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.
THIS SECTION IS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER
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, or other changes in the skin
- Bone pain
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Jaundice
For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society,
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Risk factors for breast cancer include:
- A personal or family history of breast cancer
- BRCA, CHEK2, or PALB2 gene mutations
- Having dense breasts
- Genetic conditions (such as Li-Fraumeni or Cowden syndrome)
- Reproductive history (early menstruation, late menopause, late or no pregnancy)
- Exposure to ionizing radiation
- Alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity
For more information, check out the Canadian Cancer Society,
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosis options for breast cancer include:
- Health history and physical exam
- A diagnostic mammography
- Ultrasound
- Biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- Hormone receptor status testing
- HER2 status testing
- CBC
- Blood chemistry tests
- Tumour marker tests
- X-rays, Bone scan, MRI
- Scintimammography
- Ductography
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 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)
Understanding Breast Cancer (YouTube)
5 Signs of Breast cancer | 3D Animation (YouTube)