Main symptoms
- •Palpable lump in the breast or armpit
- •Change in breast shape
- •Nipple retraction or orange-peel skin
- •Spontaneous discharge (bloody or clear)
- •Persistent redness or warmth
- •Armpit lymph node
Risk factors
- ⚠️ Age over 50 (80% of cases)
- ⚠️ Family history (mother, sister)
- ⚠️ BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation
- ⚠️ Early menarche (under 12)
- ⚠️ Late menopause (over 55)
- ⚠️ Nulliparity or first pregnancy after 30
- ⚠️ Postmenopausal overweight
- ⚠️ Alcohol consumption
Management and treatments
Care planned in a multidisciplinary tumour board (RCP): **breast-conserving surgery** or mastectomy + axillary dissection (INO, CHU Ibn Rochd), **radiotherapy** 25-33 sessions, **chemotherapy** neoadjuvant or adjuvant (FEC, AC, Taxol), **hormone therapy** 5-10 years if ER+ (tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors), **targeted therapy** if HER2+ (trastuzumab available in Morocco). ALD recognition = 100% reimbursed. Lalla Salma Foundation for the uninsured.
Prevention
Monthly self-exam from age 20, mammography every 2 years from age 45 (Morocco's National Programme), 150 min/week of physical activity, healthy weight, breastfeeding, limit alcohol to under one drink/day, annual gynaecological visit. BRCA genetic test if multiple family cases.
Frequently asked questions
When does mammography screening start in Morocco?+
Is every lump cancerous?+
Is treatment free in Morocco?+
Can the breast be reconstructed after mastectomy?+
📖 Detailed article
To learn more about breast cancer, read our cornerstone medically reviewed article.
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