Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Algeria. When detected early, it is curable in the vast majority of cases.
Symptômes
• A lump or mass in the breast or underarm, usually painless • Change in breast size, shape or appearance • Nipple retraction or discharge (sometimes bloody) • Skin changes: dimpling, redness or thickening ("orange peel" appearance) • Persistent pain in one area of the breast
Facteurs de risque
• Age over 50 • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer, BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations • Early puberty or late menopause • No pregnancy or late first pregnancy, no breastfeeding • Overweight after menopause, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption • Long-term hormone replacement therapy
Prévention
• Engage in regular physical activity • Maintain a healthy weight, especially after menopause • Limit alcohol consumption • Favor breastfeeding when possible • Perform monthly breast self-exams to know what is normal for you
Dépistage
• Annual clinical breast exam from age 40 • Screening mammogram every 2 years between ages 50 and 69 • Earlier and more frequent follow-up if there is a family history • See a doctor promptly if any abnormality is noticed
Traitement
• Surgery: lumpectomy (breast-conserving) or mastectomy depending on the case • Radiotherapy to reduce the risk of local recurrence • Chemotherapy before or after surgery depending on the stage • Hormone therapy for hormone-sensitive tumors • Targeted therapies for certain subtypes (e.g. HER2-positive) • Multidisciplinary care including reconstruction and psychological support