Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the leading cancer in women, both worldwide and in Saudi Arabia, and its incidence keeps rising because of the higher average age and changes in lifestyle. More than 55% of cases in Saudi Arabia are found at a late stage, while committing to early detection of breast cancer raises the cure rate to more than 95%.

Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia

• More than 55% of cases are detected at a late stage, which lowers the chance of a cure.
• 80% of breast tumors are benign (non-cancerous).
• 99% of women who had an early-detection mammogram got a normal result.

Factors That Lower the Risk

• Breastfeeding.
• Having children at a younger age.
• Being physically active.
• Eating a healthy diet.
• Avoiding weight gain.
• Not using tobacco in any form.
• Avoiding long-term use of birth control pills.

When Should You See a Doctor?

See a doctor if you notice any of these changes in your breast:

1. A lump, hard knot or bump in the breast or armpit.
2. Swelling of the breast.
3. A nipple that turns inward or pulls in, or unusual discharge from the nipple.
4. A change in the size or shape of the breast.
5. Itching, scaly sores or puckering of the breast skin.
6. Breast pain that persists, gets gradually worse and is not linked to your period.

Why Might Your Breast Hurt?

Most of the time, breast pain is not worrying, as it can result from various causes, such as:

• Normal hormonal changes linked to periods, pregnancy or puberty.
• Large breasts, where the woman feels a heaviness that pulls forward.
• Weight gain, with fat building up in the chest and breast area.
• Wearing a bra that doesn’t fit or is too tight for long periods.
• Anatomical causes, including benign or cancerous lumps and breast inflammation or abscesses, which are more common during breastfeeding. Pain can also come from the chest wall or muscles.
• Psychological disturbances, social problems, taking on a major new step in life, or deep grief.
• Some medicines, such as hormonal fertility treatments, birth control, some diuretics and antidepressants.
• Smoking and caffeine, which sometimes cause breast pain that isn’t tied to the menstrual cycle.

Cancerous malignant tumors are often painless in more than 90% of cases, or may come with mild pain that feels different from usual, and pain starts only at late stages, when clear changes occur in the breast.

Early Detection With Mammography

Why Early Detection Matters

• It raises the cure rate above 95%.
• Treatment starts earlier, so it is faster and easier.
• It improves the patient’s quality of life.
• It reduces deaths.

When to Get Screened

• From age 40: a mammogram every two years.
• From age 30 if any of these apply:
  • A first- or second-degree relative has had breast or ovarian cancer.
  • You had radiation therapy to the chest before age 30.
  • You have had breast cancer before.

What Is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast (plain X-ray) that takes two or more images of each breast. It is one of the most accurate tests for spotting any change in the breast and the most accurate test for early detection of breast cancer.

• It takes only twenty minutes.
• It finds tumors that neither you nor your doctor can detect.
• It can detect a tumor up to 3 years before symptoms appear.
• It is safe because the radiation dose is very small, and it is the best early-detection method for women aged 40 and older.

A mammogram is used for two purposes:

• Early detection: finding abnormal changes in the breast before symptoms appear.
• Diagnosis: checking suspected changes, such as a new lump, nipple changes or discharge, or unusual skin such as dimpling or puckering.

Screening Requirements

• Bring your ID.
• You are 40 or older, or 30 or older with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or radiation therapy to the breast between ages 10 and 30.
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You have no acute breast symptoms.
• You have not had a mammogram in the past 23 months.

Tips Before Your Mammogram

• If you have any signs, symptoms or changes that bother you, talk to your doctor.
• If you have a family history of breast cancer or other breast problems, talk to your doctor about your risk factors to decide when to start mammograms and how often to repeat them.
• If you have had a breast procedure, such as implants or cosmetic augmentation, check with your doctor before the test.
• After menopause, you can have the test at any time.
• Repeat the test every two years, or sooner depending on your risk factors and your doctor’s advice.

How to Book

Book an appointment at your health center through the Sehhaty app or by calling 937, and you will be referred to an early-detection clinic at a government hospital. Mobile clinics and women’s and children’s health clinics in shopping malls see you directly without a referral.

Breast Cancer Myths

Deodorants, Especially Those With Aluminum, Cause Breast Cancer

Fact: Deodorants are generally safe, and there is no scientific evidence linking aluminum-based deodorants to breast cancer.

If My Mammogram Was Normal, I Don’t Need Another One

Fact: Even with a good result last year, you cannot stop screening. Regular mammograms detect early changes in the breast and help improve the chances of treatment and recovery, so it is better to keep having a screening every two years.

I Have No Symptoms or Family History, So I Don’t Need a Mammogram

Fact: Medical guidelines advise all women over 40 to have a mammogram every two years, regardless of symptoms or family history. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.

Mammogram Radiation Affects the Thyroid

Fact: The amount of radiation that reaches the thyroid during a mammogram is safe, equal to half an hour of natural radiation exposure, so it causes no harm. Clinics have a protective shield if you prefer to wear one, but it may slightly reduce the accuracy of the test, so ask the medical team which option suits you.