Picking up cases early also reduces the need for mastectomy as the tumour is often small enough to be removed without having to remove the entire breast. Also, the smaller the tumour, the less likely it is to spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. And tumours less than 1 cm generally have a better chance of being cured. He advises women to do a monthly breast self-examination once they hit puberty, and have an annual breast examination by a trained health professional from age 30. Those aged 40 to 49 should go for mammograms every two years, while those aged 50 to 65 should do that once every one to two years.
Healthy cells divide in a controlled way, but abnormal cells keep on dividing and dividing.
This forms a lump called a tumour. Some tumours are benign, or harmless, and often don't need treatment. But malignant or cancerous tumours can spread. They are dangerous because they might invade nearby parts of the body and stop them working properly. Breast cancer can develop in one of several different breast areas.