Horizon Prime Hospital - Thane

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect the woman diagnosed; it can also have significant effects on her family. In 2022, 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer, leading to 6,70,000 deaths. This disease can occur in women of any age after puberty, but the likelihood increases as they get older. Each year, approximately 30% of all newly identified cancers in women are breast cancers.

Breast cancer arises when abnormal cells in the breast start to grow uncontrollably and form lumps called tumours. If not treated promptly, these tumours can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening. Initially, cancer cells typically develop within the milk ducts or lobules of the breast. The earliest stages are usually not fatal and can often be detected early on. However, if left untreated, these cells may invade surrounding tissues and lymph nodes.

The treatment for breast cancer varies depending on individual circumstances but generally includes surgery, radiation therapy, and medication. During treatment—such as surgery or chemotherapy—a woman’s ability to fulfil her roles as a daughter, wife, mother or mother-in-law is often significantly hindered due to side effects like body changes and difficulties with intimacy.

Dr Ria Vaidya from Horizon Group of Hospitals in Thane notes that breast cancer is increasingly affecting younger women rather than just older ones as it once was perceived. Thanks to advancements in technology and greater access to healthcare services, doctors can now detect this disease more quickly while raising awareness about early diagnosis.

Interestingly, over a decade ago, most cases were diagnosed in women aged 50-64; now younger women in their 20s and 30s are at higher risk. Dr. Vaidya highlights that urban Indian women’s rates of breast cancer have risen steadily over time—now surpassing cervical cancer as the most commonly diagnosed type among them—with a concerning five-year mortality rate remaining high at around 50%, mainly due to late-stage diagnoses.

In many Indian families—whether rural or urban—the social structure tends to be patriarchal; thus many women find themselves relying on male family members for decisions about their health care, which contrasts sharply with how empowered women approach health matters in wealthier Western societies.

According to research by India’s apex medical research body ICMR, Indian women diagnosed with breast cancer have a five-year survival rate of just 66.4%. This statistic reflects those who survive five years post-diagnosis without considering other causes of death.

Breast cancer constitutes roughly one-quarter of all female cancers and has become particularly prevalent among urban populations where patients diagnosed early stand a much better chance—4 times more likely—to reach that five-year milestone compared to those whose cancers are discovered later when they’re more advanced.

While improvements have been made over time regarding detection rates in India compared to developed countries like the United States—which boasts a survival rate nearing 90%, delays in diagnosis coupled with limited treatment options still contribute significantly towards lower survival outcomes here.

Dr. Manali Shilotri emphasizes that various lifestyle factors contribute towards increasing risks for developing this illness, such as reduced breastfeeding practices or delaying childbirth—all linked back towards hormonal influences, related specifically toward breast tissue development during critical periods throughout life stages including early menarche or late menopause which cannot be changed but managed through healthier living choices such as diet modifications alongside stress reduction techniques amongst others!

As awareness grows around symptoms associated with potential issues arising within breasts—from lumps appearing unexpectedly, through changes seen visually—it’s crucial every woman learns how best to assess her health regularly via self-examinations! 

 Steps for Performing Breast Self-Examination:

1. Choose Regular Timing: Pick one day each month post-menstrual cycle.
2. Visual Check: Stand before a mirror examining your breasts for size/shape alterations.
3. Arm Movement: Raise arms overhead while observing any visible differences again.
4. Feel For Abnormalities: Lie down flat using three fingers gently circling each entire breast checking for lumps.
5. Nipple Review: Observe nipples closely looking out for unusual discharge/position shifts.
6. Seek Medical Advice If Needed!: Any noticeable changes should prompt an immediate consultation!

Regular self-exams empower you to take control over your health allowing earlier detection which saves lives! Remember screening tests like mammograms play an essential role too—they’ve proven effective at catching potential problems before they escalate further into serious conditions requiring extensive treatments later down the road!

Moreover, newer ultrasound tests known as sonomammography provide a non-invasive method of detecting abnormalities efficiently without causing pain either! 

Recent recommendations suggest that people should start annual screenings at the age of forty instead of fifty. This change highlights the importance of prevention, especially since younger people are increasingly affected by this condition. Early detection leads to better outcomes. Understanding options like lumpectomy and mastectomy, as well as risk factors, is crucial for making informed decisions. This knowledge helps us face the challenges of this illness together, working towards a brighter future without the fear of daily uncertainties.

To sum up, performing breast self-examination (BSE) is crucial for women’s health. It allows women to take charge of their health by helping them detect breast cancer early, which can lessen worry and improve their overall wellness. By making BSE a regular part of their monthly habits, women can play an active role in safeguarding their health and possibly save lives. Remember, spotting issues early is essential, and BSE is a key method to do that.

Another important test for checking breast abnormalities is sonomammography. This ultrasound procedure is painless, non-invasive, and has no side effects while effectively identifying breast cancer. Recently, the United States Preventive Services Task Force updated its recommendations due to a concerning increase in breast cancer cases among younger women. This task force is one of several leading independent groups that provide guidelines on breast cancer screenings. They now suggest that women begin annual mammogram screenings at age 40 instead of the previous recommendation of 50.

Dr Manali Shilotri emphasizes the importance of annual screenings, stating that smaller tumours are easier to treat successfully with less invasive methods and better outcomes for quality of life. Breast cancers found in younger women often grow more rapidly; thus, those diagnosed in their 40s tend to face more aggressive forms of the disease.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) also advises all women to have a breast cancer risk assessment by age 30. Indian women need to grasp the significance of these screenings and not delay until cancer reaches advanced stages. Dr. Shilotri notes that when caught early enough, breast cancer can be nearly completely curable with fewer intense treatments or surgeries.

Mammograms and screening have been life-saving for millions by detecting cancers early on. Dr Shilotri further explains that if detected early enough, doctors can perform a lumpectomy—a surgery aimed at removing only the tumour or abnormal tissue while preserving most of the breast’s appearance—unlike mastectomy which removes all breast tissue.

While lumpectomy carries some risks like bleeding or infection and may change how your breast looks if a large area is removed, studies show it followed by radiation therapy can be just as effective as mastectomy in preventing the recurrence of early-stage cancers.

Breast cancer symptoms vary but often don’t appear until later stages; hence why early detection matters so much! Symptoms might include lumps or thickening in the breast without pain, changes in size or shape, skin alterations like dimpling or redness around the nipple area, or unusual discharge from nipples.

If you notice any abnormal lumps—even if they’re not painful—seek medical advice promptly since most lumps aren’t cancerous but those that are are easier to treat when small and localized.

Diagnosis typically starts with an examination where healthcare professionals check your breasts visually and physically for any irregularities, followed by imaging tests like mammograms or ultrasounds if needed. If something looks suspicious during these tests, a biopsy will be performed where tissue samples are taken from your breasts for lab analysis confirming whether it’s cancerous.

Once diagnosed with breast cancer, staging helps determine how far it has spread—from stage 0 (contained within ducts) up to stage 4 (spread beyond breasts). Treatment options depend on type and extent but usually start with surgery followed by other therapies such as radiation or chemotherapy tailored specifically based on individual needs.

Radiation therapy plays an essential role; it may prevent mastectomies in earlier stages while reducing recurrence risks even after surgery for advanced cases too.

Conclusion

Thanks to better technology and greater awareness, we can now diagnose and treat breast cancer earlier than before. However, there are still some hurdles to overcome. If we come together and adopt a well-rounded strategy, we can help lessen the impact of breast cancer and boost survival rates for every woman. Let’s work on this together!