BREAST CANCER

Who can get breast cancer?

• Most commonly affects women, but men can also get it

• Risk increases with age

• Family history of breast cancer

• Early periods, late menopause

• Obesity, lack of exercise, alcohol use

Many patients have no obvious risk factors.

3. What are the common symptoms?

• Lump in the breast or armpit

• Change in breast size or shape

• Skin changes (dimpling, redness, thickening)

• Nipple discharge (especially bloody)

• Nipple pulling inward

• Non-healing ulcer over the breast

⚠️ Not all breast lumps are cancer, but every lump should be checked.

4. How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves:

• Clinical breast examination

• Mammography (X-ray of breast)

• Ultrasound

• Biopsy (taking a small tissue sample to confirm cancer)

• Tests to check spread (CT scan, bone scan) if needed

ROLE OF SURGERY

5. Why is surgery important in breast cancer?

Surgery is the main treatment for most breast cancers. It removes the cancer from the breast and nearby lymph nodes.

6. What types of surgery are done?

a. Breast-conserving surgery (Lumpectomy)

• Only the tumor and a small margin of normal tissue are removed

• Breast is preserved

• Usually followed by radiotherapy

b. Mastectomy

• Entire breast is removed

• May be required for large tumors or multiple tumors

• Breast reconstruction may be done later or at the same time

7. What about lymph node surgery?

• Sentinel lymph node biopsy: removes first draining lymph nodes

• Axillary lymph node dissection: done if nodes have cancer
  This helps decide further treatment and prognosis.

ROLE OF CHEMOTHERAPY

8. What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It works throughout the body.

9. When is chemotherapy given?

Chemotherapy may be given:

• Before surgery (neoadjuvant)
  → to shrink large tumors

• After surgery (adjuvant)
  → to kill hidden cancer cells and reduce recurrence

• In advanced or metastatic disease

10. What are common side effects of chemotherapy?

• Hair loss (temporary)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Weakness and fatigue

• Low blood counts

• Increased risk of infections

Most side effects are temporary and manageable.

OTHER TREATMENTS (Briefly)

11. Is radiotherapy needed?

Yes, especially:

• After breast-conserving surgery

• Sometimes after mastectomy
  It reduces the chance of cancer coming back in the breast area.

12. What is hormone or targeted therapy?

• Given if cancer cells have hormone receptors or HER2 positivity

• Taken as tablets or injections

• Usually continued for several years

FOLLOW-UP AND LONG-TERM CARE

13. Why is follow-up important after treatment?

Follow-up helps to:

• Detect recurrence early

• Monitor side effects of treatment

• Support physical and emotional recovery

14. What does follow-up include?

• Regular doctor visits (every 3–6 months initially)

• Breast examination

• Mammography of remaining breast

• Blood tests or scans if needed

• Lifestyle advice and rehabilitation

15. Can breast cancer be cured?

Yes. Early-stage breast cancer has a very high cure rate. Even advanced cases can be controlled well with modern treatment.

16. How can breast cancer be detected early?

• Monthly self-breast examination

• Regular clinical examination

• Mammography after the age of 40 or earlier if high-risk

Key Message

👉 Breast cancer is treatable and often curable when detected early.
👉 Surgery is the main treatment, supported by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and medicines.
👉 Regular follow-up is essential for long-term survival and quality of life.