Breast Cancer Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment: What You Should Know

Hearing the words “you might have breast cancer” is one of the most overwhelming moments in a woman’s life. For many, it may start with noticing a small lump, a change in shape, or swelling, or a persistent pain that just feels “different.” The uncertainty, anxiety, and fear that follow can feel paralysing. Breast cancer not only affects the body but affects a woman’s emotional health, family life, daily routines, and way of life.  
 
With tools like Cellmaflex, managing health has become far more convenient. Women no longer need to wait endlessly on phone lines to book medical appointments. Instead, they can easily book an appointment online, access their medical record whenever they want, and search a doctor, pharmacy, lab, or imaging centre in their area in a matter of seconds.  
 
In this blog, we will cover everything you need to know about breast cancer, what is it, types, causes, breast cancer symptoms, complications, diagnosis, treatment, and how Cellmaflex helps promote better access to healthcare services and monitoring for patients.  

What Is Breast Cancer? 

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells begin growing uncontrollably, forming a tumour. These tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours can invade surrounding tissues and may spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if untreated. Recognising breast cancer symptoms early plays a pivotal role in stopping the disease from progressing. 
 
Cellmaflex plays a supportive role here by allowing women to keep a digital record of their medical history, imaging, and test results, making it easier for both patients and doctors to identify changes in breast health over time. 
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, there were an estimated 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 670,000 deaths globally. Early detection saves lives, and while this is true for many women, many still wait to seek medical help until the symptoms of breast cancer have progressed. This often complicates treatment and worsens outcomes for women. 

Caribbean & Trinidad & Tobago Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast cancer types 

1. Non-invasive (in situ) cancers 
 
The most common is ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), where there are abnormal cells in the lining of a breast duct, but it does not spread to the tissue nearby. DCIS is not life-threatening in the immediate sense, but it can lead to an increased risk of invasive breast cancer later. 
 
2. Invasive cancers 
 
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common form of breast cancer. Starting in milk ducts then invading surrounding breast tissue.  
 
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Begins in lobules (glands that produce milk), often grows in a less defined pattern making it more difficult to identify.  
 
3. Other types 
 
There are some rare but aggressive forms of breast cancer, such as inflammatory breast cancer – which causes red and inflamed tissue – and triple-negative breast cancer, which does not respond to hormonal therapies, which usually require chemotherapy. 

Causes & Risks  

Although there are multiple risk factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, the cause is often not clear. 

Age: More common among women aged over 50. 

Genetics: Hereditary mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 greatly increase susceptibility. 

Lifestyle factors: Obesity, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption, and smoking. 

Hormonal influences: Early menstruation, late menopause, and long-term hormone replacement therapy. 
 

Cellmaflex can help women at higher risk by making it easier to schedule regular screenings, track family history, and access imaging or lab test results in one place. 

Breast Cancer Symptoms 

Recognising breast cancer symptoms early is essential. Signs include: 

• A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm. 

• Changes in breast size or shape. 

• Skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or swelling. 

• Nipple discharge (other than breast milk) or inversion. 

• Persistent pain in one part of the breast. 
   

Should you observe any of the breast cancer symptoms it would be judicious to reach out to your healthcare provider promptly. Cellmaflex can help you with this process by allowing you to book your appointment online and find the closest imaging centre for your mammogram or ultrasound. 

Complications 

When breast cancer is untreated, it can cause significant complications, such as: 
 
Bone metastases – leading to fractures, pain, and restricted movement. 
 
(Metastases: are secondary tumors formed by the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to a distant part of the body through the bloodstream or lymph system.) 
 
Metastasis to the liver – jaundice (yellow eyes/skin), or abdominal swelling, and liver failure. Metastasis to the lung – chronic cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. 
 
Brain metastases – causing headaches, seizures, changes in vision, or neurological deficits. 
 
Recognising breast cancer symptoms early and obtaining medical care as soon as possible is important for preventing the above complications. 
 
Diagnosis 
Early diagnosis leads to improved outcomes. Diagnosis of breast cancer include:  
 
Breast self-examination: evaluation of lumps or changes performed by yourself at home.  
Clinical examination: physical evaluation performed by a health care practitioner. Imaging examination: mammography, ultrasound, or MRI to evaluate breast abnormalities. 
 
Biopsy: removing tissue samples to confirm the type and stage of cancer.  
 
Cellmaflex can enhance this journey, too, by securely keeping all of your diagnostic reports in one place so that patients and providers can consult on them when needed, wherever they are, which helps to streamline follow up. 
 
Treatment & Management 
 
The type and stage of breast cancer will shape treatment options:  
 
Surgery: Either a lumpectomy (removing the lump), or mastectomy (removing the breast).  
 
Radiation therapy: A method of targeting and destroying cancer cells in a particular area.  
 
Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill or slow cancer cells.  
 
Hormone therapy: This method is appropriate for hormone-receptor-positive cancers.  

Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy inhibits a specific gene or proteins that helps, grow cancer in the body. 
 
With Cellmaflex patients can coordinate treatment schedules so multiple health care providers have access to their treatment, patients can also monitor their goals and progress!  

When to See a Doctor 

Seek medical attention if you notice any lumps, persistent pain, or changes in your breast. Women with a strong family history or genetic mutations should discuss early screening with their doctor. Using Cellmaflex, you can quickly locate specialists, book consultations, and store test results for long-term monitoring. 

Living with Breast Cancer 

Breast cancer caregiving often extends beyond medical treatment and encompasses a new lifestyle that integrates medical, emotional, and social wellness. While early detection increases survival, ongoing support is critical. Here are essential aspects of living with breast cancer: 

Emotional and Psychological Support 
Adjusting to a diagnosis of breast cancer can produce feelings of fear, anxiety, or depression. Many find that participating in support groups, counselling, or seeing a trained therapist provides a safe space to share their experiences, and reduce the emotional burden.  

Access to Medical Care  
Your medical team may recommend regular follow-ups of ongoing treatment to monitor recovery, identify recurrences early, and manage adverse treatment effects. With Cellmaflex, patients can easily book appointments online; and get an overview of past medical services or remain engaged to the medical team. 

Healthier Lifestyle Choices 
Eating a balanced diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help foster overall health and lead to improved outcomes in the long term.  

Assuring Medications/Treatment 
Many patients may need hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or to take other maintenance medications. Cellmaflex allows patients to track their appointments and prescriptions to help facilitate medication adherence and support enhanced health outcomes by connecting patients with nearby pharmacies. 

Social & Family Support 
Social and family support serves as a motivator and assists patients with feeling less alone. 

Access to Local Labs & Imaging 

After treatment, patients will often be uninformed about the need for regular imaging and lab testing. With Cellmaflex, patients can quickly search for a lab or imaging facility in their local area and avoid unnecessary delays to their care. 

Quality of Life & Self-Care Activity 
Positive relaxation techniques, yoga, mindfulness, and hobbies can help as a method of stress management to improve mental health. 

Regular screenings and awareness can help save lives. Utilise Cellmaflex for better access to healthcare.