Breast Cancer Awareness & Education

Fighting breast cancer through education, outreach, and empowerment.

What is Breast Cancer and How Does It Affect the Body?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, usually starting in the ducts or lobules. These abnormal cells can form a mass and potentially spread to other parts of the body.

Who Can Get It? While more common in women, men can also develop breast cancer (0.5% to 1% of cases).   

بریسٹ کینسر اُس وقت ہوتا ہے جب چھاتی کے خلیے بے قابو ہو کر بڑھنے لگتے ہیں۔ یہ مرض مردوں کو بھی لاحق ہو سکتا ہے، اگرچہ یہ خواتین میں زیادہ عام ہے۔

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Why Early Detection Matters: Early-stage breast cancer often shows no symptoms. Screening can help detect it early.

Common Symptoms Include:

  • New lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
  • Swelling in part of the breast
  • Changes in breast shape or size
  • Skin dimpling or redness
  • Flaky or itchy skin on the nipple
  • Nipple discharge or pulling inward
  • Breast or nipple pain
  • Swollen lymph nodes underarm or near collarbone

اگر آپ کو چھاتی میں کوئی گلٹی، سوجن، یا سکن میں تبدیلی محسوس ہو تو فوراً ڈاکٹر سے رجوع کریں۔

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE)

  1. In the Shower: Use flat fingers in circular motions on breast and armpit.
  2. In Front of Mirror: Inspect with arms in various positions for shape and skin changes.
  3. Lying Down: Use opposite hand in small circles with a pillow under shoulder.

Understanding Breast Cancer Stages

  • Stage 0: Non-invasive; abnormal cells present.
  • Stage I–II: Early stage with minimal spread.
  • Stage III: Locally advanced, spread to nearby tissues.
  • Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant organs.

Types of Breast Cancer

Common Types
  • Ductal Carcinoma
  • Lobular Carcinoma
Less Common Types
  • Inflammatory Breast Cancer
  • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
  • HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
  • Hormone Receptor-Positive

Treatment Options

  • Surgery: Tumor removal (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
  • Radiation: Destroys remaining cancer cells
  • Chemotherapy: Kills cancer cells body-wide
  • Hormone Therapy: Blocks hormone growth
  • Targeted Therapy: Focuses on cancer proteins
  • Immunotherapy: Boosts immune response

Risk Factors

  • Age (50+)
  • Female gender
  • Family history or gene mutations (BRCA1/2)
  • Early menstruation or late menopause
  • Hormone therapy
  • Lifestyle: obesity, inactivity
  • Radiation exposure

Myths vs Facts

  • Myth: Only hereditary   Fact: Most cases are spontaneous
  • Myth: Lumps are the only sign  Fact: Other symptoms may appear
  • Myth: Men don’t get it  Fact: They can, though rarely
  • Myth: Bras cause cancer  Fact: No scientific evidence supports this

Frequently Asked Questions

Can breast cancer be prevented?
No guarantee, but healthy lifestyle lowers the risk.

کیا بریسٹ کینسر سے بچاؤ ممکن ہے؟ مکمل طور پر نہیں، لیکن صحت مند طرزِ زندگی سے خطرہ کم کیا جا سکتا ہے۔

How often should I get screened?
Women 40+ should consider a mammogram every 1–2 years, based on risk.

مجھے کتنی بار چیک اپ کروانا چاہیے؟ 40 سال سے زائد عمر کی خواتین ہر 1 سے 2 سال میں میموگرافی کروائیں، خاص طور پر اگر خطرہ زیادہ ہو۔

Is it genetic?
Sometimes, but most cases are not inherited.

کیا یہ موروثی ہے؟ بعض صورتوں میں، لیکن زیادہ تر کیسز موروثی نہیں ہوتے۔

What are the survival chances?
Very high with early detection and treatment.

زندہ بچنے کے امکانات کیا ہیں؟ اگر جلدی تشخیص ہو جائے اور بروقت علاج کیا جائے تو امکانات بہت زیادہ ہوتے ہیں۔

HEAD OFFICE

Address: 16-K Gulberg III, Lahore

Phone: 0328-4900830

Email: breastcancerinitiative.pk@gmail.com

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