Overview:

Incidence Of Breast Cancer In Pakistan

Breast disorders may be cancerous or non-cancerous. Most diseases of the breast are benign and therefore not dangerous or a threat to life. Often, they do not even require treatment. On the other hand, breast cancer is a serious illness that can mean the loss of a breast or life. Keeping in view the high incidence of breast cancer, having breast cancer is their worst fear for many women. However, this fear may be alleviated, and potential problems can often be detected early if women do a self-examination of their breasts and have mammograms as recommended.

Early detection can provide successful treatment and potential cure. Pakistan has a very high incidence of breast cancer among Asian countries: one in nine women may have a risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime.

Symptoms of Breast Disease

Palpable lump or mass in the breast. Most breast lumps are benign, it means they are not cancerous. They are usually smooth, may be present in both breasts and occur in relatively younger women. The cancerous lump in the breast is usually irregular, hard and painless.
Nipple discharge
Change in breast size, shape or contour
Inverted, creased or scaly nipple
Painful Breasts

Diagnosis

After careful History and Physical examination following tests may be applied to diagnose the breast lump

Treatment

After the diagnosis is established, further treatment is planned, carefully discussed with the patient and family. In the case of benign disease, it may only be reassurance to the patient, hormonal treatment or local excision of the lump/mass in the breast, most common being Fibroadenoma.

In case of malignant (cancerous disease), the treatment plan is made as it may involve more than one modality of treatment, including

Facilities Available at Horizon Hospital

Our panel of well-trained doctors will be able to provide detailed counselling & treatment planning for all kinds of surgical treatments.
Modifiable preventive measures for Breast cancer like Physical Activity, Weight Reduction, Hormonal Manipulation and advice regarding pregnancy and Breast Feeding are delivered.
We have a Gamma Probe to identify axillary lymph nodes during surgery. The service is also helped by a medical oncologist where chemotherapy treatment is required.