What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of malignant cells (cancer cells) in the breast. It can occur in both men and women, but it’s far more common in women impacting over 2.1 million women each year.



How is it diagnosed?


Screening consists of testing women to identify cancers before any symptoms appear. Breast cancer screening tools include:

  1. Mammography-is the process of using low-energy x-rays to examine the human breast for
    A mammogram image of a breast with cancer

    diagnosis and screening. Helps in early detection of breast cancer.

2. Clinical breast exam-it’s done by the healthcare provider. The provider visually checks your breasts while you are sitting up and physically examine your breast while you are lying down.

3. Breast self –exam-it involves checking your breasts for lumps or changes.

What are early warning signs of breast cancer?


  • Breast Pain image

    Changes in the appearance of one or both nipples

  • Nipple discharge other than breast milk
  • General pain in/on any part of the breast
  • Lumps or nodes felt on or inside of the breast.



How does breast cancer develop?

Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread (metastasize) through your breast to your lymph nodes or blood to other parts of your body.


What factors are associated with increased risk of breast cancer?

  • Family history of breast cancer-if you have a 1st degree relative who has had breast cancer you could be at a higher risk of getting breast cancer.
  • Personal history of breast cancer-if you have already been diagnosed with your risk of developing it again on the same or the other breast is higher.
  • Gender-women are more at risk of developing breast cancer than men.
  • Age-chances of getting breast cancer increases with age.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding-women who have not had or had a full-term pregnancy after the age 30 have an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who have children breastfeeding may slightly lower their breast cancer risk
  • Obesity-being overweight is associated with increased risk of breast cancer because the extra fat cells makes estrogen which can cause extra breast cell growth. This extra cell growth increases the risk of breast cancer.
  • hormone replacement therapy drugs
  • Postmenopausal hormone therapy-women who take hormonal therapy combined with estrogen and progesterone to treat signs and symptoms of menopause have an increased risk of breast cancer.
  • Alcohol consumption-alcohol can limit your livers ability to control blood levels of hormone estrogen which in turn increases risk of breast cancer.
  • Menstrual history – women who started menstruating (having periods) younger than 12 years have a higher risk of breast cancer. Same is true for women who through menopause when they are older than 55 years.
  • Smoking cigarettes -it’s linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in younger and premenopausal women.


 How can we reduce your risk of breast cancer?

  1. Exercise –inactivity can raise breast cancer risk. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
  2. Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy– To reduce the risk of breast cancer, use the lowest dose of hormone therapy possible for the shortest amount of time. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of hormone therapy.
  3. Maintain a healthy weight-if you need to lose weight, ask your doctors about healthy strategies to accomplish this. Healthy weight helps to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
  4. Limit alcohol intake –drink alcohol in moderation; limit the amount of alcohol intake to no more than 3 to 4 drinks per week, if you choose to drink.
  5. Choose a healthy diet– it’s best to eat a highly plant dominated diet such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts. Choose healthy fats such as olive oil, over butter and fish instead of red meat. Avoid processed food.
  6. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding-Studies have shown that breastfeeding, especially for more than 18 months can reduce breast cancer risk.
  7. Breast self-exam making changes in your daily life help reduce your risk of breast cancer. Ask your doctor about breast cancer screening and when to begin. If there is a new change, lump or other unusual signs in your breast, talk to your doctor promptly




  1. Medical-surgical nursing textbook by Brunner and Suddarth 12th edition.
  2. WHO. Https://www.who.int>preventionbreastcancer-who.
  3. Mayo clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org



Veronica Wanja – Nursing Officer


Pap smear procedure

It is a procedure to test for cervical cancer in women that involves collecting cells from the cervix, the lower, narrow end of the uterus.


It helps in early detection of cervical cancer, hence improving chances of cure.

A Pap smear also detects changes in the cervical cells that suggest cancer may develop in the future. Detecting these abnormal cells early with a Pap smear is the first step in halting the possible development of cervical cancer.


To screen for cervical cancer.




Any female above 21 years.


Once every year. If combined with HPV test, the repeat can take even 5 years. However, depending on certain conditions, it can be repeated severally, of course with the doctor’s advice. These conditions include;

1.A diagnosis of cervical cancer or a Pap smear that showed precancerous cells

2.Exposure to some hormones eg. diethylstilbestrol (DES) before birth

3.HIV infection

4.Weakened immune system due to organ transplant, chemotherapy or chronic corticosteroid use

5.A history of smoking


  1. After an hysterectomy (complete removal of the uterus and cervix)
  2. Old age i.e. 65 years and above.


Sally Gakii, Lab Superintendent, Imara Mediplus Hospital

Date posted: 6/10/18




Imara Mediplus Hospital



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