Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
سرطان الثدي
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, arising from uncontrolled growth of breast cells. Early detection by self-exam and mammography greatly improves cure rates, and treatment combines surgery, radiation, and drug therapy according to the tumor type and stage.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that arises when cells in the breast begin to grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a lump or tumor that may spread to nearby tissue or distant organs if not detected and treated. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and in Jordan, although it also affects men at a small rate.
The most important feature of breast cancer is that the chance of cure is very high when it is detected early, before it spreads. Awareness of early detection — through monthly self-exams, clinical exams, and regular mammography for recommended groups — is therefore the cornerstone of confronting the disease. Many tumors today are found at early, treatable stages thanks to awareness and screening programs.
Breast cancer is not a single disease but types that differ in behavior and treatment response according to tumor characteristics (such as hormone receptors and the HER2 protein). Treatment is therefore tailored to each patient and may combine surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies. Early detection together with modern treatment has enabled many women to recover and live a normal life.
Symptoms
- A new lump in the breast or under the arm.
- A change in breast size or shape.
- Skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or scaling.
- Nipple retraction or bloody discharge.
- Persistent localized pain unrelated to the period.
Causes
- Mutations in breast cells leading to uncontrolled growth.
- Hormonal factors related to estrogen.
- Inherited mutations such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in some cases.
Risk factors
- Older age and female sex.
- A family history of the disease or inherited mutations.
- Early puberty or late menopause.
- Obesity, inactivity, and alcohol intake.
Diagnosis
- Clinical breast examination.
- Mammography, ultrasound, and sometimes MRI.
- A biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the tumor type and its receptors.
Treatment
Surgery
- Breast-conserving lump removal, or total mastectomy depending on the case, with assessment of the lymph nodes.
Adjuvant therapies
- Radiotherapy after surgery in many cases.
- Chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies (such as HER2 therapy) according to the tumor type.
The plan is tailored to each patient by a multidisciplinary team. This content is educational and does not replace consulting an oncologist.
Complications
- Spread of the tumor to lymph nodes and other organs.
- Treatment side effects that are managed medically.
- Arm swelling (lymphedema) after some surgeries.
Prevention
- Monthly self-exam and awareness of any change.
- Regular mammography by age and doctor's recommendation.
- A healthy weight, physical activity, and reducing alcohol.
- Genetic counseling for those with a strong family history.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor as soon as you notice any new lump or change in the breast shape, skin, or nipple, or abnormal discharge, even if painless. Early detection saves lives. Book an appointment with a surgeon or oncologist on ClinicsJo for examination and mammography when needed.