Facing Breast Cancer: From Detection to Recovery

Breast cancer is not just a medical condition, it’s a journey that affects the body, mind, and family.

As the most common Cancer among women worldwide, Breast Cancer impacts millions every year. Yet, survival rates continue to rise thanks to earlier detection, advanced therapies, and holistic support systems. Understanding the risks, recognising the signs, and seeking expert Oncologist care are crucial first steps in turning uncertainty into strength.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast Cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a malignant tumour. It may begin in:

• Ducts (Ductal Carcinoma) – the most common type, starting in the tubes that carry milk.
• Lobules (Lobular Carcinoma) – originating in the glands that produce milk.
• Other less common areas of breast tissue.

The disease can progress from a localised tumour in its early stages to advanced stages, where cancer spreads to lymph nodes and potentially to other organs like the lungs, liver, or bones. This progression makes early detection critical, as survival rates are significantly higher when Breast Cancer is diagnosed at an earlier stage.

Risk Factors and Prevention

While no one can predict who will develop Breast Cancer, certain risk factors increase susceptibility:

• Non-modifiable factors:
• Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly raise risk.
• Family history of breast or Ovarian Cancer.
• Increasing age, with most cases diagnosed in women over 50.
• Reproductive history, such as early menstruation, late menopause, or never having given birth.

• Lifestyle factors:
• Obesity, particularly after menopause, increases estrogen levels.
• Sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity.
• High alcohol consumption and smoking.
• Diets high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables.

Prevention strategies:

Adopting healthier lifestyle habits can lower overall risk. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco or excessive alcohol make a measurable difference. For women with a strong family history or known genetic mutations, genetic counselling and regular screenings are strongly advised.

Recognising the Signs

Breast Cancer often begins silently, which makes awareness vital. Common warning signs include:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm.
• Changes to the skin on the breast, dimpling, redness, or a “peau d’orange” (orange peel) texture.
• Nipple changes such as inversion, discharge (especially bloody), or pain.
• Persistent, unexplained breast pain.

Doctors emphasise the importance of breast self-awareness. This doesn’t only mean structured self-exams but also being mindful of any unusual changes. Combining this with regular clinical screenings and mammograms gives the best chance of catching Cancer early.

How Breast Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis usually begins with imaging tests:

• Mammogram: the standard screening tool to detect abnormalities before symptoms arise.
• Ultrasound: helps differentiate between solid tumours and fluid-filled cysts.
• MRI scans: used for more detailed imaging in high-risk cases.

A biopsy is essential to confirm diagnosis, where a tissue sample is examined to identify Cancer cells and their characteristics. Once confirmed, Oncologists determine the stage of Cancer based on tumour size, lymph node involvement, and spread to other parts of the body. Accurate staging is critical in guiding treatment decisions and predicting outcomes.

Treatment Approaches in Oncology

Breast Cancer treatment has advanced significantly, offering more personalised options:

• Surgery:
• Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy): removes only the tumour and surrounding tissue.
• Mastectomy: removal of the entire breast.
• Axillary Nodes Dissection: removal of lymph nodes in the underarm.
• Radiotherapy: Often follows surgery, targeting any remaining Cancer cells in the breast or chest wall.
• Chemotherapy: Uses powerful drugs to destroy Cancer cells throughout the body, either before surgery (to shrink tumours) or after to reduce recurrence risk.
• Hormone Therapy: Effective for hormone-receptor-positive Cancers, blocking or lowering estrogen and progesterone that fuel Cancer growth.
• Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy: Innovative approaches that specifically target Cancer cell mechanisms or boost the immune system’s ability to fight the disease.

Treatment plans are tailored by Oncologists to each individual’s Cancer type, stage, and personal health, ensuring that care is as effective and minimally disruptive as possible.

Life During and After Treatment

The journey doesn’t end with diagnosis or even with the last Chemotherapy cycle. Breast Cancer affects many aspects of daily living:

• Managing side effects: Fatigue, hair loss, nausea, early menopause, and Lymphedema are common challenges, but modern Oncology has developed effective strategies and medications to help manage them.
• Emotional well-being: A diagnosis can trigger anxiety, depression, or fear. Access to counselling, support groups, and encouragement from family and friends makes a significant difference.
• Survivorship: After active treatment, patients require regular follow-up scans and blood tests to monitor for recurrence. Many survivors also focus on rebuilding confidence, strength, and a healthy lifestyle.

Survivorship care often includes nutritional advice, Physiotherapy, and Psychosocial support, highlighting that recovery is as much about emotional healing as it is about physical health.

When to See an Oncologist

Seek professional help if you:

• Notice a lump, skin or nipple changes, or unexplained breast pain.
• Have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer and are concerned about genetic risk.
• Are due for routine screening, particularly if you are over 40 or fall into a high-risk category.

Timely consultation ensures that any abnormal findings are evaluated and acted upon quickly.

Turning Fear Into Strength

A Breast Cancer diagnosis may change life, but it does not define it. Advances in Oncology now mean earlier detection, better-targeted therapies, and improved survival rates. With the right medical care and a strong support system, many women not only survive Breast Cancer but thrive after it, often emerging more resilient than before.

If you have concerns or need guidance, consult our Breast Surgeon or Oncologist at Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur. We are committed to walking with you, from detection to treatment, and through to recovery: https://gleneagles.com.my/kuala-lumpur/medical-specialties/oncology