There are several types of breast cancers. Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma is the most common type that starts in the milk duct and spreads through the ductal wall into the surrounding tissue.

Once that invasion has occurred, the cells can enter the lymph vessels and blood vessels, enabling the cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body.  Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive type of breast cancer that does not spread. Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma is a cancer that starts in the lobule of the breast and then moves to the surrounding tissue and makes it hard to detect at an early stage. Inflammatory Breast Cancer is one that causes redness and swelling of the breast and it grows very rapidly. It has a high chance of spreading to other parts of the body.  (The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center)

On November 6, 2012, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. My medical report from my Oncologist read as follows:

I met Ms. Kabiru on 5 November 2012. She has noted a lump on her right breast a few days earlier on the lower outer quadrant. It was associated with pain with no notable axillary adenopathy. She had no nipple discharge. Her past medical history was essentially nil contributory. She has delivered 5 years ago. She had a strong family history of breast cancer on the maternal side. (A maternal aunt and a first cousin).  On examination, she had a skin dimpling over the left lower outer quadrant and a lump attached to overlying skin of 3x4cm.

I met her with her parents in my Nairobi Hospital office. She took the news calmly and I sent her for a core biopsy. 

Dr Gladwell Kiarie, Consultant Physician & Medical Oncologist.

There it is. My welcome note to the Big C Club.