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What is Breast Cancer

Billions of tiny cells make up our bodies. Normally, these cells grow and develop in a systematic way where new cells are only made when and where they are needed. In cancer, this process goes wrong and cells begin to grow uncontrollably.

Breast cancer is the name for cancers that start in the breast. It is one of the most common cancer in India. Breast cancer is not one single disease - there are several types of breast cancer. It can be diagnosed at different stages and can grow at different rates. This means that people can have different treatments, depending on what will work best for them.

Disease Burden of Breast Cancer in India

Breast cancer accounts for nearly 25% of all new cancer diagnosed among Indians.
In the year 2012, 1,45,000 new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in India.
Breast cancer accounts for 20% of all death related to cancer known in Indian women.
Approx. 61% of Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer are in the age group of 35-50 years.

Breast Self Examination

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer screening means checking a woman's breasts for cancer before there are signs or symptoms of the disease. Three main tests are used to screen the breasts for cancer. Talk to your doctor about which tests are right for you, and when you should have them.

Mammogram : Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in India with an incidence of 22.9/100,000 females. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends annual mammograms in women > 40, acknowledges binneal screening in women aged 50-74 years, but states that the screening strategy should be determined based on patients individual risks and values. Women > 75 years should decide further screening with their clinician. MRI is not recommended for routine screening and no comments on advocating digital mammography have been made.
Clinical Breast Exam : A clinical breast exam is an examination by a doctor or nurse, who uses his or her hands to feel for lumps or other changes. Clinical breast examination by a doctor should be performed annually in women with age above 40 years
Breast Self-Exam : A breast self-exam is when you check your own breasts for lumps, changes in size or shape of the breast, or any other changes in the breasts or underarm (armpit).

Who is at risk of Breast Cancer?

If you have a family history of breast cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast, you have an increased risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer in the other breast in the future.
Early menstruation, late menopause, having your first child at an older age, or never having given birth.
Having dense breast tissue can increase your risk for breast cancer and make lumps harder to detect.
Having radiation therapy to the chest before the age of 30.
Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors
- Lack of physical activity, Poor diet, Being overweight or obese
- Frequent consumption of alcohol can increase your risk for breast cancer.
- Stress and long working hours can make you more susceptible, as your immunity levels drop.

Symptoms and Signs of Breast Cancer

Nipple tenderness or a lump or thickening in or near the breast or underarm area.
A change in the skin texture or an enlargement of pores in the skin of the breast.
A lump in the breast,should be investigated, but not all lumps are cancerous.
A milky/bloody discharge that is present when a woman is not breastfeeding.
Skin of the breast, areola, or nipple that becomes scaly, red, or swollen or may have ridges or pitting resembling the skin of an orange.
Any unexplained change in the size/shape, Dimpling, Swelling, Shrinkage, Asymmetry of the breast,

What Can I Do To Reduce My Risk of Breast Cancer?

Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
Eat fruits and vegetables.
Do not smoke and limit alcohol consumption..
Self Breast Examination specially on 7th day of menstrual cycle.
Regular mammograms after the age of 40.

Breast Cancer