Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?

Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that begins in breast tissue and can occur in one or both breasts. It occurs more frequently in women, but men are also at risk of developing breast cancer, representing approximately 0.5–1% of all cases.

In determining the appropriate treatment, doctors will consider several factors, including:

• Stage and grade of the cancer
• The patient’s overall health
• Menopausal status
• The patient’s personal preference

Symptoms and Signs of Breast Cancer

• Lump or swelling in the breast or armpit.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
• Wrinkling or dimpling of the breast skin.
• Pulling in of the nipple or changes in appearance.
• Discharge from the nipple (not breast milk).
• Persistent pain in the breast or armpit.
• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone.

Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer

• Gender: Breast cancer occurs more frequently in women than in men.
• Family history: Having a family member diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Genetic: Carrier of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes mutation.
• Personal history: Had breast lump or a previous diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Pregnancy history: Women who have never been pregnant or who had their first child at a later age.
• Hormone therapy: Use of hormone therapy replacement.
• Lifestyle: Alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Age: Increasing age.
• Radiation exposure: A history of undergoing radiotherapy.
• Menstruation and menopause: Menstruation started before age 12 or experiencing menopause after age 55.
• Body weight: Overweight or obese.

How to Detect Breast Cancer

Regular breast self-examinations are essential, as they can aid in reducing the risk of breast cancer through early detection. Follow these simple steps to identify potential symptoms of breast cancer:

Visual Examination of Your Breast

Stand in front of a mirror without wearing any upper clothing.

1. Observe the size, shape, color, and symmetry of your breasts with your arms at your sides. Be familiar with what is normal for you.
2. Raise your arms above your head. Check for any swelling, dimpling, or changes in the skin.
3. Examine the nipples for changes in position, shape, or discharge.
4. Repeat the visual examination in two positions: with arms raised (palms together) and with hands pressed firmly on the hips.

Manual Breast Examination (Standing)

Use the three middle fingers to physically examine the breast.

1. Use your right hand to examine the left breast, and your left hand to examine the right breast. Examine one breast at a time.
2. Press the entire breast using light, medium, and firm pressure.
3. Follow a circular or triangular pattern, starting from the outer edge and moving toward the nipple.
4. Feel for any unusual changes, thickened areas, or lumps.
5. Gently squeeze each nipple to examine for abnormal discharge.
6. Feel for any lumps in the armpit area.
7. Repeat these steps for the other breast.

Manual Breast Examination (Lying Down)

This method is particularly useful for women with larger breasts, as the tissue spreads more evenly.

1. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and rest your right arm behind your head.
2. Press your entire right breast using the fingers of your left hand.
3. Feel for any changes such as lumps or swelling.
4. Gently squeeze the nipple to examine for abnormal discharge.
5. Feel for any lumps in the armpit.
6. Switch the pillow to your left side and repeat the steps above.

When is breast cancer surgery necessary?

Surgery is typically the primary treatment for breast cancer. The type of procedure will be determined by the specific type of breast cancer. After surgery, additional treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy may be needed to help prevent the cancer from recurring.

Types of breast cancer surgery

1. Mastectomy – Removal of the entire breast (one or both), sometimes including nearby tissue.
2. Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery) – Removal of the tumor along with a small margin of surrounding tissue, usually performed for early-stage cancer.
3. Reconstructive surgery – Performed after mastectomy to restore the breast’s shape, either using implants, the patient’s own tissue, or a combination of both.

How long does breast cancer surgery take?

The length of the operation depends on the type of procedure and the stage of the cancer. In general, surgery can take around one to several hours.

Risks and complications

Like any other surgical procedure, complications may occur, including:

• General: bleeding, infection, swelling, bruising, scarring, seroma (fluid buildup), or blood clots.
• Specific to breast surgery: shoulder stiffness, arm weakness, and cording (axillary web syndrome) following lymph node surgery.

Preparation Before Surgery

Patients usually consult their doctor to discuss treatment options. Typical preparation steps include:

• Quitting smoking to reduce the risk of complications.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Staying active to strengthen muscles before surgery.

Recovery process

• Most patients can return home the same day or the following day after surgery, unless reconstructive surgery is performed (may require a hospital stay of 2–7 days).
• Patients may experience pain and limited movement in the chest and arm for 2–3 weeks.
• Fatigue can continue for several weeks, but most individuals resume normal activities after about a month.

Book an Appointment at Pantai Hospital

Breast cancer can be treated through surgery and a carefully planned recovery with the support of an experienced medical team to help you return to normal life. If you are seeking comprehensive cancer care, Pantai Hospital Penang is the right choice. Our oncologists are committed to providing the best care with compassion. Make an appointment today to receive the treatment you need.