Based on data from Globocan in 2020, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer with 16.6% of the total 396,914 new cases of cancer in Indonesia. Breast cancer itself is a type of cancer that forms in breast tissue, where bad cells in the breast grow out of control and take over healthy tissue in and around it.
Breast cancer can occur in several locations, such as in the glands that produce milk/lobules, the ducts that carry milk from the glands to the nipples/ducts, or in the fatty or connective tissue in the breast.
What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
The main symptom that is most characteristic of breast cancer is the appearance of a lump with a solid and hard texture in the breast that is not accompanied by pain. Because it does not cause pain and tends to be small in size, it is usually difficult for some women to detect the presence of these lumps. Apart from a lump, there are also several symptoms of breast cancer, including:
- Changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
- Change in the shape of the nipple
- Nipples discharge colored or bloody
- The nipples are red and sore and don't heal
- Nipples turned in or pulled
- Swelling around the armpit due to enlarged lymph nodes in the area
- There are abnormalities in the skin of the breast (such as orange peel or redness), or concavity such as dimples because they are attracted by a lump
- There is a foul-smelling wound accompanied by necrotic tissue and bleeds easily
How to Treat Breast Cancer?
There are several ways that can be done to treat breast cancer depending on the patient's condition and the type of breast cancer experienced:
- Breast-Conserving Surgery / radical mastectomy with reconstruction, accompanied by adjuvant therapy, such as hormonal therapy, chemotherapy/radiation to targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- MIB (Minimally Invasive Breast Treatment / Therapy) is one of the newest procedures for removing tumors/breast cancer by removing tumors with a vacuum device and can be done quickly, without stitches, and with a shorter hospital stay.
How to Prevent Breast Cancer
Although breast cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancer in women, the risk of breast cancer can be avoided in several ways, including:
- Maintain ideal body weight
Obese women after menopause have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. - Eat healthy food
A healthy diet that prioritizes a high intake of fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. - Exercise regularly
The risk of breast cancer can decrease if a person is physically active, and can increase if the physical condition is not trained anymore. - Do not smoke
A former smoker has a higher risk of developing breast cancer, while an active smoker has a higher risk of developing breast cancer. - Limiting alcoholic beverages
A glass of alcoholic drink per day can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. - Breastfeed your baby regularly
Breastfeeding can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. - Limit hormone therapy
Hormone therapy is a long-term therapy that uses estrogen and progesterone hormone replacement, this is a thing that increases the risk of breast cancer, - Avoid radiation exposure
Women with a history of radiation therapy to the chest area before the age of 30 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
This is an explanation, of symptoms, how to treat, and how to prevent breast cancer. If you or a close relative experiences similar symptoms, immediately consult a doctor at a trusted hospital so they can be examined and given appropriate action.
The article was written by Dr. dr. Denni Joko Purwanto, Sp.B(K)Onk, MM (Surgery Specialist Consultant Oncologist at EMC Alam Sutera Hospital).