What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue, which can form a tumor and, if not caught early, spread to other parts of the body. It’s the most common cancer in women worldwide, though it can also occur, less commonly, in men.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- A change in breast size, shape, or contour
- Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin
- Nipple discharge, especially if it contains blood
- Redness or scaling of the breast skin or nipple
- A nipple that turns inward without prior history
Many lumps, especially in younger women, turn out to be benign cysts or fibroadenomas — but any new change should be evaluated.
What increases breast cancer risk?
- Age (risk rises after 50)
- Family history and certain inherited genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2)
- Early menstruation onset or late menopause
- Never having children, or a first pregnancy after age 30
- Prolonged hormone therapy during menopause
- Alcohol consumption and excess weight
Why does routine mammography matter?
A mammogram can detect changes years before a lump can be felt, when treatment is typically simpler and more effective. It’s generally recommended starting at age 40, or earlier with a family history — your doctor can set the right schedule for you.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Diagnosis combines a mammogram or ultrasound with a biopsy — a small tissue sample confirms whether cells are cancerous and identifies the specific type. An MRI is sometimes added to assess the full extent.
What is the treatment for breast cancer?
- Surgery, either breast-conserving (removing just the tumor) or mastectomy (the full breast), depending on the case.
- Radiation therapy, common after breast-conserving surgery.
- Chemotherapy, to shrink a tumor before surgery or eliminate cells that may have spread.
- Hormone or targeted therapy, for tumors with specific receptors, working differently based on each tumor’s characteristics.
Treatment is highly individualized, based on type, stage, and the patient’s overall health.
Everything under one roof
Mammography, ultrasound, biopsy, and oncology consultation are all available at Hospital CMQ, moving from finding to diagnosis without long waits between appointments.
Found a change that concerns you, or due for your annual mammogram? Message us on WhatsApp to schedule your evaluation.
When should you see a doctor about a breast cancer symptom?
For any new lump, skin or nipple change, or bloody discharge, schedule a prompt evaluation — the earlier a finding is assessed, the more treatment options remain available.
How can breast cancer risk be reduced?
- Maintain a healthy weight and regular physical activity.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Get mammograms on the schedule recommended for your age, even without symptoms.
- Know your family history and discuss it with your doctor, since it may change your recommended screening schedule.
Reviewed by: Dra. Itzel Aguayo, General Medicine, and Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine, Hospital CMQ. Review date: July 2026. References: World Health Organization (WHO), American Cancer Society, National Cancer Institute (NIH).