Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment | Kata Dokter

Summary

In this informative session, Dr. Endang Nuryadi, a radiation oncologist, explains the difference between benign and malignant breast tumors, highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention. He discusses risk factors such as gender, genetics, hormonal influences, and obesity, as well as symptoms of breast cancer like lumps, skin changes, and nipple discharge. Dr. Nuryadi emphasizes the need for regular self-exams and screenings, including mammograms and biopsies, for accurate diagnosis. Treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, are explored, with early detection being key to successful outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 A breast tumor refers to any lump found in the breast, which can either be benign or malignant (cancerous).
• 😀 Benign tumors include conditions like fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma, and benign fibrodes tumors, which are non-cancerous.
• 😀 Malignant tumors are breast cancer, and early detection is key to successful treatment and survival.
• 😀 Risk factors for breast cancer include being female, having a family history of breast cancer, hormonal imbalances, obesity, and early menstruation or late menopause.
• 😀 The main symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, changes in breast skin, nipple retraction, and pain or discharge from the nipple.
• 😀 Early detection of breast cancer can be done through self-examination, clinical breast exams, ultrasound, mammography, and biopsies.
• 😀 Women over the age of 40 are recommended to have a mammogram for breast cancer screening, while younger women may not need one unless they have risk factors.
• 😀 Self-examination should be done monthly, ideally 10 days after menstruation, using a circular motion to check for lumps or changes.
• 😀 A healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and avoiding smoking and heavy drinking, can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
• 😀 Breast cancer treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiotherapy, with treatment plans tailored to the cancer's stage.
• 😀 While breast cancer may not be fully curable, early detection and treatment can lead to remission or long-term control of the disease.

Q & A

What is the main difference between a benign and malignant breast tumor?

The main difference is that benign tumors are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body, while malignant tumors, known as breast cancer, are cancerous and can spread. To differentiate between them, doctors examine the lump's characteristics and perform a biopsy for further analysis.

What are some examples of benign breast tumors?

Some examples of benign breast tumors include fibroadenoma, intraductal papilloma, and benign phyllodes tumors.

What are the primary risk factors for breast cancer?

The primary risk factors for breast cancer include being female, having a family history of breast cancer, prolonged use of hormonal contraceptives, early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), and being overweight or obese.

How common is breast cancer worldwide and in Indonesia?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, accounting for 11.7% of all cancers, and it ranks first in Indonesia as well, making up 16.6% of all cancers.

What are the common symptoms of breast cancer?

Common symptoms include a lump in the breast, redness or rough skin resembling orange peel over the lump, pain in the lump area, inward retraction of the nipple, blood discharge from the nipple, a wound that enlarges and discharges, and swelling in the armpit or neck due to enlarged lymph nodes.

How can breast cancer be detected?

Breast cancer can be detected through regular self-examination, clinical examination by a healthcare provider, ultrasound, mammography (recommended for women over 40), and biopsy to confirm whether the lump is benign or malignant.

What is the recommended age for women to start regular mammography screenings?

Mammography is recommended for women over the age of 40, as breast tissue in younger women tends to be denser, making mammograms less effective.

What lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of breast cancer?

A healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of breast cancer. This includes getting enough rest, exercising regularly, managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

What are the main treatment options for breast cancer?

The main treatment options for breast cancer are surgery (removal of the tumor or entire breast), chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy. The treatment plan depends on the cancer's stage and spread.

Can breast cancer be completely cured?

Breast cancer can be completely cured if the cancer responds well to treatment and no more cancer cells are detected. This is known as total remission. Early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.