Breast cancers
Breast cancers
General information
Breast cancer accounts for one-third of all cancers affecting women.
The causes and origins of breast cancer are unknown, but there are a few risk factors that can be identified:
- Gender: 99% of breast cancers occur in women
- Age
- Family and personal medical history
- Never having given birth
- A long period of hormonal activity—early puberty, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy
When cancer cells remain grouped together, the cancer is referred to as "in situ" (meaning "in place") and there is no risk of it spreading beyond the breast.
When there is spread (or infiltration), it is referred to as invasive cancer. The cancer cells (or neoplastic cells) are then able to infiltrate the lymphatic vessels.
Cancer cells can also enter the bloodstream and develop at a distance from the primary tumor (in the breast), in which case they are called metastases.
Clinical signs
This may involve the discovery of a lump during self-examination or during a visit to the gynecologist.Most often, the diagnosis is made by the discovery of microcalcifications on a mammogram.
There may also be other signs such as a change in the color, temperature, shape, size, or texture of the breast, or a change in the appearance of the nipple or skin, as well as the discovery of a lump in the armpit..
Thanks to widespread breast cancer screening, lesions are detected at increasingly early stages, allowing for more effective treatment. Sometimes there are no specific clinical signs, which is why regular medical monitoring is necessary and recommended.
Breast cancer care at the CFB
External radiotherapy
At the CFB, we treat breast cancer with external radiotherapy. This treatment uses X-rays directed through the skin to the area to be treated. These rays are produced by a linear accelerator and gradually destroy the cancer cells.
Your treatment will begin with a scanning session (called virtual simulation) to identify the areas to be treated (target volumes) and the healthy organs around them that must be preserved as much as possible.
Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual needs (taking into account your specific characteristics and those of your disease) and scheduled over several weeks. Sessions take place from Monday to Friday and last approximately 15 minutes.
The radiation is invisible and painless and does not make you radioactive.
In the case of breast cancer, radiotherapy is often performed after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
The DIBH (Deep Inspiration Breath Hold) technique
For some patients with left breast cancer, CFB now offers a technique that reduces the potential cardiac and pulmonary toxicity of breast radiotherapy: DIBH (Deep Inspiration Breath Hold).
This method is based on a deep breath that is held in, causing the chest to expand and moving the heart and lung away from the breast being treated. Radiotherapy is administered when the patient, after taking a deep breath, holds her breath for about 20 seconds several times during the session.
This method requires specific support from healthcare staff and will be offered to you if appropriate for your case.
Side effects during radiotherapy treatment
Side effects are predictable but not systematic in radiotherapy treatment; each situation is unique and each patient reacts differently.
We invite patients to report any adverse effects to their referring physician at the CFB during weekly follow-up consultations.
Nowadays, the most common acute side effects are very well managed with symptomatic treatments. These will be prescribed by your radiation oncologist if necessary.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common side effect but is not necessarily caused by the treatment. It is often due to the daily repetition of the treatment. It is also sometimes a side effect of the previous surgery or chemotherapy treatment.
- Redness and dryness of the skin: The skin in the treated area may gradually become red (like a sunburn) during treatment. Sometimes the skin is dry, browned or, more rarely, flaky. It will return to its original color several months after the end of treatment. There is no preventive treatment, but if you experience pain, your doctor may prescribe a soothing treatment.
- Other: Difficulty swallowing or even a dry cough may occur during radiation therapy, especially if the lymph nodes around the collarbone are irradiated.
Side effects after treatment
- Lymphocele: A small swelling may remain in the breast or under the arm after surgery. This is a small pocket of lymph fluid.
- Lymphedema: In cases of lymph node dissection, or more rarely as a result of radiation therapy, there may be an increase in the volume of the arm on the same side due to the accumulation of lymph. Other symptoms may appear, such as a feeling of heaviness in the arm, decreased arm mobility, or pain.
- Skin irritation: Skin irritation may last for several weeks after the end of treatment. The skin may also remain darker or redder than the rest of the body for several months after the end of treatment.
- Sexuality: A lack of sexual desire and self-confidence may also take time to recover. This can be a difficult subject to discuss, but your doctor can help you find support and advice tailored to your needs.
- The breast treated with radiotherapy may remain firmer or even change slightly in appearance compared to the untreated breast.