It's time we talked about breast cancer

Breast cancer incidents are rising phenomenally across the world. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), India will probably face a breast cancer epidemic by 2020.

It is the most common cancer among urban Indian women, accounting for 25-31% of all cancer cases in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal etc. Statistics also suggest an age shift with more than 80% of breast cancer patients being less than 60 years of age and about 50% of all patients being pre-menopausal. Late presentation in breast cancer is still rampant with almost 90% presenting when symptomatic, in stages II-B, III & V.  Shockingly, mortality rates from breast cancer in India are almost double than those in the US.

Besides clinical and medical issues, the emotional aspect of being detected with breast cancer is equally strong. The emotional trauma of a young woman is different from that of someone older; there are doubts about sex, marriage and children. Also, women are diffident to discuss such issues openly with doctors or relatives.

Contrary to common belief, the disease can be caused by a couple of factors with less than 4-7% cases attributed to genes. 38% (more than 1/3rd) of all cases are lifestyle related. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre, regular exercise and maintaining optimal weight reduces a woman’s individual breast cancer risk.

Early detection of breast cancer saves lives and breasts, as it is one of the most easily diagnosed cancers. An aware mind coupled with regular screening, helps in the detection of this disease in its early and curable stages. The need of the hour is to create awareness, thereby bringing down the presenting stage of breast cancer.

This awareness is required in both men and women because a woman with breast cancer derives strength from her spouse or from her immediate family and friends. In case of a mastectomy, where the patient looses an organ, the radiation causes hair loss. Along with this, there is a tremendous loss of self-esteem and this is when support and encouragement from people around helps.

Also, it is important to address myths and taboos associated with the disease. People sometimes feel that the radiation of the cancer patient may harm them, or that they can ‘catch’ the cancer.  In smaller places, women are afraid of mastectomy for the fear of being shunned by their family or in-laws.

But the good news is that there are many people and organisations working towards creating awareness for breast cancer. Many doctors, fitness professionals, survivors and people who have lost loved ones to this disease have dedicated their time and effort to the cause. Several events in the form of marathons, walkathons, car rallies and screening camps, workshops in schools and colleges, documentary films have been used as mediums to spread awareness about breast cancer. There is a lot being done, and a lot more needs to be done given the alarming rate at which the disease is growing among women.

The first step towards survival from this deadly disease comes from awareness and initiating annual check-ups and screening tests. After the age of 20, all women are advised to start doing self breast examination, after 30, annual checks-ups by visiting a gynaecologist or a breast surgeon is advised. Once a woman hits her 40’s, she is advised mammography, which detects the disease upto 80%, every 2 years; after 50, a mammography is advised annually. An ultrasound is done when the disease is suspected.

Despite growing concern among the medical fraternity, some people choose to ignore and walk away from this reality.

“Let us walk to the beautiful horizon where our beloved mothers, grandmothers, wives, sisters, daughters and best friends don’t have to face death and disability from this dreadful yet curable disease,” says Dr Anagha Zope, a breast surgeon from Apollo Hospital. Let us start by taking strides together to win the battle against breast cancer.

The writer is  an entrepreneur and educationist