October – Breast cancer awareness month

Breast cancer awareness is an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. It is believed that greater awareness and knowledge will lead to early detection of breast cancer which is associated with higher long-term survival rates. The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast care awareness and in many countries, the month of October is celebrated as National cancer awareness month.

Breast cancer signs and symptoms

• Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if a distinct lump is not felt)
• Skin irritation or dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel)
• Breast or nipple pain.
• Nipple retraction, turning inwards.
• Redness, scaliness or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
• Nipple discharge.

Early-stage breast cancer can be cured in most women. This is known as Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) cancerous cells started to grow within one of the milk ducts of your breast.

Some general symptoms that breast cancer may have spread include feeling constantly tired, constant nausea, unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite.

October is breast cancer awareness month, which is an annual campaign to educate people about breast cancer. This disease has become a major problem all across the world including India.

Breast cancer is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of cells, which results in the formation of lumps within the breast. It is one of the treatable forms of cancer. If not detected early, it can be a threatening disease as it can also spread to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer affects women both in developed and developing countries. It can occur at any age but it is most common in women above the age of 40 years. In India, breast cancer accounts for 25% to 31% of all cancers in women. The average age of developing breast cancer has also undergone is a significant shift from 50 -70 years to 30-50 years.

Risk factors

Family history: women whose mothers or sisters had breast cancer carry a higher risk of developing this disease.

Breast lumps: women who have had some type of non-cancerous breast lumps are more likely to develop cancer later on.

Dense breast tissue: women with dense breast tissue have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.

Age: As women get older, they are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Diet & Lifestyle choices: Women who smoke, eat a high-fat diet, drink alcohol are more at risk of developing breast cancer.

Radiation exposure: Frequent exposure to X-rays and CT scan may raise a women’s chance of developing breast cancer.

Obesity: Overweight women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.

Oestrogen exposure: Women who started having periods earlier or entered menopause later than usual are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because their bodies have been exposed to oestrogen for a longer duration.

For early detection

• After Age 30
• Breast self-examination monthly
• Clinical breast examination annually
• Sonomammography after the age of 40.

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