What Every Woman Should Know About Screening and Prevention During Pink October

As Pink October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is crucial for every woman to stay informed about breast cancer, screening practices, and prevention strategies. Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women globally, with 2.3 million women diagnosed and 670,000 deaths recorded in 2022 alone. While these statistics are alarming, the good news is that early detection can significantly improve survival rates. By knowing the risks, recognising the signs, and following recommended screening procedures, women can take proactive steps to protect their health.

Pink October isn't just about awareness—it's about empowerment. Every woman has the opportunity to take control of her breast health, whether it's through lifestyle adjustments or understanding screening processes. Among these, mammograms are considered the gold standard for early detection, and self-exams can also play a huge role. Knowing what to expect during these procedures helps reduce anxiety and encourages women to prioritise their health.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. These abnormal cells originate in the milk ducts or lobules of the breast, and in its earliest stages , the cancer is non-invasive and not life-threatening. However, once these cells spread into surrounding breast tissue , they can form tumours that may cause lumps or thickening. In more advanced cases, breast cancer cells can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, brain, or bones.

The symptoms of breast cancer include lumps, changes in breast size or appearance, redness, nipple discharge, or changes in nipple appearance. Most symptoms do not appear in the early stages, making early detection essential.

Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. Screenings, particularly mammograms, can detect cancer at an early stage, often before symptoms appear. Mammography remains the most reliable method for detecting breast cancer in its early stages, with the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasising its role in saving lives.

Who is at Risk?

While breast cancer can affect anyone, the most significant risk factors include being female and ageing. Approximately 99% of breast cancers occur in women, and the risk increases with age, especially after 40. Other risk factors include:

Family history of breast cancer
Harmful use of alcohol
Obesity
Tobacco use
Exposure to radiation
Reproductive history, such as age at first pregnancy or menstruation onset

Importantly, nearly half of all breast cancers develop in women with no identifiable risk factors other than gender and age. Therefore, every woman must remain vigilant.

3 Screening Recommendations

1. Mammograms:

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer, often before symptoms arise. During a mammogram, a radiologic technologist will place one of your breasts on a flat plate and position another plate on top. The plates press your breast tissue to spread it out, which allows for clearer images of the breast tissue. You may feel some pressure or discomfort, but the process is brief, typically lasting around 10 to 15 minutes.

The X-ray images captured during the procedure will be examined by a radiologist, who will look for any abnormalities, such as small lumps or masses. If the mammogram reveals suspicious areas, additional imaging or biopsies may be recommended to determine if the changes are cancerous. Mammograms are highly effective and are the best tool for early detection of breast cancer.

2. Clinical Breast Exams:

Clinical breast exams should be performed by a healthcare provider every three years for women in their 20s and 30s, and annually for women aged 40 and above. During the exam, the provider will visually and manually examine your breasts. First, during the visual inspection, you will be asked to sit or stand with your arms in different positions (raised, at your sides, or pressed against your hips) to check for any visible changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture, such as dimpling, redness, or swelling.

The nipples will also be inspected for any unusual discharge or changes in appearance. Next, during the manual examination, while you are lying down or sitting, the provider will use the pads of their fingers to gently feel your entire breast and underarm area in a circular or vertical pattern, applying different levels of pressure to detect any lumps, thickened areas, or abnormalities. The underarm area will also be checked for any unusual swelling or lumps, as breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes located there. After the examination, the provider will discuss any findings with you, and if any abnormalities are detected, further tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound may be recommended.

3. Self-Exams:

While self-exams are no longer formally recommended by all health organisations, being familiar with the look and feel of your breasts can help you notice any changes that should be brought to your doctor's attention. Here’s how to perform a breast self-exam: In the shower, raise one arm above your head and use the pads of your opposite hand to feel your breast in a circular motion, starting from the outer edge and moving inward toward the nipple. Be sure to check for any lumps, thickened areas, or changes in texture, including in your armpit. In front of a mirror, with your arms at your sides, visually inspect your breasts for any changes in shape, size, skin texture, or unusual swelling, dimpling, or redness. Repeat this with your arms overhead and again with your hands on your hips while flexing your chest muscles to check for any contour changes.

Lying down, place a pillow under your shoulder and raise your arm above your head. Use the pads of your fingers to move in circular motions over your entire breast, applying varying levels of pressure to check for lumps or abnormalities. Don't forget to examine the nipple area for any discharge or changes. It’s important to perform these self-exams at the same time every month, ideally a few days after your menstrual cycle, when your breasts are less tender. If you notice any changes, promptly consult a healthcare provider.

What to do to Lower Chances of Cancer?

Although some risk factors like gender and age cannot be changed, there are lifestyle choices that can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer like maintaining a healthy weight, as being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases the risk.

Limiting alcohol consumption is also important, as drinking more than one alcoholic beverage per day can raise the risk.

Staying physically active through regular exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight and may further reduce the chances of developing breast cancer.

If possible, breastfeeding for 12 months or longer may slightly lower breast cancer risk. Those with a family history of breast cancer, particularly at a young age, should consider genetic counselling and testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB-2 gene mutations.

While early breast cancer may not present symptoms, some warning signs should prompt immediate medical consultation:
A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
Changes in breast size or shape
Nipple discharge, particularly if it's bloody
Skin changes, such as redness, dimpling, or puckering
Pain or tenderness in the breast

Not all breast lumps are cancerous, but it's important to have any changes evaluated by a healthcare provider to ensure early intervention.

Treatment Option

Breast cancer treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease. It often involves a combination of surgery, radiation, and medication such as chemotherapy or hormone therapy. Early detection and treatment completion are key to better outcomes. Surgery may involve removing the tumour or the entire breast . Radiation is used to kill remaining cancer cells, while medications like tamoxifen are used to prevent recurrence.

Every woman has the power to take control of her breast health through regular screenings, lifestyle choices, and awareness. This Pink October, let’s celebrate the power of early detection and prevention in the fight against breast cancer. Don’t wait for symptoms—be proactive and talk to your healthcare provider about the right screening plan for you.