What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the most common Cancer in women in the UK, affecting one in nine women at some point in their life. Some women experience breast enlargement and pain just before their period. There is usually nothing sinister in these symptoms, and relief can be had with Gemolenic Acid and Evening Primrose Oil. Some lumps may appear at the milk line, but these are usually nothing sinister. If in doubt, get them checked by your doctor.

Any lumps in the breast should not be ignored, especially if you are approaching 40 years of age; not every lump is sinister but prevention is better than cure. About one in twelve women are affected by breast cancer. Its precise causes are unclear, but it is more common among women who have a family history of breast cancer. Self-examination is very important as early detection reduces the severity of the treatment.

What is the Symptoms Of Breast Cancer?
The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. Most lumps (90%) are not cancerous, but it is always best to have them checked by your doctor. The following are other major symptoms:

a)     Lump or pain in the breast or armpit.

b)     Unusual discharge from the nipple

c)      Wrinkling of the skin around the nipple

d)     Change in the colour and texture of the breast

What is the Treatment for Breast Cancer?
Treatment options which may be considered include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone treatment. Often combinations of two or more of these treatments are used. Treatment will depend upon the type of Cancer and the age and fitness of the patient. Removal will depend upon the size of the tumour and how far it has spread, and in some cases will entail breast removal. These surgical procedures may be followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. For cancer that has spread, or for recurring breast cancer, the primary treatment is radiation, chemotherapy or both.

What Prevention for Breast Cancer?
Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for all women as they can help prevent many conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and many forms of Cancer. Studies have looked at the link between breast cancer and diet and, although there are no definite conclusions at the moment, there are benefits for women who maintain a healthy weight, do regular exercise and who have a low intake of saturated fat and alcohol. Self-examination is vital, as is having a mammogram annually if you are in your 40's or older.

Self-Examination for Breast Cancer

1.      Sit in front of a mirror, undress to the waist and make sure there is good lighting. The hands should be on your hips or by the side. You should sit upright and straight. Look at both breasts for any irregularities or inequality in size. Some inequality is normal but looks for any gross change in size or contour.

2.      Also look at the nipple area. See that both nipples are projected outwards, if you find a nipple turned in, with or without discharge, contact your doctor.

3.      Observe the skin condition for any dimples, rash or puckering. Lift the breast and examine underneath.

4.      Lift both your hands and rest them on your head. Look at the upper part of breast and armpit for any irregularity. If there is a swelling, it may be an abscess developing or it may be a gland, in which case, you should see the doctor.

5.      Place your hands on your hips and press forward with your elbows. Again, look at your breasts and armpits for any irregularities.

6.      Lie down and place a pillow under your left shoulder. Lift your left hand and place it under your head. Now, with the flat of your fingers of right hand, feel the left breast all over. If you notice any lump, check if it is fluidly, tender or solid. Also, feel from the breast to the armpit and along the collarbone for any unusual lumps. If you notice any fluidly lump it may be a benign cyst i.e. not sinister, but if hard and fixed, consult your doctor. Repeat the same procedure with your right breast with a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm raised and under your head.

Benign Breast Changes

Mastitis - inflammation of breast tissue causing tightness and pain, mostly occur during periods. These are due to hormonal changes and usually resolve without interruption.

Cysts - benign fluid-filled sacs which are identified with a biopsy or ultrasound to distinguish them from a solid tumour. They are common in women under 35 years of age. They feel like rounded swellings that are smooth and tense like a mini balloon. If they cause pain and discomfort, they can be drained with a fine needle. They come and go with the menstrual cycle, and are probably caused by hormone fluctuations.

Fibrodenoma - This is a solid, smooth lump that is usually seen in women below the age of 35 years. These are mobile and appear underneath the skin. They are usually pain free, but sometimes may become tender during the period cycle.

Injury - If the breast sustains an injury, it may develop a lump with a bruise. When the bruise disappears the lump usually disappears as well. If the lump remains for longer periods, you must consult the doctor. Various Tests that may be ordered by the doctor include:

1.     Needle aspiration for cysts: A fine needle is inserted into the cyst (not a painful procedure) and the aspirate is sent for examination.

2.     Ultrasound or Sonography: This is done with sound waves which differentiate whether a lump is a cyst or solid, and gives quite a precise idea of any changes.

3.     Mammogram: This is an x-ray investigation which is useful in those above 50 years of age due to their lack of tissue density.

4.     Biopsy : A small incision is made under local or general anaesthetic - a piece of tissue is removed and sent to the laboratory for examination

Dr. A. Bose © Allcures.com February, 2012