Breast cancer ranks first in terms of the number of cancers in Indonesia and is one of the first contributors to cancer deaths.
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that grows inside the breast tissue. It can start to grow in the mammary glands, milk ducts, fatty tissue or connective tissue of the breast.
Globocan data in 2020, the number of new cases of breast cancer reached 68,858 cases (16.6%) of the total 396,914 new cases of cancer in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the number of deaths reached more than 22 thousand cases.
There are three types of breast cancer, namely:
1. Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Abnormal cells are in the milk ducts and have not spread to other breast tissues (non-invasive)
2. Invasive breast cancer. Occurs when abnormal cells in the milk ducts break out into nearby breast tissue
3. Metastatic breast cancer. Also called stage IV breast cancer, this is when abnormal cells in the breast have spread to other organs, often the bones, lungs, liver, or brain.
The following are some of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, among others:
1. Breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
2. Changes in breast size, shape or appearance
3. Changes in the skin over the breasts, such as dimpling
4. Change in the shape of the breast nipple
5. Peeling and hardening of the skin or area around the nipple (areola) or breast skin
6. Redness or pitting of the skin on the breast like orange peel
Until now, the exact cause of breast cancer has not been known. However, there are several risk factors that can increase the occurrence of breast cancer, including:
1. Smoking and exposure to cigarette smoke (second-hand smoke)
2. Poor diet (high in fat and low in fiber, containing preservatives/colors)
3. First menstruation at less than 12 years old
4. Menopause (cessation of menstruation) after 50 years of age
5. Gave birth to first child after 35 years of age
6. Never breastfed child
7. Have had surgery on the breast caused by benign or malignant tumor abnormalities
8. A family member has breast cancer.
Just like measures for other types of cancer, there are several ways of treating breast cancer, including:
1. Radiotherapy
2. Chemotherapy
3. Hormone therapy
4. Targeted therapy
5. Operation
Generally, changes in the breasts will be detected when performing routine breast examinations, either breast self-examination (SADARI), or clinical breast examination (SADANIS).
Here are the steps quoted from the Indonesian Cancer Foundation that Friends of Persada can follow when performing SADARI 7-10 days after menstruation:
1. Standing upright, look for changes in the shape and surface of the breast skin, swelling or changes in the nipple. If the shape of the right and left breasts are not symmetrical, do not worry as it is normal.
2. Raise both arms up, bend the elbows and position the hands behind the head. Push the elbows forward and look at the breasts, and push the elbows back and look at the shape and size of the breasts.
3. Position both hands on the waist, lean the shoulders forward so that the breasts hang down, and push both elbows forward, then tighten (contract) the chest muscles.
4. Raise the left arm up and bend the elbow so that the left hand holds the upper back. Using the fingertips of the right hand, palpate and press the breast area, and examine the entire left breast up to the armpit area. Make up-down movements, circular movements and straight movements from the edge of the breast to the nipple, and vice versa. Repeat the same movements on the right breast.
5. Pinch both nipples and see if there is any discharge from the nipples. Consult a doctor if this happens.
6. In the sleeping position, place a pillow under the right shoulder. Raise your arm upwards. Look at the right breast and perform the three movement patterns as before. Using your fingertips, apply pressure all the way up to the armpit.
Breast cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages due to its small size. Patients only feel symptoms when the lump is palpable because it is already quite large.
However, keep in mind that not all breast lumps indicate cancer. Therefore, it is important to have an examination to confirm whether the lump is cancerous or not.
You don't need to worry, because you can also have your breast condition checked early at Persada Hospital. Remember, the sooner breast cancer is detected, the process of healing and proper treatment can be carried out immediately.
For more information, please call the Persada Hospital hotline at 0811-3058-8585.
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