In Celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Med Pak interviews Dr. T Nakin, Medical Practitioner in Hammersdale
Q: What is breast cancer?
A: Breast cancer is when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It can start in the milk ducts or lobules and may spread to other parts of the body if malignant.
Q: What home testing can one do before going to the doctor so get tested?
A: There’s no official home test, but you can perform a breast self-examination (BSE) by checking for lumps, shape changes, or nipple discharge. Self-examinations are best done after taking a bath or shower. One must sleep on their back , lift one hand up above their head use the fingers of the opposite hand and palpate any lump / lumps on the breast. This does not replace clinical screening like a mammogram.
Q: At what age can one go for a breast cancer screening?
A: The recommended age for breast cancer screening generally starts from 40 to 74 years. Guidelines vary slightly:
• For average-risk women, mammograms are usually recommended every 1-2 years starting from age 40.
• After age 50, yearly mammograms are often encouraged.
• For those at higher risk (due to family history, genetic mutations, or other factors), screening may start earlier, sometimes even in their 30s, depending on a doctor’s recommendation.
Q: Who is at risk of getting breast cancer?
A: Women at higher risk include those with a family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2), dense breast tissue, or older age. Lifestyle factors like obesity, alcohol or smoking can also contribute.
Q: What are the different stages of breast cancer? What does it mean?
A: Breast cancer stages indicate how much the cancer has grown and spread. The stages range from 0 to 4:
• Stage 0 (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ – DCIS): Abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and have not spread. It’s considered pre-cancer because it hasn’t invaded nearby tissues.
• Stage 1: The cancer is small (usually 2 cm or less) and localized. It hasn’t spread to lymph nodes or has spread to a few lymph nodes netarby.
• Stage 2 & 3: The cancer is larger or has grown into nearby tissues or lymph nodes. It may involve more extensive lymph node involvement, and in some cases, the tumor size exceeds 5 cm. These stages are usually more advanced but still potentially curable.
• Stage 4: The cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs such as the liver, bones, lungs, or brain. This stage is the most advanced and often not curable, but treatment can help manage symptoms and slow the progression.
