What is Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is when a group of cells in the breast tissues start to grow uncontrollably. Sometimes, the process of cell growth goes wrong and new cells are formed where your body doesn’t need them. This can lead to malignant tumours forming

These malignant cells can spread throughout your body via the blood or lymph vessels. This is called metastasis. 

Breast Cancer Screening

Regular screenings are essential to catch cancer in its early stages. Discovering and treating cancer as early as possible drastically increases your chances of survival. Most common methods for breast cancer screening are: 

Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

Regular BSE can help you become accustomed with how your breasts normally feel and look. This makes you better at spotting any changes. While not recommended monthly anymore, it is still a simple way to detect any changes.

For more information on the how-to, check out the Breast Cancer Welfare Organisation, Malaysia.

Clinical breast examination

This is where a health expert e.g. your doctor or nurse, look for changes in your breast shape or size. Then using the pads of their fingers they will gently feel for any lumps.

Mammogram

A mammogram is a test which uses an X-ray to create detailed images of your breast.

The US FDA reports that the mammography can find 80 – 95 percent of breast cancers in women over 50 years old.

Once a woman reaches 40 years old, she is recommended to have a screening mammography once a year.