Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.
Of the many types of cancer in Sri Lanka, Breast Cancer is the most common.
The triggering factors of this cancer are unknown. It could be attributed to a family history, early menarche or other possible risk factors. As it is difficult to determine, all women are at risk, especially when we are aged 40 and above.
While the factors are unknown, it is most treatable with early detection through regular breast checks.
If u get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, you will be more likely to spot any changes that could be signs of breast cancer. This is important even if you have been for breast screening. look for the following.
If you have any change to your breast, you should make an appointment with the Asiri Breast Care Center without delay. You may not have cancer. But if you do, being diagnosed and treated at an early stage may mean that you are more likely to survive breast cancer.
It is important to take care of your breasts so that you can prevent diseases as well as the signs of ageing. Breast care is essential for every woman regardless of how young or old she is.
Exercise and breast self-examination should become a routine part of your health and wellness practice.
Contrary to common belief, exercising will not increase the size of your breasts, but can shape your breasts, keep them firm and improve circulation.
Regular self-examination is very important. Breast cancer is no longer a post-menopause problem. Routine self-checks will warn you before things become serious. If you notice lumps when you are examining yourself, go to a doctor. It could be a tumour. If your breasts or nipples are very tender, you could have an infection.
If you are 40 years old or over a routine breast screening is recommended.
TOUCH
Lay down on a flat surface, resting your head on your hand and use your other hand to check for lumps in either one of the following patterns
Circular
Up and Down
Inwards and Downwards
Do you feel any unusual lumps, thickening or pain either in breasts, armpits or upper chest?
LOOK
Standing in front of a mirror
Inspect both breasts with your arms at your sides
Put both arms on your hips, flex your chest muscles, and compare both breasts while looking out for any noticeable changes or lumps.
Raise both arms slowly, looking carefully for swelling, or noticeable change to breasts or nipples
Observe changes in size and shape, skin texture, colour, appearance and direction of nipples, rashes or crusting of nipple or around, any nipple discharge
CHECK
Anything unusual? Talk to a doctor as soon as possible
Breast screening uses an X-ray scan – a mammogram – to check for signs of cancer. A mammogram can identify cancers that are too small to see or feel.
Screening examinations are tests performed to find disease before symptoms begin. The goal of screening is to detect disease at its earliest and most treatable stage, with the least radical treatment. i.e. without the need for mastectomies and chemotherapy.
Screening does not prevent breast cancer.
Woman's age |
Frequency of screening |
40 – 50 years | Annually |
50 – 60 years | Every 2 years |
60 years and over | Every 3 years |
Statistics indicate that over 90% of symptoms/abnormalities found in patients turn out to be benign/harmless in the long run.
In order to qualify as malignant, an irregularity found through breast screening has to undergo a triple assessment:
CLINICAL
Consultation
IMAGING
Mammogram
Ultra Sound (below age 40)
HISTOLOGY
Microscopic Study of Sample Breast
Tissue
A Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of doctors at the ABC Centre discuss each case individually and make a decision on the optimal method of treatment. For more information, please see the treatment section below.
The Asiri Breast Care Centre is a unique one of a kind set up with a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of Specialist Consultants to provide women with effective solutions addressing all breast related issues. These include the management of
ABC is a "one-stop" solution for ALL breast related concerns, handled with sensitivity and in the strictest confidence.
The MDT consists of the following members
Breast Care Centre location - +041 7 501 501