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Summary
Breast Cancer Awareness is observed every October to celebrate awareness, regular self-examinations, and early detection. Some risk factors for breast cancer include age, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, radiation exposure and reproductive history. Common symptoms to watch for include lumps or thickening in the breast, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, altered nipple appearance, and abnormal or bloody nipple discharge.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed globally every October, focuses on body awareness, regular self-examinations, and proactive steps toward early detection, emphasising how timely action can save lives. The initiative began in the United States in October 1985 as a week-long campaign, founded by the American Cancer Society in partnership with Imperial Chemical Industries Pharmaceuticals. It was later expanded into a month-long observance to raise global awareness, encourage early detection, and support research into breast cancer.
The theme for this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” emphasises the diverse and personal experiences of those affected by breast cancer. It promotes compassionate and equitable care for all, while encouraging people to share their personal reasons for confronting the disease and raising awareness.
This article explores what breast cancer is, along with its causes and common symptoms. It also explains treatment options, helping you understand, detect, and manage the disease effectively.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells multiply uncontrollably, forming tumours that may spread if untreated. While it primarily affects women, accounting for approximately 99% of cases, it can also occur in men.
Globally, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, with 670,000 deaths reported. Rates vary according to human development: in countries with a very high Human Development Index (HDI) like Switzerland, Germany, and Canada, 1 in 12 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, compared to 1 in 27 women in low-HDI countries such as Sierra Leone and Mozambique.
In Nigeria, approximately 124,815 new cancer cases and 78,899 cancer-related deaths were recorded in 2020, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers leading the statistics.
A study in Nigeria explored the experiences of 30 female cancer survivors, 29 with breast cancer and one with skin cancer, aged 29 to 55. Recruited through a psycho-social support organisation, the participants shared insights showing that cancer can carry stigma, women process their diagnosis in different ways, and identifying as a cancer survivor can be empowering.
Impact on Women’s Lives
Breast cancer affects more than just physical health, as responses to diagnosis vary widely and influence coping strategies and treatment decisions. Many women perceive breast cancer as a threat not only to life but also to their sense of womanhood, making the journey through diagnosis and treatment emotionally and psychologically complex.
Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer risk can increase due to factors such as age, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use, radiation exposure, reproductive history, and postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Genetics also play a role. Mutations in high-risk genes, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and PALB2, can significantly increase the risk, although most women diagnosed have no known family history. Risk-reduction strategies for high-risk individuals may include preventive surgery or chemoprevention.
Symptoms and early detection
Many people show no symptoms in the early stages, underscoring the importance of regular screenings. Breast cancer can manifest through a range of symptoms, particularly in its more advanced stages. Possible signs include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast
- Changes in size, shape, or appearance
- Dimpling, redness, or skin changes
- Altered nipple or areola appearance
- Abnormal or bloody nipple discharge
Cancer may spread first to lymph nodes under the arm, sometimes without being detectable by touch. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options
Breast cancer treatment depends on the size and type of cancer, its location, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and overall health or well-being. When it comes to treating breast cancer in women, surgery often takes centre stage.
Other effective treatments are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and advanced options like targeted medicines and immunotherapy. Each treatment plays a crucial role in the journey toward recovery, offering hope and tailored solutions for every woman. A breast cancer diagnosis can be frightening, challenging a woman’s sense of self. Yet, awareness, early detection, and access to care provide hope.Â
