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October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month across the globe. Identified as the most common cancer among women, breast cancer has caused the highest cancer-related deaths in the world, and in India.
During this pandemic, we have observed that many patients are visiting the hospital at a later stage of the disease. Patients are certainly scared of coronavirus infection, however, it is also essential for them to be aware of cancer and the increasing mortality rate, as cancer-related deaths are much more than COVID-related deaths. So, this 2020 has more significance for people to know about cancer and breast cancer in particular.
Up to September 1st 2020, the data states that around 65,000 people have died in India because of COVID and related complications. Cancer-related deaths in India are more than 7 lakh a year, including a huge ratio of deaths due to breast cancer itself, with more than 80,000 a year.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. Here is why more people must be aware of breast cancer:
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It is a cancer with high mortality
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Screening and Early Detection are possible
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Easily treatable, and good treatments are available
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Can prevent mortality if detected early
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Many countries around the world have achieved great success through health awareness programmes, which is the NEED OF THE HOUR for India
Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
Many of the risk factors are still unknown. A single risk factor cannot be pointed out as a cause of breast cancer, as it’s multifactorial. A few are modifiable, and a few are not.
Breast cancer is even seen in the male population, but rare. Elderly women, family history of breast cancer, genetic mutations, hormonal imbalance (early menarche, late menopause, nulliparity, hormone replacement therapy), obesity, alcohol intake, smoking are a few known risk factors.
Early detection is the key to preventing breast cancer-related mortality. Consult with the best oncologist in Mangalore for early detection.
Tips for Early Detection
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Visit the Oncology hospital in Mangalore immediately if there is a suspicious lump (especially in elderly women)
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Regular self-examination of the breast (at least once a month)
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Regular checkup with an oncologist in case of a strong family history
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Bilateral mammogram from the age of 40 years (once in 2 years up to 50 years of age, and once a year screening for all women above 50 years)
The treatment of breast cancer is mainly dependent on the stage it is identified. If the patient presents it at the early stages, it is possible to cure the disease and prevent death due to cancer. There are many treatment options available, like surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and targeted therapy. Surgery is required in all the stages, except stage 4. The other modalities of treatment are decided depending on the stage and type of cancer.
Many patients ask about the possibility of breast preservation in cancer. The answer is YES, it is possible to preserve the breast with or without reconstruction, and not all patients do not require complete removal of the breast. We can even reconstruct the breast after complete removal with good plastic surgery support.
Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention
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Healthy lifestyle: regular exercise, healthy eating habits, reduced fat intake
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The addition of vegetables and fruits to your diet helps in maintaining a healthy body weight
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For new mothers, it is advisable to breastfeed their child for at least one year
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Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in excess
Common misconceptions about breast cancer:
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Are all breast lumps cancerous?
No, not all lumps in the breast are cancerous, but all lumps should be evaluated.
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Does a Mammogram cause cancer?
No, a mammogram is a safe procedure with a very low radiation dose.
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Do all family members get cancer? Is a known family history present?
No, they are at higher risk than the general population and should be on regular checkups.
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Do all patients require complete removal of the breast?
No, up to 70% of surgeries in developed nations are breast conservation; in India, this trend is slowly increasing. Breast conservation is as safe as total removal (total mastectomy). Breast reconstruction even after complete removal is possible.
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Do all patients lose hair during chemotherapy?
Yes, most patients lose hair during chemotherapy, but it is temporary, and all of them regain hair within a year.
Cancer affects the whole family, not just the patient. So it is of utmost importance to spread this awareness and diagnose cancer early and prevent mortality caused due to breast cancer.
Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital, Dr B.R. Ambedkar Circle, Mangalore
