What is it?

All cancers, including breast cancer, are characterized by out of control cell growth. Why this happens is not known. In breast cancer ,the tumor is at first localized in the breast. When it has grown larger, it may metastasize(speard) through the bloodstream and the lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer among Thai women, with cancer of the cervix being the most common.

What are the Symptoms?

There are different warning sign. A lump, which may or may not be painful, develops in the breast. Sometimes the skin over the lump becomes dimpled or creased, a thickening skin, red color or swelling itching of nipple or there may be bloody discharge from nipple, or the nipple may turn inwards and invert.

How to examine your breasts?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. It is important that every woman examines her breasts regularly to detect any signs of possible breast cancer. There are 3 ways:

1. Self-examination. Woman should examine herself 7-10 days after menstrual period of each month. By standing in front of the mirror, and look at each breast to see if there is a difference texture, bending down squeeze your nipples tenderly to see any discharge. Raise both arms and check for any swelling or the dimpling in the skin of your breasts. Lie down position. With a pillow under right shoulder and put your right arm behind your head. Use the pads of your fingers and running your hand over your breast area, gently and circularly from the outside to the center. Squeeze your nipple to see if there is any discharge. Repeat these steps reversing right and left for your left breast. Examine while showering. For women with small size of breast, raise your hand over your head and use other hand to examine and switching side. For women with large size of breast use one hand to examine a breast from below and use the other hand to examine the same breast from the upper part.

2. Doctor's Examination. Your physician will ask your health history, your illness and other risk factors such as the breast cancer in your family, the infertility, your breast feeding history, and some hormonal treatments you may receive and giving you a breast cancer examination.

3. Mammography and Ultrasound Examination. A mammogram, like any other X-ray, is a two-dimensional picture. In recent years We've reduced the amount of radiation significantly which can help a physician to detect the early cancer symptoms before you can find a lump by yourself. It is hardly effect your breast tissue and causes no effect of breast cancer. It only takes 15-20 minutes by taking 2 x-ray pictures from upper and lateral side of each breast. To get a clear picture your breast may have to compress in the flat position and it may cause you uncomfortable only 3-4 second without pain. You should prepare yourself one week after a menstrual period before this examination and try to avoid deodorizer, a body lotion and talcum powder. An ultrasound is another equipment that can also detect the early sign of the breast cancer combining with the Mammogram.

What is the treatment?

Treatments are divided into two categories : local treatment of the breast itself and systemic treatment for the rest of body. Most surgeons did mastectomies. The goal of surgery in the breast is to remove or reduce the cancer . Radiation can handle a few microscopic cancer cell, a hormonal suppressive and an anti-cancer drugs may be used. In some cases an operation alone is to be used or combine methods which is under the physician treatment. You should discuss the alternatives and the associated risks with your physician.

What is the best for women?

Early detection of the breast cancer is the best way which can be done by yourself, a physical examination which may use the mammogram with an ultrasound.