Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is when cancer develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin. In those with distant spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin. Risk factors for developing breast cancer include obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, and having children late or not at all. Once diagnosed with cancer, a number of treatments may be used such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Types of surgery vary from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy (removal of the whole breast). Surgery involves the physical removal of the tumor, typically along with some of the surrounding tissue. Once the tumor has been removed, if the patient desires, breast reconstruction surgery, a type of plastic surgery, can be performed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the treated site.

FAQs

How do I check my breasts, and how often?

There’s no specific way to check. Look at your breasts and feel them with any part of your hand or fingers. Check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone. There is no set time when to look and feel.

Does stress cause breast cancer?

There’s no conclusive evidence that stress increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Stress can affect our general physical and emotional health.

My mother has breast cancer. Am I at risk?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and most breast cancers are not inherited and do not increase the lifetime risk for other family members.