Let’s fight breast cancer together

Cancer in simple terms means that abnormal cells in our body start multiplying at exponential rates,overpowering the normal healthy cells. It can affect any body part ,can occur in all genders and all age groups.

The month of October is dedicated to the most common cancer in women today,which is breast cancer.In view of this disease  ,October is designated as PINK OCTOBER to  promote breast cancer awareness.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in women,accounting for 27.7% to 32% cases of cancer in India.The rising trends of this disease in women of all age groups warrants attention. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrated to promote awareness and educate women about the symptoms,treatment  and prevention of breast cancer. Breast related issues occur in women from adolescents ,young women,child bearing women and postmenopausal women.

Breast related problems are usually ignored by women due to multiple factors. Misconceptions about disease,hesitancy to talk about breast issues,fear of treatment,lack of information are all factors that lead to late diagnosis and poor treatment in women.Breast cancer has a major negative impact on not only the physical and mental health,but also on the financial status,leads to body image issues ,disruptions in career,problems in family life and anxiety.Nowadays ,breast cancer in women under 40 years is also rising ,and is leading cause of cancer deaths in women under 40years of age.

Younger women with this disease face social issues,fertility concerns and mental stress. Knowledge about the etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and management is vital because to fight this deadly disease,we need to learn to recognize it and understand it. This time of the year is dedicated to the millions of breast cancer survivors, to reassert the resolve to spread awareness and fight breast cancer.

Risk factors of breast cancer:

Genetic and familial predisposition accounts for about 15%cases.Certain genes like BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 have a direct link with breast cancer.People with these genes are more susceptible to other cancers like endometrial cancers as well.Genetic testing can help to diagnose such cases .

About 85% of cases are not familial.Risk factors related to our lifestyle choices like Smoking, Alcohol abuse, Obesity, physical inactivity, exposure to excessive radiation are modifiable risk factors.

Symptoms to look out for:

Breast cancer can present as a lump,swelling, redness or pain in breast, change in normal shape, size or contour of breast.

Any swelling near armpits ,discharge from nipple,change in appearance of nipple or skin over breast are other signs.

In advanced cases,swelling above your collar bone,bone pains and neurological symptoms can occur.

If you have any lump in the breast,whether it is painful or painless ;you should get yourself checked by a doctor.

It is important to know that not all lumps are cancerous,but whether they are benign or not can be ascertained only after a medical examination.

Self breast examination:

All women should be aware of the importance of self breast check ups at least once a month.

The self breast check ups are responsible for diagnosis of 90%of breast lumps without an imaging test like a mammogram.

In case of any lump,change in normal appearance of breast,discharge or pain,she should get a clinical examination.

Diagnosis:

It includes triple assessment  which starts with taking history and a clinical examination.This is followed by a radiological test which is usually an ultrasonography or a mammogram depending on the age of the patient.

In case of any positive findings, the doctor will ask for a biopsy known as an FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology ) or a trucut biopsy.

Treatment :

The treatment depends on the stage of the disease and includes either a breast conservation surgery or a mastectomy. Other treatments are chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. Treatment varies in each case.

Prevention:

Regular Self breast check ups help to diagnose any      lump   that    may be precancerous or in early stages that can be treated comparatively easily.

Modifiable risk factors like Smoking, Alcohol should be avoided. Control of Obesity and healthy lifestyle with healthy food and mind are important.

Promotion of breast health and awareness of symptoms that need medical attention is necessary.

Talking to breast cancer survivors and sharing their stories is important to get rid of misconceptions regarding treatment and survival.