What is breast cancer?
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Diagnosis of breast cancer:
Treatment of breast cancer:
Breast-Self Examination
Reconstructive surgery:
Where to get help and advice:

Malignant (cancerous) tumours must receive immediate attention as they can spread to nearby tissues or they can break away from the primary tumour and invade other parts of the body to form secondary tumours (metastases).

• 15 to 20 sections or lobes, each lobe has many smaller lobules or glands.
• Milk ducts that transport milk from the glands to the nipples.
• Fatty tissue and ligaments (Stroma), which surrounds the ducts and lobules.
• Lymph vessels that carry the tissue fluid (lymph), as well as immune cells, to the lymph nodes (small glands which are clusters of immune system cells).
• The lymph node clusters that drain away from the breast are located under the arm, above the collarbone, in the chest and in other parts of the body.

• Any lumps or swelling in the breast area or under the arm.
• Unusual discharge from the nipple.
• Change in any area of the skin of the breast or the appearance of the nipple.
• Change in contour, texture or temperature of the breast.
• Other symptoms can include swelling, discomfort, pain or tenderness of the breast.

1. The doctor will take a full history of the patient and do a thorough physical examination.
2. A radiologist does a mammogram and/or an ultrasound.
3. The cells of the lump may be withdrawn by using a fine needle and tested.
If the assessment indicates that the lump may possibly be cancerous or if there is still doubt in this regard, a biopsy is done i.e. all or part of the lump is surgically removed for examination.

1. Local treatment (i.e. surgery or radiation to remove or destroy the cancer cells in the breast and adjacent lymph nodes) usually when the disease is in the early stages.
2. Systemic (i.e. chemotherapy or hormonal treatment) usually administered when the disease has reached a more advanced stage.
3. Mastectomy i.e. removal of the breast or as much of the breast tissue as necessary to curb metastasising.

• Women should start BSE at the age of 20.
• Examine breasts once a month.
• Do the examination one week after the end of menstruation; the reason being that during your period, your breasts most likely are tender.
• If you no longer menstruate, choose a certain day of the month in which to do it.
• If you are taking hormones, ask your doctor about what time of the month you should to self-examination.

• Powder or lotion can make it easier to move the fingers over the skin or do this in the bath or shower when the skin is wet and soapy.
• Start the BSE using light pressure, then repeat it using slightly more pressure and then finally with firm pressure to feel the deeper tissue.

• Lie down flat on your back with your arm tucked behind your head with a pillow or folded towel under you shoulder, repeat the examination as with the fingers of the other hand.
• Do the same with the other breast.