Breast cancer is a cancer that develops from breast cells. Breast cancer usually originates in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer depend on the sub-type and stage of the cancer and include:
- A hard lump on the breast or armpit
- The feeling of the tissue in the breast thickening
- Changes in the shape or size of the breast
- Change in nipple appearance
- An inverted nipple (pointing inward) or discharge/blood from it
- Dimpling, redness, irritation, or flaky skin around the breast.
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK, or WebMD.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for breast cancer could be genetic or environmental and include:
- Sex
- A personal or family history of breast cancer
- BRCA, CHEK2, or PALB2 gene mutations
- Genetic conditions (such as Li-Fraumeni or Cowden syndrome)
- Reproductive and menstrual history (early menstruation, late menopause, late or no pregnancy)
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
- Alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity, or smoking
For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, breastcancer.org, or National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosis options for breast cancer include:
- Health history and physical exam
- Mammograms (X-ray of the breast)
- Breast Ultrasound or MRI
- Breast Biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Lab Tests
- Hormone receptor status testing
- HER2/neu test
- Blood chemistry or tumor marker tests
- Bone scan
- Scintimammography
- Ductography
For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society, National Breast Cancer Foundation, or Cleveland Clinic.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Treatment options vary widely depending on many factors (the stage, where the cancer has spread, your menopause status, etc.). Options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted therapy
- Surgery (such as removing breast tissue or lymph nodes)
- Radiation therapy
For more information on the specific procedures and used drugs, check out the Canadian Cancer Center, Mayo Clinic, or the American Cancer Society.
Breast Cancer Resources
A Nutrition Guide for Women with Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Canada Resources (organizations, workshops, educational material, etc.)
Breast cancer in men (YouTube)
Breast Cancer Treatment (YouTube)
Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book — Newly Revised 7th Edition
How to do a breast cancer self-examination - BBC News (YouTube)
Practical Advice for Breast Cancer Patients
Tips for Helping a Loved One Who Has Breast Cancer
Understanding Breast Cancer (YouTube)
Wildfire Magazine (written by, and for, women with breast cancer)
5 Signs of Breast cancer | 3D Animation (YouTube)
7 Healthy Lifestyle Tips for Breast Cancer Patients
10 Top Tips for Breast Cancer Treatment
12 Breast Cancer-Fighting Foods (and 6 to Avoid)
Canadian Breast Cancer Organizations
After Breast Cancer
"After Breast Cancer was set up to ensure that women have access to basic needs and to provide mastectomy bras, mastectomy camisoles and breast prostheses to women who are financially unable to afford them. The majority of breast cancer organizations focus on Research, and the Cure for breast cancer"
Visit them at afterbreastcancer.ca
Breast Cancer Canada
"Since 1991, we have been laser-focused on breast cancer research.
With a focus on precision oncology (personalized care), Breast Cancer Canada is the only national breast cancer organization in Canada that has a clear mandate to raise money for research and advocate and educate on the progress of new research evidence."
Visit them at breastcancerprogress.ca
Cure Foundation
"1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Our logo exemplifies CURE's vision - to eradicate breast cancer. Our focus is to one day lighten that single dark petal, so that no woman has to fear a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime."
Visit them at curefoundation.com
Dense Breasts Canada
Dense Breasts Canada (DBC) is a non-profit organization, founded in 2016. DBC is made up of dedicated individuals and healthcare professionals who are committed to raising awareness and advocating for optimal breast cancer screening.
For more information, visit https://densebreastscanada.ca/
Kelly Shires Breast Cancer Foundation
"The Trust was established to offer financial assistance to those diagnosed with breast cancer across Canada. There can be many unforeseen expenses which public or private healthcare may not cover. We offer assistance to breast cancer patients in these situations to help make their fight with cancer a little less challenging."
Visit them at kellyshiresfoundation.org
Rethink Breast Cancer
"Rethink Breast Cancer is a Canadian charity known for making positive change and rethinking the status quo when it comes to breast cancer. Rethink educates, empowers and advocates for system changes to improve the experience and outcomes of those with breast cancer, focusing on historically underserved groups: women diagnosed at a younger age, those with metastatic breast cancer and people systemically marginalized due to other factors within the social determinants of health."
Visit them at rethinkbreastcancer.com
Quebec Breast Cancer Foundation
"For 30 years, we have been committed to defending the interests and well-being of people affected by breast cancer and their loved ones. Our contribution is especially noteworthy in the area of medical and scientific advances. We invest in innovation and cutting-edge research and in patient-support programs, ranging from prevention to cure.
Visit them at rubanrose.org
