When talking about the most common cancer in women, it is undoubtedly “breast cancer” because it is currently considered one of the most serious diseases. Once diagnosed, the chance of complete cure is very low… or may not exist at all! Dr. Anirut Niranat, a surgical oncologist specializing in breast cancer at Phyathai 1 Hospital Breast Clinic, explained the cause of cancer in the human body as follows…
“It is a process caused by abnormal cell division, resulting in the body being unable to control it, and spreading along the lymphatic pathways in the body.”
Although breast cancer can be found in both females and males, it mostly occurs in females… and usually occurs in people aged 50 and above. In males, the incidence rate is very low.
Although breast cancer can be found in both females and males, it mostly occurs in females… and usually occurs in people aged 50 and above. In males, the incidence rate is very low.
- Increasing age
- Having a family history of ovarian or breast cancer increases risk compared to the general population. Related to hormones, such as taking female hormone medication or continuous contraceptive pills
- Long-term use of contraceptive pills
- Early menstruation before age 12 and late menopause after age 55
- Having the first child after age 30 or never having children
- Previous history of ovarian or breast cancer
- Smoking, lack of exercise, being overweight, and alcohol consumption
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
- Usually painless in the early stages
- Palpable lump in the breast or armpit
- Skin of the breast has wrinkles or dimples resembling orange peel
- Inverted nipple or nipple retraction
- Discharge of lymph or blood from the nipple
At which stage of breast cancer is it potentially curable?
It is well known that when diagnosed with cancer, doctors will inform the patient of the “stage” of the cancer. The stage is important as it relates to the severity and the chance of complete cure as follows:
- Stage 0: Cancer is small and has not spread to tissues. Survival rate is 95-100%
- Stage 1: Cancer grows and spreads to lymph nodes in the armpit on the same side as the tumor. Survival rate is 90-100%
- Stage 2: Cancer grows larger than stage 1 and spreads to a few lymph nodes. Survival rate is 85-90%
- Stage 3: Cancer is large, may ulcerate or adhere to chest muscles, and spreads to many lymph nodes. Survival rate is 65-70%
- Stage 4: Final stage, cancer spreads through the bloodstream to other organs. Generally, survival is less than 3 years with a survival rate of 0-20%
Breast cancer treatment approaches
- Surgery
- Partial Mastectomy: The surgeon removes only the tumor as much as possible. However, the tumor must be small and the breast large enough. If the tumor is large, the breast is small, or there are multiple tumors, this method may not be suitable.
- Total Mastectomy: The surgeon removes the entire breast, including the nipple! If cancer has spread to lymph nodes, the lymph nodes in the armpit will also be removed. In some cases, both breasts may be removed if the patient is at high risk of cancer spreading to the remaining breast.
Complications after breast cancer surgery
- Change in breast shape, which can be corrected by breast prosthesis or breast reconstruction surgery in some cases
- Wound infection or bleeding; observe the wound for swelling or redness
- Complete removal of armpit lymph nodes may cause swelling and tightness in the arm and numbness on the inner side of the upper arm
Radiation therapy
This treatment uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells, both in patients who have had only the tumor removed and those who have had the entire breast removed due to large tumors or spread to lymph nodes in the armpit.
Side effects of radiation therapy and care
- Feeling tired during radiation; rest well and eat nutritious food
- Skin in the radiation area is easily irritated and may burn; avoid water, applying cream, soap, sun exposure, and scratching
- Swelling of the arm and shoulder stiffness; arm and shoulder exercises are recommended. When using a pillow to support the arm, keep it elevated to reduce swelling
Chemotherapy treatment
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors to facilitate surgery, or given after surgery to control recurrence, as well as to prolong life and provide palliative care in cases where cancer has spread to other organs.
Side effects after chemotherapy and care
Some patients may have no side effects, but others may experience severe symptoms because chemotherapy not only destroys cancer cells but also affects normal cells. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, and dry throat. Care includes eating soft foods such as porridge, frequent mouth rinsing, drinking plenty of water (8–10 glasses per day), and avoiding crowded or polluted places due to low immunity, which increases the risk of infection.
Hormone therapy
Some types of breast cancer grow faster when exposed to estrogen hormones. Therefore, doctors treat with anti-hormone drugs to reduce estrogen levels.
Care for breast cancer patients
- Maintain strict hygiene as infections can occur easily
- Do not take any medication other than those prescribed by the doctor, or if needed, always consult the doctor
- Get enough rest and avoid overworking
- Quit alcohol, smoking, drugs, and avoid caffeinated beverages
- Maintain strong mental health and avoid stress and depression
- Engage in activities with family to build morale for fighting the disease
- Know how to care for yourself during low white blood cell counts
- Follow doctors’ and nurses’ instructions strictly
- Attend all medical appointments
- Limit intake of very sweet and salty foods as they affect blood sugar levels and kidney function
- Try to eat regularly, even if appetite is low, eat small frequent meals
- Eat nutritious food covering all five food groups
Although breast cancer is a frightening threat, it can be prevented by maintaining good health, avoiding risk factors, and regularly “screening for breast cancer.” You can perform self-examination about one week after menstruation ends or have a mammogram if you are over 40 years old. Early detection before symptoms appear can reduce the mortality rate from breast cancer.
