What you need to know about Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. It develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. Early detection plays a critical role in improving survival rates and treatment success. Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, men can also develop the disease.
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Most common cancer in women globally
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Early detection greatly improves outcomes
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Can also affect men, although less frequently
What you need to know about Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women worldwide and remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths. It develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. Early detection plays a critical role in improving survival rates and treatment success. Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, men can also develop the disease.
​
-
Most common cancer in women globally
-
Early detection greatly improves outcomes
-
Can also affect men, although less frequently
Risk Factors
Breast cancer can be influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. While some risks cannot be controlled, understanding them can help with prevention and early detection.
• Increasing age
• Family history and genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Hormonal factors (early menstruation, late menopause)
• Previous breast conditions or cancer
• Overweight or obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to radiation
Risk Factors
Breast cancer can be influenced by a combination of genetic, hormonal, and lifestyle factors. While some risks cannot be controlled, understanding them can help with prevention and early detection.
• Increasing age
• Family history and genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1 and BRCA2)
• Hormonal factors (early menstruation, late menopause)
• Previous breast conditions or cancer
• Overweight or obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Exposure to radiation
Symptoms
Breast cancer can present in different ways, and symptoms may vary from person to person. Some changes are visible or can be felt, while others may develop gradually. Being familiar with what is normal for your body helps you recognise when something is different.
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Lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
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Changes in breast size, shape, or appearance
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Skin changes such as redness, dimpling, or “orange peel” texture
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Nipple changes (inversion, discharge, or rash)
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Persistent breast or armpit pain
Stages
Breast cancer is classified into stages based on how far it has spread. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and gives an indication of prognosis.
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Stage 0–1: Early, localised cancer
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Stage 2–3: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
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Stage 4: Cancer has spread to other organs (advanced stage)
Diagnoses
Treatment
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
A combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tools is
used to confirm breast cancer.
• Clinical breast examination
• Mammogram (X-ray imaging of the breast)
• Ultrasound or MRI scans
• Biopsy to confirm cancer cells and type
Treatment depends on the type, stage, and characteristics of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health. A multidisciplinary approach is often used to achieve the best outcomes.
• Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy)
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Targeted and biological therapies
Contact Us
CAN Head Office
90 John Meinert Street
Windhoek West, Namibia
Phone: +264 61 237 740
National Line Switchboard: +264 81 953 7740
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National Line: +264 81 953 7740 • Option #7
Contact Us
CAN Erongo Centre
3 Ferdinand Stich Street
Swakopmund, Namibia
National Line: +264 81 953 7740 Option #7
