in the armpit?
d. Are there any unusual lumps or thickening in the breasts?
Examine your breasts in a mirror and feel them on a regular basis. Notice how they move and fall, when you raise and lower your arms. Take note of the position of your nipples, so that you can recognise if any changes occur.
Make sure that you see your doctor as soon as you suspect that a change has occurred. Remember, the majority of changes will be normal. If you are still menstruating, your doctor may ask you to return at another time. In a few cases, your doctor may refer you to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.
Mammography, a routine x-ray examination of the breasts, can be used to detect a tumour early, when it is less likely to have spread. A number of Western countries have now adopted national mammography screening programmes (e.g. UK, Canada, Sweden, Finland, The Netherlands) for women of certain age groups (usually between 50 and 69 years of age). Introduction of screening programmes since the 1980s has led to a marked increase in the number of breast cancers detected in the screened age groups; however, some countries are now reporting a reduction in mortality rate. This reduction in mortality is thought to be due to a number of factors including earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments. Whilst screening is a major factor in the early detection of breast cancer, it is not in itself conclusive and more tests are needed to establish a positive diagnosis for breast disease.
However, it is important at all times to maintain your breast awareness, using the five pointers above to help detect changes at an early stage.
More information on self-examination can be found here
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