Awareness is the key To combat breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world. Among women in India it is the second most common, after cervical cancer. Awareness and resultant early detection is the key to arresting it and increasing survival rate.

“In the case of breast cancer, while a stage 1 cancer has a 98% 10-year survival rate, a stage 4 cancer has only a 16% survival rate. Unfortunately, 70% of the women who are detected are in stage 3 and 4,” says Dr Anagha Zope, exclusive breast surgeon.

It is very important for women to be 'breast aware', she says. The breast is a dynamic organ and looks and feels different each day of the menstrual cycle and in each phase of life. Women should know what is normal before they can tell what is abnormal, she adds.

“A painless lump is often ignored by women but it is more likely to be cancer than a painful lump. Women don't go to a doctor sometimes because they feel awkward to discuss their breasts or get examined. There is also a stigma attached to cancer,” says Dr Zope.

Says Dr Shailesh Talati, oncologist, “To catch breast cancer in stage 1 is unlikely unless the patient has been very regular in getting screened. The prognosis for the patient depends on the stage, size, spread and type of tumour. Some small tumours in stage 1 are very aggressive and difficult to treat.”

While men also get the disease, women are at 100 times more risk than men. “Family history is by far the major risk factor. A family history of colon or ovarian cancer also predisposes a person to breast cancer. Diet and lifestyle also have a part to play. Another cause is hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which some women go through after menopause,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Usha Bohra. 

After 40, women should take a mammogram every year. If there is a family history they could start five years before the age at which the person in their family got the tumour, says Dr Talati.

Adds Dr Bohra, “Every month after they are done with their periods, women should undertake a breast self-examination. If they find a lump they should immediately see a doctor for a clinical examination and further tests.”