Understanding Breast Cancer

Understanding Breast Cancer

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Indian women and also the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. More and more women are now being diagnosed with breast cancer in their thirties and forties.

Who is at risk of breast cancer?

Being a woman herself is a risk factor for developing breast cancer. Any woman irrespective of age can develop breast cancer. Some factors which may increase the risk of breast cancer to some extent include, late marriage and late childbearing, absence of breastfeeding, and prolonged use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy.

Does a breast lump always mean cancer?

A lump in the breast does not always mean cancer as a lot of breast lumps at a young age may be normal or non-cancerous. What is needed is awareness in going to see your doctor and getting yourself checked if you lump your breast or have abnormal nipple discharge.

Can I have breast cancer even if I don’t lump?

Most people think that a lump in the breast may be a sign of breast cancer, other warning signs include blood-stained nipple discharge, change in size or contour of the breast, change in color or appearance of nipple or areola, and redness or orange peel appearance of the skin of the breast.

Can breast cancer occur in young women?

All women are at risk of developing breast cancer. Although most women get it after the age of 40 years, it can happen even in young women, even in their 20s. Even women who are pregnant can get cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in pregnant and postpartum women.

If someone in my immediate family has breast cancer, does it always mean  “I WILL” also get breast cancer?

Most women with breast cancer don’t have a family history of the disease and only 5-10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary.

What tests need to be done if I have a suspicion of breast cancer?

Common tests include clinical examination by a trained specialist, mammogram, ultrasonography cytology, or biopsy of suspicious lumps seen on imaging.

Is Breast Cancer Curable?

The good news is that breast cancer is curable especially if detected in the early stage. There has been much advancement in breast cancer treatment including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Today if one develops breast cancer, there is no need to remove the entire breast. We can remove the tumor and armpit glands and reconstruct the breast using oncoplastic techniques. If armpit nodes are not suspicious on imaging, we can do a sentinel node biopsy and avoid complete (axillary clearance).

My tip for the day will be to be alert for any changes in your breast. Regularly do a breast self-examination and at least once a year clinical examination by a specialist and annual screening mammogram in women above forty years of age.

 

 

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