Breast_Cancer_and_Awareness among healthcare professionals.pptx

Breast cancer and its awareness among healthcare professionals

1. Breast Cancer and Awareness

2. Introduction • Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally. • Early detection and awareness are key to improving outcomes. • Healthcare professionals play a vital role in education and screening. • Understanding pathology, risk factors, and interventions helps in timely care.

3. Epidemiology • Globally: Accounts for ~25% of all female cancers. • India: Age-adjusted incidence rate is about 30 per 100,000 women. • Higher prevalence in urban areas compared to rural. • Rising trends due to lifestyle changes, delayed childbirth, and reduced breastfeeding.

4. Anatomy and Pathophysiology • Breast tissue consists of lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. • Cancer develops when abnormal cells proliferate uncontrollably. • Most common types: Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and Invasive ductal carcinoma. • Spread occurs via lymphatic and hematogenous routes.

5. Risk Factors • Age and family history • BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations • Early menarche and late menopause • Nulliparity or late first pregnancy • Obesity, alcohol use, and radiation exposure • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

6. Signs and Symptoms • Lump in the breast or underarm • Change in size, shape, or appearance of breast • Dimpling or puckering of skin • Nipple discharge or retraction • Redness, scaling, or thickening of nipple or breast skin

7. Screening and Diagnosis • Breast Self-Examination (BSE) • Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) • Mammography: Gold standard for screening • Ultrasound and MRI for high-risk women • Biopsy confirms diagnosis • Use of molecular markers (ER, PR, HER2) for prognosis

8. Staging • TNM system: Tumor size (T), Lymph nodes (N), Metastasis (M) • Stages range from 0 (in situ) to IV (metastatic disease) • Staging guides treatment and prognosis.

9. Treatment Modalities • Surgery: Lumpectomy or Mastectomy • Radiation therapy • Chemotherapy • Hormonal therapy (Tamoxifen, Aromatase inhibitors) • Targeted therapy (Trastuzumab for HER2-positive cases) • Multimodal approach for best outcomes

10. Role of Nurses in Breast Cancer Care • Participate in awareness and screening programs • Educate women on BSE and healthy lifestyle • Provide pre- and post-operative care • Offer emotional and psychological support • Monitor for complications and treatment side effects • Encourage follow-up and survivorship care

11. Prevention and Awareness • Maintain healthy body weight • Limit alcohol consumption • Encourage breastfeeding • Promote physical activity • Regular screening and early reporting of symptoms • Public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma

12. Recent Advances in Breast Cancer Management • Genomic testing and personalized medicine • Immunotherapy for advanced cancers • Improved reconstructive techniques • Artificial intelligence in mammography interpretation • Enhanced palliative and survivorship care models

13. Breast Cancer in India • Rising incidence, especially among younger women • Late presentation due to low awareness • Limited access to screening in rural areas • National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, CVD and Stroke (NPCDCS) includes breast cancer screening • Nurse-led interventions improving early detection

14. Case Study Example A 45-year-old woman presents with a painless breast lump. • Clinical examination: firm, non-tender lump in upper outer quadrant. • Mammogram: suspicious lesion (BI-RADS 4). • Biopsy: Invasive ductal carcinoma, ER/PR positive, HER2 negative. • Treatment: Lumpectomy + Chemotherapy + Hormonal therapy. • Outcome: Disease-free at 2-year follow-up.

15. Summary • Breast cancer remains a major global health concern. • Early detection significantly improves survival. • Nurses are key in education, screening, and patient support. • Continued awareness and research are vital to reduce mortality.

16. References 1. WHO Global Cancer Observatory, 2024 2. National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR), India 3. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer, 2025 4. American Cancer Society, 2024 5. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India