Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of breast cells. These abnormal breast cells can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body.

Hong Kong

Incidence rate: 65.5 per 100,000 populations, in females

Mortality rate: 9.3 per 100,000 populations in females

(Hong Kong Cancer Registry, 2020)

Nepal

Incidence rate: 13.9 per 100,000 populations, in females

Mortality rate: 7.6 per 100,000 populations in females

(IARC, 2021)

Pakistan

Incidence rate: 34.4 per 100,000 populations, in females

Mortality rate: 18.8 per 100,000 populations in females

(IARC, 2021)

India

Incidence rate: 25.8 per 100,000 populations, in females

Mortality rate: 13.3 per 100,000 populations in females

(IARC, 2021)

Signs and Symptoms

New lump or thickening in the breast

Dimples in the breast

Enlarged lymph nodes or a lump in the armpit

Discharge from the nipples

Pitting of the skin (looks like the skin of an orange)

Nipple turns inwards into the breast

Risk Factors

Modifiable risk factors

Lack of physical activity

Non-modifiable risk factors

Family medical History

Being obese

Getting older

Excessive use of alcohol

Changes in BRCA1 BRCA 2 genes

High fat intake (Unhealthy diet)

Long term use of hormone replacement therapy

Having first child after the age of 35

Never had childbirth

History of breast disease

Late menopause (after 55 years)

Early menstruation (before the age of 12)

Please note: Having above risk factor does not mean that you must have breast cancer – it only means that your risk of developing breast cancer may be higher than average and you should seek further medical advice from your doctor.