By Dr Harish

Mangaluru, Oct 14: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type affecting women in India and accounts for 14% of all cancers in women.

According to Globocan 2018 data, 1,62,468 new breast cancer cases have been registered and 87,090 deaths occurred last year.

The incidence rates begin to rise in the early thirties and peak at ages 50-64 years.

One in 28 women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime. One in 22 women in urban areas and one in 60 in rural areas is likely to develop breast cancer.

Breast cancer awareness month

October is breast cancer awareness month, and an annual campaign is held to educate people about breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer. This disease has become a major problem all across the world including India.

Why breast cancer awareness is important?

1. One of the most widely prevalent cancers
2. Cancer with high mortality
3. Screening and early detection possible
4. Easily treatable and good treatment available
5. Can prevent mortality if detected early

Many countries around the world have achieved a great success through health awareness programmes which is need of the hour in a country like India.

Breast cancer affects women both in the developed and the developing countries. It can occur at any age but it is most common in women above the age of 40 years. The average age of developing breast cancer has also undergone a significant shift from 50 - 70 years to 30 - 50 years.

Risk Factors:

• Family history: Women whose mother or sister had breast cancer carry a higher risk of developing this disease.
• Breast lumps: Women who have had some type of non-cancerous breast lumps are more likely to develop cancer later on.
• Dense breast tissue: Women with dense breast tissue have a higher chance of developing breast cancer.
• Age: As women get older, they are at higher risk of breast cancer.
• Diet and lifestyle choices: Women who smoke, eat high fat diet, drink alcohol are more at risk of developing breast cancer.
• Obesity: Overweight women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
• Hormonal factors: Women who started having periods earlier or entered menopause later than usual are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. This is because their bodies have been exposed to oestrogen for longer duration.
• Parity: nulliparous women> multiparous women, child after 30 years of age.
• Radiation Exposure: Frequent exposure to X-Rays and CT scans may give rise to chances in developing breast cancer.

The best solution is early detection as it is the key to prevention.

The key factors for early detection

1. Any suspicious lump - Visit the doctor preferably an oncologist
2. Self-examination of breast
3. Regular visit to an oncologist in case of strong family history
4. B/l Mammogram after the age of 40 years

Tips for Breast Cancer Prevention

• Healthy lifestyle - Regular exercise, healthy eating habits and reducing fat intake
• Addition of vegetables and fruits in diet helps in maintaining a healthy body weight
• For new mothers, it is advisable to breastfeed their child at least for one year
• Avoiding smoking or drink alcohol in excess

Busting the breast cancer myths

‘A lump in your breast means you have breast cancer’ - Only a small percentage of lumps in the breast are cancerous. But if there is a persistent lump in the breast or any change in the breast tissue, always consult a doctor for a clinical breast exam.

‘If you have a family history of breast cancer, you will develop breast cancer, too’ - Only around 10% of individuals having breast cancer have a family history of this disease. Most women who are diagnosed with cancer have no family history.

‘Breast cancer is contagious’- Breast cancer can neither spread from someone nor can be transferred to someone. It is a non-communicable disease which results from uncontrolled cell growth of the breast tissue.

‘A mammogram can cause spread of breast cancer’ - A mammogram or X-ray of breast helps in early detection of breast cancer. It requires a very small dose of radiation. The risk of harm from this radiation is extremely low.

Dr Harish EMS, MCh (surg onco)
Consultant Surgical Oncologist
KMC Hospitals
Mangaluru