What is breast cancer?

Cancer is the name given to a class of diseases characterised by abnormal cells. These cells are abnormal because they grow uncontrollably. In the process, a lump invariably forms in the part of the body affected. The term ‘tumour’ is given to such growths. Not all tumours are cancers. Non-cancerous tumours grow within limits and when removed, do not return. The cancerous tumours have no such limitations; when removed, they will regrow. The cancer cells destroy the healthy tissues that surround them and may thus eat their way into surrounding muscles or break through the skin.

The greatest danger about cancer, however, is its ability to spread to other parts of the body, usually through the blood. Cancerous cells thus land in areas such as the lungs, liver, bones and brain where they continue to grow and cause destruction of vital organs. It is the spread to remote organs that ultimately leads to death from cancer.

Prevalence

Cancer can affect almost every part of the body. Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. Over time, the breast cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the armpit.

These cancer cells can also spread (metastasize) to other areas of the body. The best chance of cure for breast cancer is ,therefore, to remove the cancer before it has time to spread beyond its immediate confines.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death among women globally. Only one to two per cent of breast cancers are found in men. Although breast cancer is thought to be a disease of the developed world, almost 50 per cent of breast cancer cases and 58 per cent of deaths occur in less developed countries.

For Ghana, the WHO global report on cancers estimated that there were over 2000 new cases of breast cancer in Ghana in 2012. More than 1000 women were estimated to have died from the disease. National data show that it is the most common cancer that affects women in Ghana and the most common cause of cancer death. Most of the patients affected are relatively young. Whereas in the western world most women with breast cancer are in their late 50s and 60s, most Ghanaian women with breast cancer are between 40 and 49 years. The number of women getting breast cancer in Ghana has also increased over the past few decades and is predicted to continue to rise.

Prevention

With the upsurge of breast cancer cases in Ghana, many have been asking how they can prevent the disease or detect it early. This can be done through screening. Unfortunately, prevention cannot be guaranteed. Early detection is ,therefore, the key to improving survival of the disease.

It is essential that women should report any change they notice in their breast to the doctor. Most changes in the breast thankfully are not breast cancer. However, even the most subtle of changes could be cancer and unless properly investigated by a doctor, the diagnosis may be made when it is too late for cure. It is important to understand that breast cancer more often than not is not painful but a persistent pain at the same location needs to be investigated.

Changes to look out for include a lump in the breast or armpit, change in the skin texture, unexplained change in the size or shape of the breast, dimpling on the breast, change in the direction of the nipple, a rash or sore on the breast and clear or bloody fluid from the nipple.

Regrettably, the situation in Ghana is that 60 to 70 per cent of our women report to hospital when the disease is too advanced for effective treatment. Many delay treatment, trying out unproven therapies such as food and other supplements, herbs and spiritual consultations. Misconceptions about the cause and treatment of the disease and fear of losing the breast is often responsible for failure to access treatment early. Most of the women eventually report to the hospital when it is too late to treat them. This is unfortunate, as records from the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital clearly show that almost all patients who have presented there with early (Stage 0 and Stage1) breast cancer and have availed themselves for treatment have been healed of breast cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We must all resolve to overcome this cancer by reporting the warning symptoms to hospital, giving support and encouragement to those affected and doing away with the myths and misconceptions that contribute to late detection and treatment. Thankfullym, there is an increasing army of survivors to show that there is hope for all who develop breast cancer. Early detection and availing one’s self for effective treatment save lives.

This article is by the Breast Surgical Unit
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.