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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. |
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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
What if breast cancer could be detected before you noticed any symptoms?
That is one of the key purposes of screening.
Screening looks for breast cancer in people who do not have symptoms. Mammography is the standard screening test for most women and can sometimes identify abnormal breast tissue before a lump can be felt or other symptoms develop.
Screening recommendations are not identical everywhere. They can depend on:
For example, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force currently recommends mammography every two years for women aged 40–74 at average risk.
REMEMBER |
Screening and diagnosis are not the same thing. Screening is generally performed when there are no symptoms. If you already have a concerning breast change, a healthcare professional may recommend diagnostic imaging or other investigations rather than simply relying on routine screening. |
CELLMAFLEX TIP: Need an imaging service? Cellmaflex can help you search for nearby imaging facilities and other healthcare services.
Some people have a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer because of their personal or family history.
Risk factors can include:
FACT CHECK |
Q: If you have no known risk factors, can you skip screening? |
A: No. Having no obvious risk factors does not mean there is no possibility of developing breast cancer. WHO notes that approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women without specific risk factors other than sex and age. |
That is why awareness and appropriate screening matter for everyone.
Can every case of breast cancer be prevented?
Unfortunately, no.
There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. However, some actions may help reduce risk. These include:
✓ Staying physically active
✓ Maintaining a healthy weight
✓ Limiting or avoiding alcohol
✓ Avoiding tobacco
✓ Following recommended screening guidance
✓ Being aware of changes in your breasts
✓ Discussing personal and family risk with a healthcare professional
Physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are among the measures associated with lower breast cancer risk, while reducing or eliminating alcohol consumption can also help lower risk.
The goal is not to create fear or suggest that lifestyle choices can guarantee protection. Instead, it is about making informed choices while staying aware of factors that cannot be changed.
Suppose you notice a new lump. What happens next?
A healthcare professional may begin with a clinical consultation and ask about your medical and family history.
Depending on what they find, further investigations may include:
IMPORTANT FACT |
A biopsy is the only definitive way to diagnose breast cancer. |
Laboratory and biomarker testing can then help determine characteristics of the cancer, which can influence treatment decisions.
CELLMAFLEX TIP: If an imaging appointment or laboratory test is required, Cellmaflex can help patients locate nearby imaging and laboratory services and manage appointments.
There is no single treatment plan for every person.
Treatment depends on factors such as the type and stage of breast cancer, tumour characteristics, overall health and individual circumstances. Many people receive more than one form of treatment.
Treatment may include:
Surgery – Surgery may remove the cancer while preserving as much breast tissue as possible, or may involve removal of the entire breast depending on the circumstances.
Radiation therapy – Radiation uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells or prevent them from growing.
Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy uses medicines that travel through the body to destroy or control cancer cells.
Hormone therapy – Some breast cancers depend on hormones such as oestrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy may be used when the cancer has hormone receptors.
Targeted therapy – Targeted medicines act on particular proteins or biological features involved in cancer growth.
Immunotherapy – Immunotherapy may be used for certain breast cancers, including some triple-negative breast cancers.
Treatment decisions are made by the healthcare team based on the individual’s diagnosis and circumstances.
Here is a question worth asking: why should you act on a breast change if you are not sure it is cancer?
Because you cannot determine the cause simply by looking at or feeling the change.
Early breast cancer may not produce obvious symptoms, which is why screening can be important. When breast cancer is detected earlier, there may be more treatment options available, and treatment may be easier to manage in some cases.
But early detection does not mean every case will have the same outcome.
Breast cancer is a group of different diseases, and outcomes depend on factors such as cancer type, stage, tumour characteristics and access to timely treatment.
The practical message is simple: do not wait for an unusual breast change to become painful, larger or impossible to ignore. If something is new or persistent, seek professional advice.
CELLMAFLEX TIP: Cellmaflex can support that first step by helping you find a healthcare professional and book an appointment online.
You do not need to diagnose yourself. Instead, seek medical advice if you notice:
These breast cancer symptoms can also occur because of conditions that are not cancer. The important point is to have an unusual or persistent change assessed rather than trying to determine the cause yourself.
And remember: you do not have to wait until something feels serious before asking for advice.
If you are concerned about your risk, screening schedule or a breast change, speak with a healthcare professional. However, it is recommended for women over 30 to have 6 monthly routine check up.
Awareness is the first step. Knowing where to go next is the second.
If you notice a change in your breasts or have questions about your breast health, speak with a healthcare professional.
With Cellmaflex, you can:
✓ Find healthcare professionals nearby
✓ Search for pharmacies, laboratories and imaging services
✓ Book appointments online without phone calls
✓ Access your medical records anytime and anywhere
Whether you need a consultation, laboratory service or imaging appointment, Cellmaflex helps put healthcare access within reach.
Notice a change? Do not ignore it.
Find care. Book online. Stay informed – with Cellmaflex.
If you notice a new lump, breast swelling, skin or nipple changes, unusual discharge, or another persistent change, speak with a healthcare professional. You can use Cellmaflex to find a healthcare professional nearby and book an appointment online without making a phone call.
Yes. Cellmaflex can help you find nearby healthcare professionals, imaging facilities and laboratories. This can make it easier to arrange consultations, mammograms or other investigations recommended by your healthcare professional.
Cellmaflex helps you find healthcare professionals, pharmacies, laboratories and imaging services nearby, book appointments online, and access your medical records anytime and anywhere. This can help you stay connected with your healthcare information and follow up on recommended care.
