Breast Cancer: Know the Signs, Risks and Screening Options
Table of Contents Help Others Discover – Click to Share! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Table of Contents What is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast begin growing and dividing uncontrollably, eventually forming a tumour. These cells can develop in different parts of the breast, including the milk ducts and milk-producing lobules. Some breast cancers remain within their original location, while invasive cancers can spread into surrounding tissue, lymph nodes or other parts of the body. There is not just one type of breast cancer. Different types are classified according to where they begin and the characteristics of the cancer cells. Ductal and lobular cancers are among the better-known types, while less common forms include inflammatory breast cancer and Paget disease of the breast. And here is something important: FACT CHECK Q: Can breast cancer affect men too? A: Yes. Although breast cancer is much more common in women, men can develop it too. WHO estimates that approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. How Common is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer is a major global health concern. The global picture According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated: Measure 2024 Figure Women diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide 2.4m Women who died from the disease 694,000 Women living with breast cancer (end of 2024) 8.2m Countries where it was the most common female cancer 164 of 186 The International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates recorded 2,296,840 new breast cancer cases and 666,103 deaths worldwide in that year. What about the Caribbean? The Caribbean faces a significant cancer burden too. CARPHA reported that in 2020, breast cancer accounted for 27.4% of all cancers diagnosed among Caribbean females, while an estimated 5,874 Caribbean women died from breast cancer that year. Country-level data also shows the burden. GLOBOCAN 2022 estimated: Country Cases Share of Female Cancers Trinidad and Tobago 570 29.1% Jamaica 1,327 35.0% The figures are a reminder that breast cancer is not simply a global statistic. It affects families and communities across the Caribbean. Why does this matter? Because access to awareness, screening, diagnosis and treatment all influence what happens after a breast change is noticed. Having convenient access to healthcare services can make it easier to move from concern to consultation. CELLMAFLEX TIP: With Cellmaflex, people can search for healthcare professionals and other services nearby, including laboratories and imaging facilities, and book appointments online. What Causes Breast Cancer? There is no single cause behind every breast cancer. Breast cancer develops when changes occur in breast cells that affect how they grow and divide. Over time, some of these changes can produce abnormal cells which may multiply uncontrollably. But does having one risk factor mean you will develop breast cancer? FACT CHECK A risk factor increases the likelihood of developing a disease; it does not guarantee that the disease will occur. Some people develop breast cancer without an obvious risk factor, while others may have several risk factors and never develop it. Factors associated with an increased risk can include: Age, with risk generally increasing as people get older A family history of breast cancer Certain inherited genetic changes, including changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 Previous breast cancer or certain breast conditions Previous radiation exposure to the chest, particularly at a young age Certain reproductive and hormonal factors Physical inactivity Excess body weight, particularly after menopause Certain forms of hormone therapy These factors do not mean cancer is inevitable. They simply help healthcare professionals understand an individual’s risk and determine whether additional monitoring or screening may be appropriate. CELLMAFLEX TIP: If you are concerned about your personal or family history, you can use Cellmaflex to find a healthcare professional and arrange an appointment to discuss your risk. Breast Cancer Symptoms: What Changes Should You Check? Here is where awareness becomes practical. Would you recognise a breast change that needs medical attention? Possible breast cancer symptoms and warning signs can include: A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit A change in breast size or shape Dimpling or puckering of the skin Changes in the nipple, including pulling inward or a change in appearance Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, particularly if it contains blood Persistent pain or swelling Redness, darkening or other changes in the appearance of the breast Swelling of part or all of the breast, even when there is no obvious lump FACT CHECK Q: Does a breast lump automatically mean cancer? A: No. Many breast changes are caused by conditions that are not cancer. However, that does not mean an unusual change should be ignored. A new, unusual or persistent change should be assessed by a healthcare professional so that the cause can be properly investigated. CELLMAFLEX TIP: If you notice something concerning, Cellmaflex can help you locate a nearby healthcare professional and book an appointment online. 5. Know Your Breasts You do not need to become an expert in breast anatomy. The important thing is to become familiar with what is normal for you. Breasts naturally vary in shape, size and texture. They can also change over time because of factors such as menstrual cycles, pregnancy, breastfeeding, age, weight changes and medications. So, rather than looking for one specific “warning sign”, pay attention to changes that are unusual for you. FACT CHECK Q: Is a breast self-examination enough to rule out cancer? A: No. Being familiar with your breasts can help you notice changes, but self-examination is not a substitute for recommended screening or professional assessment. Early breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms at all. If something feels different, do not wait for it to disappear simply because it is not painful. Notice it. Take it seriously. Speak with a healthcare professional. CELLMAFLEX TIP: When you are ready to arrange that consultation, Cellmaflex can help you find care and book online. Breast Cancer Screening What if breast cancer could be detected before you noticed any symptoms?