Breast cancer: What to know and what to do
According to the World Health organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, impacting over 1.5 million women each year worldwide, and also causes the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women.
In 2015, 570,000 women died from breast cancer – that is approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women. While breast cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are increasing in nearly every region globally.
Early detection is critical in order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival. It is important for women to get screened and know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer in order for the disease to the detected early.
Most breast lumps (90%) aren't cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by your doctor.
So when is it time to consult your doctor? Take note of these signs:
- appearance of a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- blood-stained discharge from either of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple
If you think you have any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to contact us at the St. Luke's Breast Center. Remember: Early detection is critical. For patients who want to undergo screening, St. Luke’s Medical Center offers 3D Mammography with Tomosynthesis, which has an increased detection rate of Breast Cancer compared to 2D Mammography. Call us at 789 7700 ext. 2079/2080 Global City) or 723 0101 ext. 5204/5205/5206 (Quezon City) to schedule your screening.
www.who.int/cancer/prevention/diagnosis-screening/breast-cancer/en/
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Cancer-of-the-breast-female/Pages/Symptoms.aspx