Breast cancer

Further Information

• Breast Cancer Online
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Fondation québécoise du cancer
• Marvelle Breast Centre
• National Breast Cancer Awareness

Interactive Learning

The breasts are made up of many glands that are lined with milk-producing cells. Occasionally, one of these milk-producing cells grows uncontrollably resulting in the formation of a lump or tumour, which may subsequently be diagnosed as breast cancer.

Although the exact causes of breast cancer have yet to be identified, the risk increases gradually with age and for certain people there may be a genetic or hereditary component.

Tumours can be benign or malignant. Benign tumours do not spread, but malignant tumours are made up of cells that can spread to other parts of the body. These can form new tumours that are called a recurrence, secondaries or metastases.

The common places for breast cancer to spread are the bones (back or hips), the lungs, the liver and sometimes the brain. Recurrences do not occur in every woman who has had breast cancer.

Treatment

Typically treatment of breast cancer will involve surgery followed by a combination of one or more of the following treatments: chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and/or radiation therapy. However, treatment can vary greatly from patient to patient depending on the stage of the cancer and whether recurrence has occurred.

• Surgery: A lumpectomy (removal of the lump) is the preferred technique. Mastectomy (removal of the breast) is only performed if absolutely necessary.
• Chemotherapy: Medicines that interfere with cancer cell growth and division are administered.
• Hormonal therapy: Estrogen is a hormone that promotes the growth of some breast cancers. Hormonal treatments, such as anti-estrogens, aromatase inhibitors or leuteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues, are used to block the effects of estrogen and stop or slow the growth of cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: X-rays or other high-energy rays are applied to the tumour and surrounding areas. This therapy interferes with cancer cell growth and division.

Early Detection

Early detection of breast cancer is vital as it increases the chance of successful treatment. Community screening programs and mammograms are key to early detection and are integral tools in the fight against breast cancer.

Self-examination is also important and women should check their breasts regularly. If there are any changes in size or shape, lumps, tenderness or nipple discharge then a healthcare professional should be consulted.