Breast Health Issues - Myths And Facts

Unless people experience cancer in their own lives or someone close to them, they might have some myths about the disease, who gets it, why and how. On International Breast cancer Awareness month, ETV Bharat Sukhibhava spoke to Dr P. Raghu Ram in an exclusive interview, here is what he has to say about the myths of the disease.

October is world over recognized as International Breast cancer Awareness month. Pink Ribbon is a symbol used to create awareness about importance of early detection of breast cancer, salute survivors, and equally, spread the message of Hope, Courage and Survival in the fight against breast cancer.

ETV Bharat Sukhibhava was in conversation with Dr P. Raghu Ram,MS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (Edin), FRCS (Glasg), FRCS (Irel), Hon FRCS (Thailand), FACS,for more insights on the same.

WORLD WIDE STATISTICS

World over, with 2.1 million new cases every year, Breast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women. Every year 650, 000 women succumb to the disease worldwide.

INDIA STATISTICS

With over 162, 000 new cases being diagnosed annually, the incidence of Breast cancer has overtaken Cervical cancer to become the most common cancer affecting women in India. For every two patients diagnosed with breast cancer in India, one dies of it. Some 87, 000 women succumb to Breast cancer every year & a woman succumbs to breast cancer every 10 minutes in India. More than 60% present in advanced stages. Lack of awareness & absence of organized nationwide population-based Breast cancer screening program are the main reasons accounting for late presentation.

MYTH

Most breast lumps are cancers

FACT

9 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancers. However, it is vitally important to visit a specialist is there are any new changes in the breast. A triple assessment – i.e. clinical breast examination, bilateral mammography and ultrasound and preferably an ultrasound guided core needle biopsy will be able to accurately determine whether a lump in the breast is benign or cancerous.

MYTH

Breast cancer affects only older women

FACT

Although majority of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 in the western world, it can in fact occur at any age. It is alarming to note that breast cancer is increasingly being diagnosed at a much earlier age in India. Most breast cancers in India are diagnosed between the ages of 40 – 60 years.

MYTH

Breast cancer does not occur in men

FACT

Many people are unaware that men can develop breast cancer because they do not think men have breasts. In fact, both men and women have breast tissue. It is important to be aware that a small proportion of men do get breast cancer each year.

Although precise statistics in India are unknown, approximately 300 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men each year in the United Kingdom (approximately 1% of breast cancers)

MYTH

We know what causes breast cancer

FACT

We do not know what causes breast cancer. There are however well recognized risk factors. Being a woman and increasing age are the two most important factors

Other known risk factors are:

• Previously diagnosed breast cancer in the same or other breast
• Strong Family history of breast cancer (close relatives with breast cancer)
• Early onset of menstrual period (before age 12)
• Late menopause (after age 55)
• Not having children and having first child after age 30
• Long term use of Hormone replacement therapy
• Obesity (overweight particularly after menopause)

MYTH

If you have a risk factor for getting breast cancer, you are likely to get the disease

FACT

The risk of getting breast cancer is not a certainty, even if you have one of the strongest risk factors

Breast cancer facts

For more info, visitwww.ubf.org.in,www.breastcancerindia.org