Should you be concerned? Expert explains how to reduce your chances

Breast Cancer: Unusual discharge from the nipple can be a sign of breast cancer

The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During this month, several activities are carried out worldwide to spread the word about breast cancer, its risk factors, causes, treatment, diagnosis and much more. Breast cancer affects a large population of women these days. Early diagnosis plays an important role in the treatment of breast cancer. It can help increase survival rates. Breast cancer can affect both women and men, but it rarely affects men. For each woman, it is important to understand her risk for breast cancer individually. On the occasion of this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with different experts to understand the importance of breast cancer awareness, who is at risk, and how to manage risk.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Know Your Risk

According to WHO, Breast Cancer Awareness Month helps increase care and support for breast cancer awareness, early detection, treatment and palliative care.

Dr. Vishesh.Gumdal explains: “Early detection of breast cancer remains crucial to improve survival rate, as lower-stage cancers have higher survival rates. Early breast cancer screening is crucial to support better treatment Breast cancer at an early stage is treatable and women should consult their doctors in case of suspected breast cancer such as a breast lump, nipple discharge, etc. “

“Since the majority of breast cancer deaths come from low- and middle-income countries due to obstacles such as late diagnosis and other social barriers to accessing the health care system, it becomes even more imperative to highlight the importance of awareness. not just among women but for everyone at the community level, “adds Dr. Gumdal.

Breast cancer can be treated effectively if it is diagnosed early
Photo credit: iStock

Also Read: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020 – Early Detection Can Help Save Lives, Here’s How

Should you be worried?

Dr. PK Julka emphasizes the risk factors for breast cancer and says: “Although breast cancer can affect women of all ages, races and social classes, not all women are at risk of developing the disease. It is more common in women aged 50 and over. Similarly, a woman with a positive family history (mother, sister) is 2 to 3 times more likely to develop the disease than a woman without a family history. “

“Several risk factors are associated with the development of breast cancer including hereditary, environmental, hormonal and nutritional influences. Biological risk factors that a woman has no control over include aging, family history, mutated genes (BRCA1, BRCA2), early menstruation and late menopause, “Dr. Julka tells DoctorNDTV.

Also read: Breast Cancer: What Puts You At Higher Risk For Breast Cancer? Know some prevention steps

But doing a home breast self-exam is essential to detect any symptoms. Every woman should perform a test at home and if she detects any symptoms it is vital to consult an expert immediately. Women, who are at higher risk, should have a mammogram at least once every two years.

How to combat the risk of breast cancer?

Certain behaviors or lifestyle choices can be changed to reduce breast cancer risk, such as limiting alcohol / stopping drinking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, breastfeeding, and using birth control pills / hormone therapy under low blood pressure. supervision of a doctor. .

“A woman can reduce cancer risk by achieving and maintaining a healthy weight by balancing food intake with physical activity. Moderate to vigorous physical activity is associated with a lower risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that adults get at least 150 to 300 of moderate intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week (or a combination of these), preferably spread over the week to achieve a healthy weight, “he adds Dr. Jyoti Bajpai.

Also read: Is a mammogram test necessary to detect breast cancer?

Early detection can help increase cure rates, so all steps should be taken to make an early diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment in time.

(Dr. Vishesh.Gumdal, Medical Oncologist, American Institute of Oncology, Kamineni Hospitals, LB Nagar Hyderabad)

(Dr PK Julka, Senior Director of Oncology, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi)

(Dr. Jyoti Bajpai, Medical Oncologist, Tata Memorial Center, Mumbai)

Disclaimer: This content, which includes tips, only provides generic information. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV is not responsible for this information.