Breast Cancer: What You Need to Know

Breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the tissues of the breasts. It occurs when the cells in the lobules or the ducts become abnormal and divide uncontrollably. These cancerous cells will then begin to invade the surrounding breast tissue and spread via blood vessels and lymphatic channels. Breast cancer is also the most common form of cancer affecting women in Malaysia, where about 1 in 19 women is at risk.

• Getting older
  Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50 years old as the risk for breast cancer increases with age.
• Genetic mutations
  Women who have inherited genetic mutations are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
• Reproductive history
  Early menstrual period before 12 years old and starting menopause after age 55 means exposing women to hormones longer, raising the risk of getting breast cancer.
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast disease
  Women with breast cancer history are more likely to get breast cancer for the second time. Non-cancerous breast diseases such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ are associated with a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
  A woman’s risk for breast cancer is higher if she has first-degree relatives or extended family members who have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer.