Breast Cancer

Jeorge Kristoffer R.
Duldulao, RN

Breast Cancer

rapid,
unregulated growth
of abnormal cells
originating from the breast
A

tissue.

1. Chest Wall
2. Muscle
3. Lobules
4. Nipple
5. Areola
6. Lactiferous
Ducts
7. Fat Tissues
8. Skin

ONCOGENES

Onco Cancer

Gene Genetic Material

Oncogene : Suppressor Gene Ratio

1:1
In Cancer
Oncogene

> Suppressor Gene

Causes of Breast Cancer

Causative

factors have not yet

been identified by experts, but
instead, they have provided
factors that increase a persons
RISK in developing cancer.

RISK FACTORS
Old

Age
Genetics
History of breast cancer
Having a certain types of breast lumps
Dense breast tissue
Estrogen exposure
Obesity
Height
Alcohol consumption
Radiation exposure
Use of HRT
Job related
Cosmetic Implants

Types

Ductal
(Based

VS Lobular

on tissue origin of cancer cells)

Invasive
(Based

VS Non-Invasive

on tissue involvement of
cancer cells)

Signs and Symptoms

Signs

are those that are felt by patient

(subjective).

lump in a breast
A pain in the armpits or breast that does not seem
to be related to the woman's menstrual period
Pitting or redness of the skin of the breast; like
the skin of an orange
A rash around (or on) one of the nipples
A swelling (lump) in one of the armpits

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs are those that are felt by patient (subjective).

An area of thickened tissue in a breast

One of the nipples has a discharge; sometimes it
may contain blood
The nipple changes in appearance; it may
become sunken or inverted
The size or the shape of the breast changes
The nipple-skin or breast-skin may have started
to peel, scale or flake

Diagnostic procedures
Breast

Exam (Initial assessment)

Mammogram

X-ray

2D + 3D
Breast Ultrasound (solid mass vs fluidfilled)
Biopsy (Confirmatory procedure)
Breast MRI (determine extent of cancer)

Breast self exam

Breast self exam

Breast self exam

STAGING
Blood

Tests:

Tumor Marker Test:

CA 15-3
Bone Scan
PET Scan
T - Tumor
N Nodal Involvement
M Metastasis

Management

Oncologist
Specialist cancer surgeon
Specialist nurse
Pathologist
Radiologist
Radiographer

Reconstructive surgeon
Occupational therapist
Psychologist
Dietitian
Physical therapist

The TEAM

Management and the Nurses

role
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Hormone

Therapy
Biological Treatment

SURGERY

- Lumpectomy
- Mastectomy
- Reconstructive Surgery

Nurses

focus:
Post-Operative Care
Wound Care
Rehabilitation plan to achieve optimum level of
functioning (OLOF)
Psychological care for clients towards changes in body
image

RADIOTHERAPY

- Brachytherapy
- Tele-therapy
- Linear accelerator

Nurses

focus:
Skin Care
Prevent fatigue

CHEMOTHERAPY
- Single agent
- Multiple agent

Nurses

focus:
Alleviate most common side effects:

nausea/ vomiting,
diarrhea/ constipation

Prevent

extravasation/ phlebitis
Encourage adherence to treatment plan and
schedule

Hormone Therapy
-

Endocrine receptor
- HER2 receptor
- Triple negative/ positive

Nurses

focus:
Clients adherence to treatment
schedule and duration

Biological Therapy
Also

known as Targeted Therapy

-Monoclonal antibodies
- -umab, -inib suffixes of medicines

Nurses

focus:
Allergic reaction
Prevent extravasation/ phlebitis
Adherence to treatment schedule

Prevention of
breast cancer
Lifestyle

Modification

Alcohol consumption

Physical Exercise

Diet

Postmenopausal Hormone therapy

Bodyweight
Breast Cancer Screening
Breastfeeding

How much have you learned?

Give

one characteristic of a cancer cell!

Provide one risk factor of developing breast
cancer.
The procedure an individual can perform to
herself as an initial assessment of breast
cancer is called: _____________________
Give one management of breast cancer.
A patient is undergoing radiotherapy. What
should a nurse teach to her client? Give at
least 1 (one) focus.