One of my aunt-in-law, another aunt, and a family friend were all diagnosed with breast cancer at different ages. The good news is they all fought it hard and still fighting. They are survivors.
But the battle is hard. Early detection can reduce morbidity and mortality. But women are always apprehensive about seeking help. Talking about it may not do much except spread awareness, but that is what will determine the people who read my post to continue self-examination. That’s easy to do and our best chance for fighting this cancer . October is when we pray to Goddess Durga and also spread awareness about Breast cancer.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
- Important to remember:
- Some Breast Cancer Statistics you must know
- RISK FACTORS:
- Non Modifiable risk factors for Breast cancer
- Modifiable Risk Factors:
- Prevention of Breast Cancer
- Symptoms of breast cancer:
- Management of Breast Cancer:Important points to remember
- Treatment of Breast cancer
- Options in Kolkata
- Important to know :
Important to remember:
It will help if you examine your entire breast area.
Don’t forget the nipple and areola.
Remember to palpate the underarm.
Blood-tinged discharge should never be ignored.
For any symptom beyond two weeks, consult a general surgeon /onco-surgeon for a check. up
Breast Cancer-Early detection is the key to successful treatment.
Some Breast Cancer Statistics you must know
Worldover Breast cancer is diagnosed in approx. 2.3 million women every year, and it causes 6,85,000 deaths each year. With over 70% of all new cases and 81% of all deaths observed in women aged 50 and above, the global burden from breast cancer remains concentrated in this age group. By 2040, the number of newly diagnosed breast cancers is projected to grow by over 40%, to about 3 million cases every year.
Similarly, deaths from breast cancer are set out to increase by more than 50%, from 685,000 in 2020 to 1 million in 2040.As per GLOBOCAN survey, 2020-1,78,361 new cases and 90,408 deaths were reported for breast cancer in India. While the earlier projections for 2020 by the Indian Cancer registry were 2,05,424 new cases in the year 2020.
Many countries in the world have a higher incidence of Breast Cancer than India but, their mortality rate is much lower, as the patient is diagnosed & treated in an early stage.
RISK FACTORS:
The risk factors of Breast cancer can be divided into Non Modifiable risk factors and modifiable breast cancer.
Non Modifiable risk factors for Breast cancer
Being a female, increasing age, early menarche, late menopause, having first-degree relatives with Breast Cancer are non modifiable risks.
Modifiable Risk Factors:
Smoking, alcohol, obesity ( specially after menopause), long-term use of hormone replacement therapy or contraceptive pills, advanced age at first pregnancy.
Prevention of Breast Cancer
Doing regular physical exercises, breastfeeding for at least a few months etc can help in the prevention of Breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer:
Irrespective of age, Breast Lump & Breast Pain are the two most common complaints for which a female seeks Doctors advice. Other common symptoms are change in breast shape, recent nipple retraction, nipple discharge, etc.
BREAST LUMP-Although nearly 80-85 % of breast lumps are not malignant (Cancer), all lumps must be investigated before a final diagnosis is made.
The GENETICS:-The genetic origin of the disease is also found in a small percentage of patients. Hence the need, for extra precautions in female relatives of Breast Cancer patients. The individual risk of developing Breast Cancer is affected by the numbers of the family members affected with the disease. The age of the affected relative at time of diagnosis also influences risk.
Management of Breast Cancer:Important points to remember
Early diagnosis is the key to timely proper treatment of the breast cancer but unfortunately, in our country we still see patients in advanced stages of the cancer. Regular monthly self examination of the breast, yearly clinical examination of the breast by a Doctor, screening mammography every 2/3 years after the age of 40 definitely helps in diagnosis of the cancer at an early stage.
Breast cancer stage increases once it spreads by lymphatic to draining lymph nodes in armpit and other places, by blood to distant organs- liver, lungs etc., and also by local increase in size with adherence to underlying muscles and overlying skin.
The 5 year survival for Breast cancer is nearly 95% if pt. is diagnosed & treated in Stage 1, while this drops down to around 25% if pt treatment starts in advanced stage.
The Self Examination of Breast is to be done every month around same dates, preferably following the periods. For this, one should stand in front of a mirror, with both the hands raised near ear and later by hands on waist pressing slightly, to compare the shape & size of both breasts, check the level of nipples, note if there is any nipple discharge, look for any bulge anywhere in the breast area, compare the skin texture. Then by putting the arm in 90 degrees one should examine the armpit for any swelling. Then lying down on the bed, with a pillow underneath the shoulder, one should, with the help of finger tip pulp and palm examine whole of both the breast from outside to nipple area, in a circular fashion starting from collar bone above, lower ribs below, midline medially and anterior armpit fold laterally. Any difference between the two breasts or palpation of a lump warrants examination by an experienced doctor/ surgeon.
Mammography is a special X ray of the breast which also helps in early detection of a breast lump especially when it is small lump, more so in a bulky breast. Mammography has become a standard screening tool also. At times it can not differentiate if the lump has a solid or cystic (fluid filled) component, hence, now a days we prefer to do a sonography along with the mammography.
Core Biopsy:-Once a lump has been located either on self/clinical examination or by a sono-mammography, it is important to confirm its nature, whether it is benign or malignant. The mammography picture of a lump gives some idea of the nature of the lump but an examination of the cells by a pathologist only can confirm this. For this, the lump (excision biopsy)or its piece(core biopsy) has to be done and sent for histopathological examination.
Other investigations include CT scan to screen for metastasis and planning treatment.
Treatment of Breast cancer
Treatment includes Surgery,neo-adjuvant chemotherapy and or adjuvant chemotherapy ,Hormone therapy depending on stage of disease.
Options in Kolkata
Tata Medical Centre Kolkata Rajarhat offers comprehensive management for cancer.
Apollo Gleneagles Kolkata had state if the art facilities to manage all various cancers .
Premier medical colleges like Calcutta Medical College, SSKM,NRS ,CNMCH ,RG Kar Medical College all have infrastructure to manage breast cancer.Treatment at these Government hospitals are provided free of cost.
Important to know :
Males are also known to have breast cancer and 1 out of every 100 patients of breast cancer is a male-the treatment options are the same.
Issued in public interest by IMA .
This information is for awareness only. Please consult your doctor for more information on Breast cancer. Read the full Healthwealthbridge disclaimer .
