“You have breast cancer”..words to take the wind out of anyone. You must be feeling angry, confused or even overwhelmed. I know exactly how you feel. You probably just want someone to hold your hand and walk you through this complex maze you’ve now found yourself facing. The first thing I want you to know is that you are not alone. According to a study done by Dr. Dylan Narinesingh in 2015, former head of the National Cancer Centre, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in Trinidad and Tobago. Of those diagnosed, 38% present as advanced cases. In order to understand breast cancer’s impact, recognize its signs as early as possible, and know the steps to take if you suspect you might have it, I’m sharing what I did and what I discovered when I went through my investigation and diagnosis within the health system in Trinidad & Tobago.
What is Breast Cancer?
According to the dictionary, Breast Cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the cells of the breasts. It involves the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells, which can form a tumor that can be felt as a lump or seen on an imaging test. While breast cancer is most commonly found in women, men can also be affected.
This definition seems simple enough, but what I discovered was that there are several different types of breast cancer. Depending on the type you’ve been diagnosed with, your treatment plan could look different. The first thing you’ve got to understand is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to fighting breast cancer. Just so you know, here I list of the types of breast cancer, one could be diagnosed with…
Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of a breast duct but haven’t spread outside the duct.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, IDC starts in the breast ducts and invades nearby tissues.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type starts in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and spreads to surrounding breast tissues.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Characterized by the lack of three common receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth – estrogen, progesterone, and HER-2/neu.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: This cancer has high levels of a protein called HER2/neu, which promotes the growth of cancer cells.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer: A rare but aggressive form where cancer cells block lymph vessels in the skin of the breast, causing it to look red and swollen.
Paget’s Disease of the Nipple: A rare type that starts in the ducts of the nipple but spreads to the nipple’s surface and the areola.
Signs and Symptoms
Different types of breast cancer inevitably means that symptoms may also look different. When my mother, who is also a survivor, was diagnosed, she felt no pain and had a lump. However, when I was experiencing symptoms, I felt pain. We were convinced that because I felt pain, and no lump showed up on my mammogram, it couldn’t be cancer, we were wrong. Here are some of the common and no so common signs.
Lump in the Breast or Underarm: A new lump or mass is the most common symptom. It’s important to note that not all lumps are cancerous, but they should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Changes in Breast Shape or Size: Unexplained changes in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast may be a sign.
Skin Changes: Look for dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaling of the skin on the breast, nipple, or areola. Also if your skin appears like an orange peel with enlarged pores
Nipple Discharge: Any unusual discharge from the nipple, particularly if it’s bloody or occurs without squeezing.
Nipple Retraction: If the nipple starts to turn inward.
Pain in the Breast or Nipple Area: Although pain is not usually associated with breast cancer, persistent pain should be evaluated.
Breast temperature: If you breast feels warm to the touch or is inflamed, compared to the rest of your body
Risk Assessment
During my investigation, I learnt that I carry a gene mutation. My PALB2 gene, a gene that typically works along with the BRCA gene to fight off cancer is “broken” therefore my risk factor for developing breast cancer was 38-50% more than the average person. I inherited this mutation from my mother. After testing, we discovered I’m the only child who did.
Several factors can influence your risk of developing breast cancer. Some are within your control, while others are not. Here’s how you can assess your risk:
Age: Risk increases with age, especially after age 50.
Genetics and Family History: A family history of breast cancer can increase your risk, especially if a close relative was diagnosed before age 50. Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 also play a significant role.
Personal Health History: Previous breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast conditions can increase your risk.
Hormonal Factors: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), and having children late or not at all can affect your risk.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, alcohol consumption, being overweight, and lack of physical activity can increase your risk.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Long-term use of HRT for menopause can increase risk.
It’s important to understand that you should not blame yourself or anyone else if you develop breast cancer. These risk factors don’t mean you’ll never get cancer if none apply to you, it just means that you’re less likely to develop the disease because of these factors. The human body is susceptible to all sorts of illnesses and some of us get them and others don’t. But my mantra is don’t do anything to encourage where you can.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have Breast Cancer
Sometimes the instinctive response to danger is to run and hide, but that that’s the last thing you want to do if you suspect you may have breast cancer. If you notice any signs or symptoms, it’s essential to take immediate action. Here’s what you should do:
Self-Examination: Regularly perform breast self-exams to familiarize yourself with your breasts and notice any changes.
Schedule a Mammogram/Breast Ultrasound: A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer early. Women over 40 should have regular mammograms, but if you’re at higher risk, your doctor might recommend starting earlier. If you’re below the age of 40, get a referral from your GP and book your mammogram.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: If you find a lump or any changes in your breast, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. They may perform a clinical breast exam and recommend further tests.
Follow-Up Testing: If a mammogram or physical exam reveals something suspicious, additional tests such as ultrasound, MRI, or biopsy might be necessary to determine if the abnormality is cancerous. I did all possible tests, mammo, ultrasound, MRI and biopsy.
Get Tested in Trinidad & Tobago
Here are some local hospitals and clinics where you can get screenings and treatment:
Pink Hibiscus: Located on Adam Smith Square in Woodbrook , Port of Spain, this clinic offers specialist breast health services including mammograms, breast ultra sounds and biopsies. I was diagnosed here.
National Cancer Centre/ NRC: Located on Westen Main Road, St. James. The NRC at the St. James Medical Complex, is the main oncology treatment centre in Trinidad & Tobago. Before you can be treated or treated here, you need a referral from your GP. All treatment is free.
Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex: Situated in Champs Fleurs, this hospital provides a range of oncology services, including breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. All treatment is free.
Sangre Grande Hospital: Serving the eastern region, this hospital offers diagnostic services, including mammograms. All treatment is free.
San Fernando General Hospital: Located in San Fernando, this hospital provides extensive cancer care services. All treatment is free.
Understanding breast cancer is vital for both prevention and early detection. By knowing the types, symptoms, risk factors, and steps to take if you suspect you have breast cancer, you empower yourself with knowledge that can save lives. Whether you’re reading this for yourself or a loved one, remember that early detection and prompt action are your best defenses against breast cancer. Stay informed, stay proactive, and take care of your health.
In my follow up blogs I will talk about lifestyle changes I made after being diagnosed and how my life looks different now verses before cancer.
For more information and support, consider these resources:
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society
Pink Hibiscus Breast Specialists
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