x

PREVENTION
y

preventing
breast
cancer
 HOW tO prevent
breast cancer? THE STAgES OF

> Generally speaking, breast cancer is most common

1 BREAST CANCER

STAGE 0
among women in their fifties. It is characterized by the The tumor is confined
multiplication of cells in the glands or milk ducts of to the milk ducts.
the breast. This cluster of cells forms a “malignant tumor”.
If these cells become detached from the tumor, they may
spread to other organs and form new cancerous tumors
called metastases. To help prevent breast cancer, these
0 2 STAGE 1
The tumor measures less
are some of the lifestyle choices and attitudes you can than 2 cm.
adopt without delay
LEARN HOW
BREAST CANCER STAGE 2
DEVELOPS The tumor measures
between 2 and 5 cm.
BE AWARE OF Cancer cells have spread
THE RISK FACTORS GENERALLY SPEAKING, to between 1 and 3 lymph
BREAST CANCER DEVELOPS nodes.
SLOWLY SO YOU MIGHT NOT
The main risk factors for the
development of breast cancer are:
- family history or genetic
predisposition: having a close family
member (mother, sister or daughter)
who has had cancer of the breast,
FOLLOW THE
RECOMMENDATIONS
NOTICE PARTICULAR
CHANGES IN THE BREASTS:
THAT IS WHY REGULAR
SCREENING IS IMPORTANT.
3 STAGE 3
The tumor measures more
than 5 cm.
ovaries or uterus, Cancer cells have spread to
- personal history: having already BASED ON YOUR more than 4 lymph nodes.
been affected by breast cancer,
- age: 78 % of cases of breast cancer
RISK FACTORS
involve women over the age of 50,

STAGE 4
- hormonal factors,
- breast density, REGULAR SCREENING
- use of oral contraceptives Mammogram screening is Metastatic cancer.
and hormone treatments:
there is an ongoing debate
on the link between these
drugs and cancer,
- obesity or a diet that is
too high in fat,
recommended every 2 years between
the ages of 50 and 74. An ultrasound
investigation may also be performed.
If there is a personal or family history
or if certain genetic predispositions
have been identified, the risk of cancer
4 Metastases have spread to
the liver, brain, lungs etc.

STADE 4
- tobacco and/or alcohol. is higher and mammograms are then
prescribed much earlier: clinical
monitoring is advised from age 20 and
radiological screening is carried out
from age 30 onwards.
sYMptOMs
The typical symptoms of breast cancer are:
- a small lump that can be felt in the breast, and more generally in the armpit, which
may or may not be painful. This lump may be detected during a mammogram.
- changes in the size, shape and texture of the breast,
- development of redness or a sensation of warmth in the breast,
- the nipple turning inwards,
- development of a crust, discharge or peeling skin on the nipple.

HOW can MsH internatiOnaL

sUppOrt YOU?
Some mammograms or ultrasound images can be difficult to interpret.
MSH International can provide you with access to a second opinion network to confirm a
diagnosis which will always be stressful, or to advise on the most suitable type of treatment.
MSH International will also help you find the best specialist in the area where you opt to have
your treatment.

WHat sHOULD YOU DO?

Consult your doctor as soon as you notice any typical symptoms.
A mammogram will detect and label any growths which may pose a risk.
However, if cancer is discovered early, if possible before stage 3, it can be
cured in 9 out of 10 cases.
A number of treatments may be offered singly or in combination:
- surgery: the breast is totally or partially removed to eradicate the cancer
cells. This is known as a total or partial mastectomy,
- chemotherapy: administration of a drug to destroy cancer cells by
injection into the veins or by taking medication,
- radiotherapy: the cancer cells are destroyed by rays,
- hormone therapy: administration of drugs to reduce the level of hormones
in the blood and so slow down or stop the development of cancer cells,
- targeted therapy: injection of a drug to reduce the Her2 protein which
plays an important role in the development of cancer cells.

PSYCHOLOgICAL SUPPORT
Anyone suffering from cancer will experience a range of emotions such
as anger, sadness or anxiety.
Don’t hesitate to confide in your loved ones at this difficult time or ask a
psychologist or healthcare professional for help with any questions or
MsH-Fs-1-v0

concerns you may have.

MsH internatiOnaL, a French insurance broker and simplified joint stock company (sas) with a capital of €2,500,000 and its registered office located at
18 rue de courcelles – 75008 paris. it is registered in the French "registre du commerce et des sociétés de paris" under number 352 807 549 rcs, Orias no. 07 002 751
and intra-community vat identification number Fr 78 352 807 549.