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About Breast Cancer Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, characterized by malignant growths in breast tissue. Understanding your risks, recognizing symptoms, and seeking timely care are key to better outcomes General Info General statistics for understanding breast cancer Most common cancer in women (1 in 8 risk) Men can get it too (1% – 1 in 726 risk) Around 15% of women diagnosed have a family history of breast cancer Overall decline in death of 44% since 1989 Learn More Question 1 Which type of breast cancer accounts for roughly 70–80% of invasive cases? A Inflammatory breast cancer B Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) C Invasive lobular carcinoma D Medullary carcinoma Explanation: IDC is the most common invasive type, originating in the milk ducts. Risk Factors Evidence-based indicators linked to disease risk Age (50+) Family history & BRCA genes Hormones (early periods – before age 12, late menopause – after 55, HRT) Lifestyle (alcohol, obesity, inactivity) Learn more Symptoms Various signs that may indicate disease presence Lump or swelling Skin changes (dimpling, redness, itching) Nipple changes (inversion, discharge) Persistent breast pain and discomfort Learn more Question 2 Which type of mammogram is considered more sensitive for women with dense breasts? A 2D digital mammogram B Chest X-ray C Ultrasound D 3D tomosynthesis Explanation: 3D mammograms can detect small tumors in dense breast tissue more effectively. Screening Tests guided by clinical guidelines and risk profile Mammogram Ultrasound Genetic testing if high risk Self-exam: know your normal Learn More Treatment Approaches determined by current guidelines Surgery Radiation Chemotherapy Hormone Therapy Immunotherapy Targeted Therapy Learn more Outlook Outlook determined by evidence based results Localized stage: 5yr survival – 99% Regional stage: 5yr survival – 87% Distant stage: 5yr survival – 32% New cases risen an average 0.6% each year over 2013–2022 Rate of death declined an average 1.2% each year over 2014–2023 Learn More Question 3 Which group now has a significantly higher survival rate than it did 20 years ago, thanks to improved treatments? A People with metastatic (stage IV) breast cancer B People with HER2-positive breast cancer C People with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer D People with triple-negative breast cancer Explanation: Even advanced breast cancer has seen survival improvements because of new therapies, especially targeted and systemic treatments

Welcome Every Knot has a Story “It is not the strongest that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change” Charles Darwin When I first heard the words, it is cancer, everything knotted up inside me – my thoughts, my body, my plans, my sense of control. If you’re here, maybe you’ve felt it too.    That knot, literal or emotional, is where this blog begins.    Welcome to Know the Knots. This space was born out of questions, quiet moments, hard days, and a fierce need to feel less alone. Whether you’re navigating breast cancer yourself of walking besides someone who is, I hope this blog becomes a companion for you.    Here is what you can expect: Clear Information – Because the science shouldn’t feel like a secret language Practical Support – From lifestyle tips to surgery advice. For the big and small moments A Resource Hub – Questions, links, and tools you can actually use More than anything, I hope you find something here that untangles a bit of what you’re holding, even just one knot.  Visit our Resource Hub Practical Tools and Science-Backed Guidance Come explore our library of resources created to support you RESOURCES