Breast Cancer
About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Asia. Although much less common, breast cancer can also affect men.
Breast cancer develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. While some risk factors cannot be changed, understanding the warning signs, making healthy lifestyle choices and seeking appropriate screening can help support earlier detection and better health outcomes.
Breast Cancer: Key Facts
According to 2024 estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC):
1 Million
Approximately 1 million new breast cancer cases occurred in Asia.
45%
Asia accounted for approximately 45% of new female breast cancer cases worldwide.
2.43 Million
An estimated 2.43 million new breast cancer cases occurred worldwide.
694,000
Approximately 694,000 people worldwide died from breast cancer.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Breast cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. While a lump is one of the most recognized warning signs, other changes may also indicate a problem.
Common warning signs include:
A new lump or thickening
In the breast or underarm.
Changes in breast size or shape
Including unusual swelling.
Skin changes
Such as dimpling, redness, thickening or an orange-peel appearance.
Nipple changes
Including turning inward or unusual discharge, particularly bloody discharge.
Persistent breast or nipple pain
Or other unexplained changes.
Most breast changes are not cancer. However, if you notice anything unusual, consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
Not all breast cancers can be prevented, but certain lifestyle choices may help reduce your risk.
Maintain a healthy weight
Excess body weight, particularly after menopause, is associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Stay physically active
Regular exercise supports overall health and may lower breast cancer risk.
Avoid or limit alcohol
Drinking alcohol increases breast cancer risk, even at relatively low levels.
Breastfeed, if possible
Breastfeeding may provide some protection against breast cancer.
Understanding Your Personal Risk
Some factors cannot be changed, including:
- Sex: much more common in women
- Getting older: risk increases with age, and most cases are found in women age 55 and older
- Being taller
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- Inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Dense breast tissue
- Having certain benign breast conditions
- Personal history of breast cancer or certain non-cancerous breast diseases
- Exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES)
- Starting menstrual periods early
- Going through menopause later
- Having radiation to your chest
Having risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer. Many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history.
Who Should Consider Breast Cancer Screening?
Breast cancer screening helps detect cancer before symptoms appear, when treatment may be more effective.
Women at Average Risk
Mammography is the main screening method. For women at average risk, many screening programs recommend starting mammograms between ages 40 and 50, with screening every one to two years.
Women at Higher Risk
Women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, or previous chest radiation at a young age may need to begin screening earlier. Depending on their risk, doctors may recommend annual mammograms and additional tests, such as breast MRI.
Screening is intended for people without symptoms. If you notice a breast change, seek medical evaluation rather than waiting for a routine screening appointment.
How Is Research Improving Breast Cancer Care?
Advances in cancer research are helping us better understand breast cancer and opening new possibilities for more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Breast cancer is not a single disease. Different types of breast cancer have distinct biological characteristics and may respond differently to treatment. Through molecular testing and precision medicine, researchers and doctors can better understand individual tumors and identify more suitable treatment options.
Scientists are also exploring new approaches to early detection, targeted therapies and other innovative treatments, particularly for aggressive or treatment-resistant breast cancers.
At the Asian Fund for Cancer Research Limited (AFCR), we support innovative cancer research and help promising scientific discoveries move toward clinical development, with the goal of bringing better treatment options closer to patients.
Related Articles
Sources
- https://www.iarc.who.int/cancer-type/breast-cancer/
- https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/935-asia-fact-sheet.pdf
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/can-i-lower-my-risk.html
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/breast-cancer-risk-factors-you-cannot-change.html