Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Risk and Prevention

 

In women’s health, few topics require as much consistent attention as breast cancer.
The story almost always begins with one simple observation - in front of a mirror, during an everyday routine, when we notice a strange change and ask ourselves: “Was this here before?”
Often, the speed of our reaction to this first question determines the outcome.

In 2022, new cases of breast cancer worldwide reached 2.3 million, while deaths amounted to 670,000. This is exactly the sign that early detection and screening are our best available weapons in the fight against any cancer.

The goal of this article is simple: to explain what breast cancer is, how to recognize its symptoms, which risk factors are manageable, and what benefits breast cancer screening brings - including where and how women in Georgia can receive state-supported free breast cancer screening.

 

What Is Breast Cancer?

 

Biologically, breast cancer is a tumor that develops in the tissue of the mammary gland - most often in the ducts (ductal) or the lobules (lobular). There are two types of tumors: benign and malignant. Typically, when people say “cancer,” they are referring to malignant tumors. However, this term alone doesn’t fully describe the nature of the disease.

The essence of malignancy lies in the fact that, after a process of mutation, these cells lose their natural “growth brakes,” begin to multiply uncontrollably, invade nearby organs, and may spread through the lymphatic or blood system to other parts of the body. Clinically, this is the key distinction: benign changes can often be managed with observation or less invasive methods, while malignant ones require complex diagnosis and treatment. The final diagnosis is determined by a doctor through examination, imaging tests, and, if necessary, a biopsy.

The disease doesn’t develop the same way in everyone. Sometimes it forms “silently” over years; other times it progresses rapidly. That’s why early detection, either through screening or a doctor’s visit at the first sign of symptoms, significantly improves treatment outcomes.

 

Breast Cancer Symptoms – What to Look for in Daily Life

 

The first signal is often a new lump or thickening in the breast tissue. It may feel small, hard, or simply different to the touch. The golden rule is simple: every new lump requires evaluation.

Another sign women notice is a change in shape or size - such as one breast appearing lower, new visible asymmetry, or swelling that doesn’t go away.

Skin changes are just as important as physical findings: rough, “orange peel” texture, redness, or ulcer-like changes on the nipple are all warning signs that deserve attention.

Nipple discharge is also significant, especially if it occurs spontaneously on one side and contains traces of blood. Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit area, whether painful or not, are another reason not to delay seeing a doctor.

Most symptoms can also indicate benign conditions and may be managed easily - but the rule remains: better to check unnecessarily than too late. Only a doctor can make the final distinction, so any new or unusual sign should lead to a consultation.

 

How Is Breast Cancer Screening Done?

 

Breast screening means routine testing without symptoms in order to detect disease at an early stage. At this stage, treatment is most effective and least invasive.

Modern medical guidelines agree that for women of average risk, breast screening should begin at age 40. The U.S. The Preventive Services Task Force recommends mammography every two years between the ages of 40 and 74. This approach aligns with other professional societies and emphasizes the need for additional testing in women with dense breast tissue or specific subgroups.

Breast cancer screening methods include:

• Self-examination: Knowing your breasts’ usual size, contour, and skin texture helps you notice changes quickly.
• Clinical examination: A doctor’s inspection and palpation, especially if the risk is higher or you’ve noticed symptoms.
• Mammography: The gold standard for screening.
• Ultrasound: Often used as an additional test, especially for dense tissue or younger women.

Screening should be individualized based on age, family history, and tissue characteristics - and, most importantly, done in consultation with your doctor, who knows your medical background.

In Georgia, one of the leading centers for breast cancer screening is Todua Clinic, offering patients a comfortable environment and highly qualified professionals. Detecting tumors and providing proper treatment require advanced medical technology - an area where Todua Clinic holds a leading position in the country.

 

Free Breast Cancer Screening in Georgia – What Options Do We Have?

 

In Georgia, free breast cancer screening is available under the state program. Women aged 40 to 70 can undergo free mammography every two years, along with a consultation with a mammologist and, if any pathological changes are found, an ultrasound (echoscopy).

To use the program, citizens simply need to contact the designated medical centers. Depending on residence, contact details and addresses can be found on NCDC information pages and the public platforms of partner medical networks.

According to NCDC, the screening program operates nationwide, allowing any Georgian citizen to receive services from the list of registered providers. The program continues to expand and update, meaning services are becoming more accessible. In practice, you only need an ID card, the nearest center, and to book an appointment - the service is free, and no additional insurance or referral is required for the target age group.

 

Is Breast Cancer Curable? – What You Need to Know About Treatment

 

First of all, remember that breast cancer is a treatable disease, and there are countless stories of patients who have overcome it. However, no two cases are the same - treatment is always individual, depending on the stage, course, and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment often begins with surgery, either breast-conserving (lumpectomy) or mastectomy.
Assessing lymph node status (sentinel node biopsy) is also crucial.

After surgery, additional steps are often planned to reduce the risk of recurrence. If the breast is preserved or test results indicate the need, doctors may recommend radiation therapy.

At the systemic level, drug treatment becomes important. If the tumor responds to hormones, hormone therapy plays a key role; targeted therapy (often combined with chemotherapy) is also important; traditionally, chemotherapy remains a major method, and in certain subgroups, immunotherapy is added.

These treatments can begin before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to prevent recurrence.

 

Risk Factors – What Happens and What Can We Change?

 

Breast cancer is multifactorial. Some risk factors can’t be changed, such as age (risk increases with age), sex (much more common in women, though breast tumors can also occur in men), and genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations, family history).

But there are also modifiable factors - mainly lifestyle-related ones.

• Genetics and family history: BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations increase lifetime risk.
  In high-risk families, management is individualized and includes genetic counseling, close monitoring, and sometimes preventive decisions under medical supervision.
• Hormonal factors: Early menstruation, late menopause, and long-term hormone therapy increase cumulative exposure to estrogen.
• Reproductive history also matters - late first pregnancy or not breastfeeding can influence overall health
• Lifestyle factors: Alcohol, tobacco, physical inactivity, and excess weight — these four are emphasized in every modern medical guideline. Controlling weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking have positive effects at any age.

The conclusion is simple: although there are uncontrollable causes of cancer, the manageable share is large enough to make daily habits worth monitoring carefully.

 

Prevention – What Can We Do to Reduce the Risk?

 

There are two main paths to prevention:

• Lifestyle changes and healthier living, and
• Regular check-ups.

The first means maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, improving sleep, and managing stress. In modern medicine, where prevention is a priority, these are not just general tips - they are fundamental principles.

The World Health Organization also emphasizes this. While controllable factors cannot completely eliminate the risk of cancer, they significantly reduce it.

The second path is regular screening, which helps detect the disease at a more manageable stage. Any tumor found at an early stage is much easier to treat than one diagnosed late.

Most importantly, we must remember: these two directions do not replace each other. Relying on only one is not the right approach: a healthy lifestyle and regular screening must go hand in hand in our daily lives.