Breast cancer is the number 1 cause of death among women in the United States. In Thailand, it ranks second, following cervical cancer. However, current statistics show that each year, between 5,000 – 7,000 Thai women are diagnosed with breast cancer, and the trend appears to be increasing.
Breast Cancer Disease
Breast cancer results from abnormal growth of breast tissue cells that the body cannot control. These abnormal cells grow rapidly and spread to other organs. Women over the age of 40 are at risk of developing breast cancer. It is a close-to-home disease that requires regular self-examination because no one can pinpoint the exact cause of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors that contribute to the development of breast cancer include:
- Genetics
- Menstruating before the age of 11
- Menopause after the age of 50
- Having no children or having the first child at the age of 30
- External factors that trigger breast cancer, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and taking hormones for fertility treatments
Stages of Breast Cancer
The stages of breast cancer are:
- Stage 0: Early stage where the cancer cells have not spread to the breast tissue. Detection at this stage has nearly a 100 percent survival rate.
- Stage 1: The cancer is no larger than 2 centimeters and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
- Stage 2: The cancer is between 2 – 5 centimeters and has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit, but not to other organs.
- Stage 3: The cancer is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to lymph nodes in the armpit, but not to other organs.
- Stage 4: The cancer has spread to other organs.
Breast Cancer Screening
More than 85 percent of women with breast cancer visit the doctor after finding a lump in the breast, which may vary in size. However, this is not an initial symptom. In countries with mammogram screening for all women, such as the United States, a significant number of patients are diagnosed with breast cancer before showing any symptoms. The clear advantage of mammogram screening is that it can detect breast cancer at an early stage when there are no symptoms, making treatment more effective and increasing the chances of a complete recovery.
Treatment of Breast Cancer
In the past, detection of breast cancer necessitated the removal of the breast. However, today, with the advent of digital mammogram screening, cancer can be detected early. This allows for surgical treatment that preserves the breast by removing only the cancerous cells. Efforts are made to retain as much of the breast’s shape as possible to avoid loss of form, and if necessary, breast reconstruction can be done using the patient’s own skin and fat. This surgery requires approximately 20 – 25 radiation treatments depending on the stage of the disease, which can be very effective.
For advanced-stage cancers that require total removal of the breast, Bangkok Cancer Hospital Wattanosoth offers breast reconstruction surgery. This involves creating a new breast from the patient’s skin, fat, and muscle, allowing the patient to lead a confident and happy life, benefiting both their physical and mental health.
However, breast-conserving surgery has limitations and is dependent on the patient’s desire for surgery and whether the cancer is isolated. Hormone therapy and chemotherapy are considered based on each patient’s suitability.
Breast Self-Examination
Nevertheless, self-examination of the breasts is crucial for every woman. Women aged 20 and above should practice self-examination every month. The best time for self-examination is 7 days after menstruation when the breasts are less tense and tender. This can be done by lying flat, placing a pillow under the shoulder, using the index, middle, and ring fingers of the opposite hand to press down and feel the breast area thoroughly. Changes can be observed using a mirror, such as change in size, changes in skin texture, dimpling or puckering, and unusual discharge from the nipple.
Even after successful treatment, all cancers can potentially recur, depending on the stage of the disease. Although breast cancer cannot be prevented, early screening is possible. Besides self-examination, women are advised to see a doctor for a check-up every 3 – 5 years starting at age 40, and should undergo mammograms and ultrasounds annually. Additionally, individuals with a family history of cancer may need to undergo screenings earlier, from the age of 35, or those previously treated for cancer should visit the doctor every 6 months. Proper self-care can lead to early detection of breast cancer, avoiding the loss of the entire breast.
