Preventing Breast Cancer

DID YOU KNOW?

• Breast cancer is the third leading cause of cancer mortality among women in India. 19,900 or 10.2% of all cancer deaths in women in 2010 were breast cancer cases. The age for these women was reported to be 30 to 69.
• The risk of developing breast cancer in women increases with age. A women in her 60s is far more likely to develop the disease than a woman in 20s.
• Early menarche (initiation of menstrual cycles at an early age) and late age menopause contribute to the risk factors for breast cancer.
• Late age at first pregnancy, fewer children, shorter duration of breast-feeding and hereditary gene defects apart from hormone replacement therapies and obesity contribute to the risk factors for breast cancer.
• Women with a family history of breast cancer has 2 to 3 times greater risk of developing the disease.
• Worldwide, 21% of all breast cancer deaths occur because of alcohol use, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity.
• Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances of cure by a great margin.
• There are 3 methods by which early detection is possible, viz., mammography, clinical examination, and self-examination after consulting an expert.
• The chances of men developing a breast cancer is very less. Women are 100 times more likely to develop the disease.
• The most common form of breast cancer, called ductal carcinoma, begins in the tubes (ducts) moving milk from the breast to the nipples. The other type, called lobular carcinoma, occurs in regions that produce milk.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BREAST CANCER?

Initially, there are no visible or apparent symptoms. As the cancer develops, the first detectable symptom is a lump in the breast, which has a distinctive feeling from the rest of the surrounding breast tissues. Estimates suggest that women detect the lump themselves in 80% of the breast cancer cases.

Swollen bumps or festering sores may develop on the skin during the advanced stages of the disease. The skin may also become dimpled and leathery, like an orange skin, or may have ridges.

The breast may become warm, red and swollen in case of inflammatory breast cancer. The nipples may also invert (turn inward) and there may be discharges from the nipple.

CAN I PREVENT IT?

Prevention along with early diagnosis has been proposed by experts as the way ahead in fighting the scourge of breast cancers throughout the world. Some of the long term measures to prevent the disease include control of certain modifiable risk factors. Promotion of healthy diet and physical activity, measured alcohol consumption, and controlling overweight and obesity are some of the important steps one can take to avoid the occurrence of the disease.

In low and middle income countries like India, early detection remains one of the most important strategies to prevent breast cancer mortality. Although mammography is the only screening method that can conclusively detect breast cancer, it involves elaborate resource settings which include the availability of expensive and latest technology apart from highly experienced technicians and doctors. Mammography is usually recommended to those who have a family history of breast cancer. As an alternative, a clinical examination by a breast specialist at regular intervals helps in early detection of the disease. Also, breast self-examination (BSE) is being promoted as a viable practice to help empower women and drive them to take greater care of their health.

References:

1. Cancer Mortality in India - The Lancet
2. Anderson BO et al. (2008). Guideline implementation for breast healthcare in low-income and middle-income            countries: overview of the Breast Health Global Initiative Global Summit 2007
3. Danaei G et al. (2005). Causes of cancer in the world: comparative risk assessment of nine behavioural and environmental risk factors. Lancet, 366, 1784-93
4. Cancer control: knowledge into action: WHO guide for effective programmes: early detection - WHO (2007)
5. The global burden of disease: 2004 update - WHO (2008).