Breast cancer cases are increasing day by day across the world. In India, breast cancer has become the most common cancer among women. In developed countries, the cure rate for breast cancer is around 80–90%, whereas in India it is only about 66%. Although there are several reasons for this difference, lack of awareness among the general public is a major one.
In India, breast cancer is most commonly detected in women between the ages of 45 and 50. It can also occur in adolescents, the elderly, pregnant women, and women who have never given birth.
A lump in the breast, a swelling in the armpit, a change in skin color, puckering of the breast skin, bloody or blood-stained discharge from the nipple, and a change in the size or shape of the breast are the main symptoms of breast cancer. In patients whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms such as bone pain, breathing difficulty, and jaundice may appear.
To diagnose breast cancer, tests such as biopsy/needle test, ultrasound, mammography, CT scan, and PET scan are used. Screening mammography works by compressing the breasts between two plates and passing X-ray rays through them so that a cancerous lump can be detected before it becomes large enough to be seen or felt. For people above 40 years of age, a breast examination by a specialist every two years is useful. For those above 50 years of age, a breast examination by a specialist and screening mammography every two years is beneficial.
The rapid rise of breast cancer in India is due not only to a lack of awareness of symptoms and diagnosis, but also to a lack of awareness about treatment. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy are the pillars of breast cancer treatment. Depending on the stage, one or more of these treatments may be needed. Incomplete treatment increases the chance of recurrence. It is essential to consult a specialist without delay and complete the full course of treatment.
By adopting a healthy lifestyle free of bad habits, developing awareness about cancer, and moving forward in a timely manner, we can all contribute our small part to controlling the spread of cancer.