Awareness combats this, say experts!
We have just seen Breast Cancer Awareness Month pass. A global campaign involving thousands of organizations to promote the importance of breast cancer. This article is important not only for women but also for men, because breast cancer can occur in MEN too!
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women today. It is surprising that cancer, which is so easily diagnosed by the patient himself, is so often neglected that it is already too late by the time patients come to the doctor!
WHAT IS BREAST CANCER? Put simply, when the well-regulated cells of the breast begin to have tantrums and divide rampantly, it is called cancer. It is called localized disease when it is confined to the chest and becomes stage 4 disease when it spreads to other parts of the body.
Any swelling in the chest or armpit is the most common manifestation. This swelling usually increases in size and most of the time there is NO pain. The lack of pain is one of the main reasons patients ignore this symptom. Any discharge from the nipple can also be suspicious for cancer. Observed changes in the skin of the breast / dimples or a recent change in breast shape or retraction of the nipple may be signs of cancer.
Breast cancer cannot be prevented, but the best protection is early detection. All women should a Self-breast examination (several tech videos available on YouTube) each month to check for symptoms. If in doubt, you should meet an onco surgeon and have yourself examined.
A mammogram can detect breast cancer as early as stage 0! It is a very simple, quick and inexpensive examination that is life saving and every woman after 45 years of age should have an annual mammogram.
Be aware of the breast! Cancer doesn’t matter, so YOU have to!
Dr. Digvijoy Sharma, Senior Physician – Gastroenterology – Surgery, Oncology & Dr. Naresh Jadhav, Senior Physician – Medical Oncology, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Guwahati
Thank You For Reading!
Reference: www.narayanahealth.org
