Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the cells of the breast. It is one of the most common cancers affecting women in Tanzania, and outcomes are significantly better when it is detected and treated at an early stage.

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area, often painless
• Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• Skin changes on the breast, such as dimpling, redness, or thickening resembling orange peel
• Nipple changes, including inversion, discharge (especially if bloody), or scaling
• In more advanced disease: a persistent breast ulcer or lump that continues to grow

• The exact cause is often not identifiable in an individual, but risk is increased by increasing age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, early onset of periods, late menopause, not having children or having them later in life, and obesity after menopause.
• A history of previous breast cancer or certain other breast conditions also increases risk.

• Any new breast lump or the symptoms listed above should prompt clinical breast examination.
• Suspicious findings are further evaluated with breast imaging (ultrasound and, where available, mammography) and, most importantly, a biopsy (needle or tissue sample) to confirm the diagnosis and cancer type.
• Staging investigations, such as chest X-ray and other imaging, help determine the extent of disease once cancer is confirmed.

Treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer and is planned at a specialised oncology or surgical centre.

Surgery — either removal of the lump (breast-conserving surgery) or removal of the whole breast (mastectomy) — is the primary treatment for most early-stage breast cancer, often combined with assessment or removal of nearby lymph nodes.

Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone-blocking therapy (for hormone-sensitive cancers) are used according to the stage and specific features of the cancer, either alongside surgery or as the main treatment for more advanced disease.

Any woman with a new breast lump or the symptoms listed above should be referred promptly for further assessment, as early diagnosis significantly improves treatment outcomes.

• Perform regular breast self-awareness and seek prompt assessment of any new lump or breast change rather than waiting.
• Attend clinical breast examination as part of routine health checks where available.
• Maintain a healthy body weight, particularly after menopause, and engage in regular physical activity.
• Discuss personal risk with a health worker if there is a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.