[ad_1]
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020 – Self-exam done at home can help in early diagnosis of breast cancer. Women who are at increased risk for breast cancer should seek medical assistance.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020: Early Diagnosis Can Help Treat Breast Cancer Early
HIGHLIGHT
- October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Breast self-exam can be done at home to check for symptoms.
- A lump in the breast is the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer
The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in Indian women. More than two thirds of breast cancer patients in India present at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. Early detection of breast cancer is the “cornerstone of breast cancer control,” as described by the World Health Organization.
What should women keep in mind?
Women should be aware of the important risk factors that can lead to the development of breast cancer.
-Family history of breast cancer in first degree relatives
-Early age of menarche (<12 yrs) or late menopause (>55 years)
-First birth at a later age and lack of breastfeeding
-A sedentary lifestyle and associated obesity
-Use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020: Early Menstruation May Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Photo credit: iStock
Breast Self-Exam (BSE)
Breast self-exam (BSE) is a procedure in which a woman routinely examines her breasts for any abnormal swelling or lumps and seek immediate medical attention. A woman can perform BSE once a month when her breasts are less tender, usually 5-10 days from the first day of her last menstrual period. Women who no longer have periods can do a self-exam any day of the month.
Breast self-exam can be done while standing in front of the mirror while lying down or while showering. The fingertips are used to feel the breasts to get an idea of what a normal breast feels like. Abnormalities can be detected only once the woman is aware of what is normal. The right hand can be used for the left breast and vice versa. The self-exam can be performed by making circular movements with the fingertips covering the entire breast from top to bottom and from side to side. Being aware of and getting to know one’s body better and noticing any abnormal changes early is the key to BSE.
Also read: Breast Cancer: What Puts You At Higher Risk For Breast Cancer? Learn some prevention steps
Clinical breast exam
The clinical breast exam (NDE) is performed by a doctor to look for any lumps or signs of breast cancer in women. Women who have any associated risk factors for breast cancer, but cannot notice any changes on their own, can undergo CBE by an experienced healthcare professional to detect any signs of early changes in breast cancer. CBE is also performed as the first exam in women who have any symptoms of breast cancer, such as a lump, pain, discharge from the nipple, etc.
Women who see a doctor for a breast exam seem to be more aware of breast cancer and, in the process, also learn about proper self-examination methods and breast cancer in general. Women with a family history of breast cancer or any signs or symptoms of early breast cancer should undergo CBE as a preliminary evaluation before undergoing mammography or other screening modalities.
Also Read: Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020: Early Detection Can Help Save Lives, Here’s How
Mammogram for the detection of breast cancer
Mammography is the most common breast cancer screening modality used worldwide. It uses low-dose x-rays to capture images of the breast in the form of an x-ray. Then a radiologist looks at these radiographs (x-ray images) to look for calcification or opacity in the breast tissue. A final report is generated based on your observation and a BIRADS score is given, which labels a breast tissue as normal, benign, or malignant.
In mammography, breast tissue is compressed between two x-ray films to enhance the contrast of the radiographic image. The whole process can be cumbersome at times or perhaps painful for some women. (We can put a number for the same)
Mammography has been shown to be beneficial in detecting early-stage breast cancer and reducing deaths associated with breast cancer. However, there are some limitations of mammography that are not helpful in young women with dense breasts. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like India, mammography poses other challenges such as cost, lack of expert radiologists, and sociocultural stigma.
Promoted
(Dr. Chandan Kumar is a consultant oncologist at Niramai Health Analytix and a consultant oncologist at AIIMS)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, adequacy or validity of the information in this article. All information is provided as is. The information, facts or opinions that appear in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for them.
