Breast Cancer: How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Breast cancer is a serious concern for women in India. In 2020, over 2,00,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 76,000 lost their lives to the disease. Unfortunately, the situation is expected to worsen in the coming years with an estimated 2,30,000 cases of breast cancer predicted in 2025.

First of all, let us get a brief understanding of what breast cancer is.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a malignant tumour in or around breast tissue. It happens when abnormal breast cells grow out of control and form tumours. There is a myth that only women get affected with breast cancer, however it occurs both in men and women. Some early symptoms of breast cancer include a new lump in the breast or underarm, discharge from the nipple, and changes in the shape or texture of the breast or nipple.

Breast Cancer in Young Indian Women: A Glaring Reality

While breast cancer is typically observed in women over the age of 55 years, the situation is particularly alarming in India due to a steady rise in cases among younger women.

As per one of the researches, the percentage of new cases in younger women under 39 years in India is about 15.69 of all breast cancer cases until +85 years, as opposed to the global incidence of 10.96% in younger women under 39 years.

According to the top breast cancer doctors in India, along with the genetic factors and family history of breast cancer, sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, menarche (having periods at younger age) and menopause at an older age, pregnancy (becoming pregnant at an older age or never being pregnant), etc. are also to be blamed for increasing the risk of breast cancer.

Also, late diagnosis, lack of proper breast cancer awareness and the absence of screening for the at-risk population are the primary reasons behind the high mortality rates associated with breast cancer in India.

However, as it is said, every dark cloud has a silver lining. Even though the early diagnosis and best breast cancer treatment options are available, one should adopt a lifestyle and ways that help to reduce the risk of breast cancer. Let’s have a look at them:

1. Get Screened Regularly

Precaution is always better than cure. Breast self-examination is the first important step towards increasing breast awareness. It is an early detection tool that helps you to know if there are any changes in the look and feel of your breast.
Along with the breast self-examination, one should undergo regular screening tests to help detect early breast cancer. The screening test for breast cancer is called mammography which is an X-ray of the breast that shows up any abnormal lumps located in the breast. Women aged 40 and older should have a mammogram every year or as recommended by their doctor.

2. Breastfeed if Possible

Breastfeeding is not just beneficial for babies but also mothers. According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, research shows that mothers who breastfeed lower their risk of pre- and post-menopausal breast cancer. Breastfeeding promotes changes in breast cells that may make breast cancer less likely to occur and also reduces the exposure to estrogen that raises breast cancer risk.

3. Know Your Family History

Genetic factors and family history of breast cancer (inheritance of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes) can increase the risk. As per one of the researchers, having a mother, sister or daughter (first-degree relative) diagnosed with breast cancer doubles the risk of breast cancer. Also, if you have a close relative who had breast cancer, consult the best doctor for breast cancer in India about genetic testing and other options to lower your risk of breast cancer.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding smoking and staying physically active are all great ways to improve your overall health. The World Health Organization recommends that you aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week.

For breast cancer, you can take steps to lower your risk and increase your chances of survival. At Shalby Hospitals, you can get the best breast cancer treatment from experienced cancer doctors. We have world class infrastructure along with multi-disciplinary treatment approach to all types of breast cancer.