Breast Self Examination (Breast Cancer)

What should I know about breast cancer?

 It is the most common cancer diagnosed in women.

 It is the major cause of death from cancers among women.

 It is the leading cause of a premature deaths (i.e. early death).

 9 % of all cancers worldwide.

 6 – 8 % of all cancer deaths.

Is breast cancer common in Malaysia?

Yes.

In Malaysia, it is estimated that about 27 women in every 100,000 population have this cancer as
compared to 18 women in every 100,000 population having cancer of the cervix (2nd most common
cancer among females). In a year, it is estimated that 2,700 to 3,000 new cases diagnosed as breast
cancer

Are there any warning signs?

Yes, if you experience the following conditions, please seek advice from your doctor or the nearest clinic:

 Painless lump

o in the breast or armpit

 Persistent rash

o around the nipple

 Bleeding or unusual discharge from the nipple

 Changes in the skin

o swollen and thickened

o dimpled

o puckering of skin over the break

 Nipple retracted or pulled into the breast

How do I look for these changes?

Most breast lumps are found by the women themselves.

 Examine your breast regularly by Breast Self Examination (BSE).

 Through regular practice, you will be able to detect even a very small lump.
What is Breast Self Examination (BSE)?

BSE is examining your own breast following certain steps.

It involves 5 steps:

Step 1 – Look for any changes in the breast while

standing in front of a mirror

Step 2 – Feel for changes while lying down

Step 3 – Look for bleeding or discharge from nipples

 Step 4 – Feel for any lumps under the armpit

Step 5 – Repeat the same steps for the other breast

How often should I do BSE?

 BSE should be done once a month (for those who are still menstruating). The best time is a week after
the start of each period (day 7 – 10)

 For those who no longer have periods; remember a date and do it monthly (e.g. day 1 or last day of the
month).
What should I do if I find something unusual?

If you find any signs described earlier, see your regular health care provider or doctor.

But don’t be afraid; most breast lumps are NOT cancerous.

E.g. Fibroadenoma.

Fibroadenoma :

Also known as breast mouse. It usually occurs in one breast in women in the younger age group. It is
painless and very mobile. (This is why it is also known as mouse).
 What are the tests available to confirm the presence of breast cancer?
The following are tests performed if cancer is suspected :
 Blood tests

 Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)

 Core needle biopsy

 Ultrasound

 Mammography
What is FNAC?

A test that involves taking samples from suspicious lump using a syringe and a fine needle under sterile
technique.

The samples taken will be sent to a laboratory for evaluation by a specialist.

What is Mammogram?

Mammogram is one of the tests used to detect changes in the breast tissues using specially designed
low-dose x-ray machine.

It is performed by compressing the breast between two plates. It may be uncomfortable / painful for a few
minutes. It can measure the size and spread of cancer in the breast and can detect cancer in the other
breast if present.
What is Core Needle Biopsy?

A test that involves taking samples of breast lump tissue using a larger size needle. The sample is then
sent to a laboratory for evaluation.

Do I still need to see a doctor if I don’t find anything?

Yes, we encourage those aged 30 years and above to get a Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) done by
regular health care providers on a yearly basis.

What is Clinical Breast Examination (CBE)?

This is an examination done by trained health care providers or doctors to check your breasts

What are the treatment available?

The treatment options depend on types and staging of the cancer.

Before commencing on any treatment, you need to undergo a counseling session once you are
diagnosed as having breast cancer.

Studies have shown that if counseling, support and information about the disease and treatment were
given, it will increase emotional well-being and assist physical and emotional recovery.
 Following are options for treatment :

 Surgery

o Breast conservation surgery

o Mastectomy (removal of the breast)

o Breast reconstruction

 Radiotherapy

 Chemotherapy

 Hormone therapy
What can I do to reduce the risk for breast cancer?

 Start doing BSE today.

 Do BSE regularly.

 Eat less fatty food especially animal fat.

 Take adequate amounts of vegetables, fruits and whole grains with fiber in diets.

 Do adequate exercise.

 Maintain ideal body weight.

 If any of your close family members had breast cancer, do mammogram early.
Who is likely to get breast cancer?

Breast cancer is more common in women. However, about 5% occur among men.
Following are women who are at higher risk of getting breast cancer :
 after age of 25 and most often between ages 45 and 55;

 have already had cancer in one breast;

 have a close relative, mother or sister, who has had breast cancer;

 never been pregnant or only had their first child after the age of 30;

 started having their menstrual periods at a young age or have a late menopause;

 have certain type of breast disease (e.g. proliferative breast disease);

 specific genetic susceptibility (such as carrier of BRCA1, BRCA2, BRCA3);

 are obese (BMI 27.5 and above);

 diet high in fat / cholesterol.

Where can I get support or help?
 Don’t be sad. You are not alone. There are many active individuals or groups that are willing to help you.
You can try any of the following :

 MAKNA

 AWAM

 WAO

 Hospice
What should I do if I have a family history of breast cancer?

Don’t be upset. If you are already practicing Breast Self Examination (BSE), continue to do so regularly.
Practice healthy living, eat healthy diet and exercise regularly.
If your mother or sister had breast cancer, you can request for a mammogram. However, the accuracy of
the result is best when you are 40 years and above
Can I seek complementary and alternative medicine for my breast cancer?

 Complementary and alternative medicine therapies are widely used by breast cancer patients in many
parts of the world.

 Studies showed that nearly one-third of cancer patients used these therapies.

 Complementary therapies can be helpful in reducing the symptoms and enhancing quality of life.

 However, alternative medicine, can create direct interference to our body system or indirect harm,
resulting in serious problems.
Here are examples of commonly practiced complementary therapies :

 Massage

 Relaxation methods
What is genetic testing in breast cancer?

Genetic testing is a blood test to determine if you have breast cancer gene.

Before undergoing such test, you will need to :

 attend intensive genetic counseling session;

 sign a consent form before participating in any genetic tests;

 outline your family pedigree.

 Majority of breast cancer cases are not associated with a breast cancer gene. In addition, scientists do
not know all of the genes that can cause this disease, so doctors can only test you for the known genes.
Presently, there are two genes found to have association with the development of breast cancer :
 BRCA1

 BRCA2

For many people, knowing their test results is important because this information may help to guide future
health care decision for themselves and their families.
In Malaysia, this test is available only in certain institutes and universities

References
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Trx_x5g__v0
http://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/breast-self-examination-breast-cancer/
https://www.breastcancer.org.my/about-breast-cancer/being-breast-aware/how-to-do-
bse-look-and-feel-technique/