Studies show that about 33% of women do not check their breasts often for signs and symptoms of breast cancer and are the ones putting their lives at risk. Women of all age groups can suffer from Breast Cancer anytime. Though not everyone is diagnosed with a breast cancer. As per a survey, Black women were the least likely to be affected compared to Japanese women who were mostly diagnosed with stage I breast cancer. Many researchers across the globe are engaged in finding a cure for all cancers, especially Breast cancer because of its high prevalence. Researchers are in-search of solutions for breast cancer from each and every angle, trying to understand the factors causing cancer, why it advances and how it spreads to different parts of the body.
1. What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is described as a medical condition that begins with the development of a small lump like structure inside any of the 2 breasts. It is also called as microcalcifications caused due to certain calcium deposits that spread through different channels present inside the breast that goes through the lymph nodes and passing through blood streams of other organs. These tumors may grow bigger and may damage surrounding tissues of the breast. There are various types of breast cancers that grow and spread at different speed as some may be quick and some may take years to grow.
2. Who gets a Breast Cancer?
Age is one of the most important risk factor for breast cancer. Older woman are at greater risk of developing the disease. It is said that 1 in 8 women can get affected with Breast cancer once in their lifetime. Men can also get breast cancer but that is very rare. Other risks are ethnicity & race, family history, reproductive factors, pregnancy, Radiation exposure, Previous abnormal breast biopsy, Diethylstilbestrol (DES), long term use of hormonal therapies, obesity, higher intake of alcohol, less physical activity.
3. What are the signs of Breast Cancer? Am I suffering from one?
Often there are no external signs of breast cancer that you can see or feel. The most common external sign includes a lump, an area of clotting, or a hollow in the breast, breast swelling and redness or an inflamed underarm lymph node. Remember that most breast lumps turn out to be benign i.e. non-cancerous. But it is necessary to visit the doctor if you find any unusual lump in your breasts.
4. What happens in Breast Cancer Screening?
Breast Cancer screening is an x-ray examination of the breasts, known as a mammogram. It helps in detecting breast cancer before there are any visible signs or symptoms. The quicker the breast cancer is diagnosed the more effective treatment can be given.
5. Is a BSE – Breast Self-Exam necessary for every woman?
Breast self-exam (BSE) is widely accepted as a method that can help women find breast cancer much early as early detection will save lives. Every Women should do a BSE once a month. Look for any variations in breast tissue, such as changes in size, feeling a palpable lump, unevenness or puckering of the breast, reversal of the nipple, redness or scaliness of the breast skin or nipple/areola area, or discharge of secretions from the nipple.
6. How is Breast Cancer Treated?
The aim of a breast cancer treatment is to completely remove the cancer cells and the lump along with some of the surrounding tissues. Breast cancer surgeries vary depending on the amount of healthy tissues removed along with the tumor. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, are some of the types of treatments performed for removal of cancerous cells or the lump based upon the state of cancer and the type found.
7. Can I prevent breast cancer?
There is nothing much that you can do to guarantee that you do not get breast cancer. But studies show that there are some lifestyle adoptions that appear to help reduce breast cancer risks. Few things that can help maintain a healthy life is eating a good diet that is low in animal fat and high in whole grains and fruits and vegetables, losing weight, getting regular exercises and using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for shorter intervals.
Majority hospitals in India are modern, well-equipped and accredited by national and international organizations like ISO, NABH and JCI and many more that are best suited for Breast Cancer Treatments. IndianMedTrip is a leading Medical Tourism Consultant that always aims to offer cost effective & customized treatment plans for all international and local patients here in India for Breast Cancer.
Read About Symptoms and treatment for Breast Cancer at https://indianmedtrip.com/treatments/breast-cancer/