Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is cancer which forms in the cells of the breasts. This happens when normal cells in the breast’s tissues begin to grow out of control.

In South Africa, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all races, second to non-melanoma skin cancer.

Where Does Breast Cancer Start?

The breast is made up of different parts. These parts are mainly glands, ducts, and fatty tissue. the different parts that make up a breast are:

• Lobules – These are the glands that produce breast milk
• Ducts – Small canals that carry breast milk from the lobules to the nipple
• Nipple – An opening in the skin of the breast where milk leaves the ducts
• Stroma – Connective tissue and fat that surround the ducts and lobules keeping them in place
• Blood and lymph vessels – Vessels found all over the body, responsible for circulation and maintaining a strong immune system respectively

Breast cancer can originate in any of these parts of the breast. The origin of breast cancer will determine the type of treatment that is appropriate.

Breast cancer can start in one breast or both and depending on the type of cancer, it can spread to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Thankfully, there are a number of easily detectable symptoms of breast cancer. They include:

• Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• A lump or thickened tissue in the breast that feels different to the surrounding tissue
• A newly inverted nipple
• Changes to the skin over the breast such as dimpling
• Flaking, peeling, or crusting of the areola or breast skin

Regular breast examinations help you to detect the above changes early enough to undergo effective treatment and can decrease the risk of breast cancer spreading to other parts of the body.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Breast cancer is extremely common and is often caused by heredity factors. In other words, if you have close relatives who have had breast cancer, your risk is higher.

Additionally, there are some genetic mutations that occur in some women, making them more vulnerable to developing breast cancer at some stage in their life.

Parkhealth Medical – Family Health Doctors in Cape Town

Our doctors provide breast examinations as part of our extensive medical services. We advise women to have regular breast examinations done so as to detect any abnormalities in the breasts. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

Contact our friendly family health doctors in Cape Town to make an appointment.

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