Jakarta, ThedailyID — Women can develop breast cancer even without a family history of the disease. Doctors stress that every woman should understand the warning signs and seek medical advice if she notices unusual changes in her breasts.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign that promotes awareness, prevention and early detection. The campaign also highlights why women should not rely solely on family history when assessing their risk.
Oncological surgeon Sonar Soni Panigoro said all women should pay attention to changes in their breasts, regardless of their family medical history.
“Someone without a family history of cancer can still develop breast cancer. Therefore, prevention and early detection are important for all women, not only those with high-risk factors,” Sonar said in a statement.
Sonar, who also practices at Eka Hospital BSD, explained that recognizing symptoms early helps medical professionals establish a diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment. Early-stage treatment also offers a greater chance of achieving favorable outcomes.
Women should watch for several possible warning signs. These include lumps in the breast or armpit, changes in skin texture, dimpling, and skin that appears pulled inward. Changes in breast shape or nipple direction also warrant medical attention.
Other signs include unusual nipple discharge, rashes and unexplained skin changes. However, not every breast lump indicates cancer. Women should still consult a healthcare professional about any new or suspicious changes.
Regular health checks and medical consultations can also support early detection. Doctors may recommend different screening methods depending on a woman’s age, medical history and individual risk factors.
A family history of cancer remains an important consideration. Women should pay particular attention if relatives developed cancer at a young age or if several family members experienced certain types of cancer. Doctors may recommend genetic counseling or testing when appropriate.
However, the absence of a family history does not eliminate the risk. Reproductive factors and the use of certain hormone therapies can also influence breast cancer risk.
Sonar recommended several lifestyle measures that may help reduce risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and limiting or avoiding alcohol.
Women can consult their doctors to better understand their personal risk and determine which examinations suit their needs.
If doctors diagnose breast cancer, treatment depends on the disease’s stage, tumor characteristics, the patient’s overall health and relevant laboratory findings. Treatment options for early-stage disease may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy.
For cancer that has spread to other organs, doctors generally use systemic treatments to control the disease, extend survival and maintain quality of life.
Palliative care can also help manage pain and other symptoms. It does not necessarily mean stopping cancer treatment. Instead, medical teams can incorporate it into a broader care plan to improve patient comfort. In selected cases, doctors may also consider breast reconstruction after evaluating the patient’s condition.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a reminder that family history alone cannot determine whether a woman will develop the disease. Recognizing unusual changes, seeking medical advice and following appropriate screening recommendations remain important steps toward early detection.
