The month of October is recognized as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year and the main motive is to spread awareness about the same, as well as sensitize people for its early detection and treatment. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), “There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008). Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries.”
What is breast cancer?
The Indian Cancer Society explains that Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and continue to gather, forming a lump or mass. The cells may spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Breast cancer mostly begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma) or in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Interestingly, breast cancer occurs mostly in women, but men may be a victim of it too since they have breast tissue as well.
What are the causes and risk factors?
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known yet. However, studies have shown that hormonal changes, lifestyle, and other environmental factors can be responsible for increasing the risk of breast cancer.
Risk factors as listed out by the Indian Cancer society include:
- Increasing Age
- A Personal History of Breast Conditions
- A Personal History of Breast Cancer
- A Family History of Breast Cancer
- Inherited Genes that Increase Cancer Risk
- Radiation Exposure
- Obesity
- Early Menstruation or Late Menopause.
- Having the First Child at an Older Age
- Never Had a Pregnancy
- Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy
- Drinking alcohol
- Being Physically Inactive
- Long Term Use of Oral Contraceptives
- Dense Breasts
- Smoking
Looking for the symptoms
Every female knows how a normal breast looks and if something is abnormal, they need to consult an expert immediately. Here are some of the symptoms you can look for, as stated by the Indian Cancer Society so that treatment can be provided without any delay:
- A lump in the breast or underarm (most common symptom)
- An inverted nipple (newly developed)
- Change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast.
- Peeling, scaling, crusting, or flaking of the area of skin surrounding the nipple or breast skin.
- Redness or pitting of the skin over the breast (like the peel of an orange).
- Bloody or clear discharge from the nipple.
- Swelling, warmth, redness, or darkening on the breast.
- Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple.
Remember, most breast lumps are not cancerous, however, consult your doctor immediately for the confirmation. “Early detection of breast cancer is important as it provides several treatment options, increased survival, and good quality of life. Early detection provides the best chance of effective treatment. When Breast cancer is found early, when it’s small in size and has not spread, it is easier to treat successfully.”
Breast Cancer and COVID-19
With the widespread global pandemic, COVID-19, some people are at a higher risk than others and cancer patients are amongst them. For the same reason, breast cancer patients need to be extra precautions. Chemotherapies, immunotherapy can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of complications.
Medical facilities are available to serve patients other than those suffering from COVID-19. Therefore, if you suspect any abnormalities in your breasts or present any of the aforementioned symptoms, seek medical help immediately to avoid further complications. Tele-consultation is being prioritized to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospitals or clinics and that’s the best way you can reach out to a doctor without fearing the chances of contracting the virus.
If you have on-going treatments or therapies, follow up with your doctor, take all the precautions very strictly while visiting the doctor, and do not skip your medications. Apart from this, stay active at home and keep your immune system boosted. Keep yourself engaged and practice mindful activities to keep away from stress. Avoid stepping out unless extremely necessary.
There are several options available to treat breast cancer if it is diagnosed early. If delayed, the cancer cells are more likely to spread in other areas of the body and further worsening the condition. Also, apart from the patients, it is the responsibility of the family members, friends, and relatives to keep the person motivated and to cheer them up.
