Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Lives

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Filipino women, affecting approximately 3 out of 100 Filipino women in their lifetime. While these statistics may seem frightening, there is hope: when detected early, breast cancer is highly treatable, with survival rates exceeding 90%. Understanding breast cancer, knowing how to detect it early, and being aware of treatment options can save lives.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can be felt as a lump or detected on imaging studies. Breast cancer is called "invasive" if it spreads from where it started to surrounding tissues, and it can potentially spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

Not all breast lumps are cancerous. Many are benign (non-cancerous), such as fibroadenomas or cysts. However, any new lump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Types of Breast Cancer

Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): Non-invasive cancer confined to the milk ducts; highly treatable.

Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type, starting in the milk ducts and spreading to surrounding tissue.

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): Starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and spreads to nearby tissue.

Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A rare, aggressive form that makes the breast look swollen and red.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors; often more aggressive and challenging to treat.

HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Has high levels of the HER2 protein; responds to targeted therapies.

Risk Factors: Know Your Risk

Some risk factors cannot be changed:

• Gender: Women are 100 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men
• Age: Risk increases after 50
• Genetics: BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations significantly increase risk
• Family History: Having close relatives with breast cancer
• Personal History: Previous breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions
• Dense Breast Tissue: Makes cancer harder to detect and slightly increases risk
• Menstrual History: Early menstruation (before 12) or late menopause (after 55)

Modifiable risk factors:

• Obesity: Especially after menopause
• Physical Inactivity: Regular exercise reduces risk
• Alcohol Consumption: Risk increases with amount consumed
• Hormone Therapy: Combined estrogen-progesterone therapy increases risk
• Never Having Children or Having First Child After 30: Slightly increases risk

Early Detection: Your Best Defense

Breast Self-Examination (BSE):
Every woman should know how her breasts normally look and feel. Monthly self-exams help you notice changes early:

1. Stand before a mirror and visually inspect your breasts
2. Raise your arms and look for changes in contour, swelling, or dimpling
3. Lie down and use your finger pads to feel all areas of the breast
4. Feel for any lumps, thickening, or changes in texture
5. Check for nipple discharge by gently squeezing

The best time for BSE is a few days after your period ends when breasts are least tender.

Clinical Breast Examination (CBE):
A healthcare professional examines your breasts for lumps or abnormalities. Recommended annually for women 40 and older.

Mammography:
An X-ray of the breast that can detect tumors before they can be felt:

• Screening Mammography: For women without symptoms
• Diagnostic Mammography: When there are symptoms or abnormalities
• Recommended annually for women 40-54, every 1-2 years for women 55 and older
• Earlier and more frequent screening for high-risk women

Additional Tests When Needed:

• Breast ultrasound
• Breast MRI
• Biopsy (taking tissue samples for laboratory examination)

Stages of Breast Cancer

Staging determines how far the cancer has spread:

Stage 0: Non-invasive (DCIS)
Stage I: Small tumor confined to the breast
Stage II: Larger tumor or spread to a few nearby lymph nodes
Stage III: Extensive spread to lymph nodes or surrounding tissues
Stage IV: Metastatic cancer that has spread to distant organs

Early-stage breast cancer (0-II) has significantly better outcomes than advanced stages, highlighting the importance of early detection.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer type, stage, and individual factors:

Surgery:

• Lumpectomy (Breast-Conserving Surgery): Removes the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue
• Mastectomy: Removes the entire breast; may be partial, total, or modified radical
• Lymph Node Surgery: Sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection to check for spread

Radiation Therapy:
Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, often after lumpectomy or sometimes after mastectomy.

Chemotherapy:
Drugs that kill cancer cells throughout the body, given before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant).

Hormone Therapy:
For hormone receptor-positive cancers:

• Tamoxifen
• Aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane)
• May be taken for 5-10 years after initial treatment

Targeted Therapy:
For HER2-positive cancers:

• Trastuzumab (Herceptin)
• Pertuzumab (Perjeta)
• Other HER2-targeted drugs

Immunotherapy:
Helps the immune system fight cancer, used for certain triple-negative breast cancers.

Living with Breast Cancer

During Treatment:

• Build a support network of family, friends, and healthcare providers
• Join support groups (face-to-face or online)
• Communicate openly with your medical team about side effects
• Practice self-care and rest when needed
• Consider counseling for emotional support

Reconstruction and Rehabilitation:

• Breast reconstruction is an option after mastectomy
• Physical therapy can help restore arm mobility after surgery
• Prosthetics are available for those who choose not to have reconstruction

Survivorship:

• Regular follow-up appointments and surveillance
• Managing long-term side effects
• Healthy lifestyle choices
• Emotional healing and "new normal"

Breast Cancer Resources in the Philippines

Treatment Centers:

• Philippine General Hospital
• National Kidney and Transplant Institute
• Cancer Institute (UP-PGH)
• Lung Center of the Philippines
• Private hospitals with oncology departments

Support Organizations:

• Philippine Cancer Society
• ICanServe Foundation
• Breast Cancer Support Group Philippines
• Cancer Warriors Foundation

Financial Assistance:

• PhilHealth coverage for cancer treatment
• PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) medical assistance
• DOH Medical Assistance Program
• Hospital charity programs

Prevention and Risk Reduction

While not all breast cancers can be prevented, you can reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Exercise regularly (150 minutes of moderate activity weekly)
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Breastfeed if possible
• Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Know your family history and discuss genetic testing if appropriate
• Get regular screenings

A Message of Hope

A breast cancer diagnosis is life-changing, but it is not a death sentence. Advances in early detection and treatment have dramatically improved survival rates. Many women diagnosed with breast cancer go on to live long, fulfilling lives.

If you haven't had a mammogram recently, schedule one. If you've noticed changes in your breast, don't wait—see a doctor. Early detection truly saves lives.

Mag-alam. Magpasuri. Maging aktibo sa kalusugan. (Be informed. Get screened. Be proactive about your health.)