One sure-fire tip to beat breast cancer!

Breast cancer is rising in developed countries. However, it can be curbed with early detection. Here is what you have to do.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, in both developed and developing countries. This type of cancer has seen a rise in the number of cases in low- and middle-income countries most probably due to increased life expectancy and urbanisation. In India, breast cancer accounts for about 25% to 33% of all cancers in women.

Astonishingly, the average age of developing breast cancer has dropped drastically (it has started affecting women between the ages of 30 to 50 as compared to earlier statistics that show the average age of developing breast cancer to be between 50 to 70 years) and over 50% of breast cancer patients in India are diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 breast cancer, which are fairly difficult to treat.

Early detection of the disease is the most effective way to treat the ailment but that doesn't happen due to lack of awareness. Sadly, patients with advanced breast cancer end up being either exposed to aggressive treatment options like chemotherapy or surgery or have to be given palliative care to ease their suffering. If breast cancer is diagnosed and treated early the chances of cure and survival rates improve significantly, making it even more important to detect its presence.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

According to Dr Jaya Ghosh, 'Breast cancer cases are increasing at an alarming rate and are estimated to double by 2025. Awareness and action (screening) among women needs to be increase if we want to be anywhere close to eradicating this disease from our country. It is imperative to increasing awareness about diagnosis, and give them the right education about breast cancer amongst women.'

How can a woman detect breast cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society's guidelines for early detection of breast cancer:

• A woman should undergo yearly mammograms starting at the age of 40. This practice should be continued for as long as the woman is healthy.
• They should get a clinical breast examination (CBE), approximately every 3 years for women in their 20s and 30s and every year for women in their 40s and over.
• Women should know how their breasts normally look and feel and should report any breast changes promptly to their health care provider. Alternatively they could perform a breast self exam (BSE) starting in their 20s.

Dr Jaya says, 'The right tests done at the right age can help in the early detection of breast cancer, thereby improving the chances of successful treatment. Some women, because of their family history, genetic tendency or certain other factors should be screened with MRI in addition to mammograms. They should talk to their doctors in order to ensure timely diagnosis and appropriate tests for treatment. A right step taken at the right time can go a long way.' (Read: Breast cancer runs in your family? Genetic assessment can help!)

'The Drive for Breast Cancer Awareness' an initiative by Bristol-Myers Squibb India, was launched in Mumbai by eminent cancer specialist to commemorate Breast cancer Awareness month.

You may also like to read:

• Breast cancer causes, symptoms, myths, diagnosis , treatment
• How to do a breast self-examination to check for cancer
• Cancer in women awareness and recognising the symptoms early is the key
• Blood cancer or leukaemia in adults lifesaving answers to your queries by Dr Shyam Agarwal
• Revealed how cancer spreads from the breast to the brain
• One sure-fire tip to beat breast cancer!
• 10 tips to cope with breast cancer
• Symptoms of cancer you shouldn't ignore
• 10 tips to detect breast cancer early
• Cervical cancer: Causes and Symptoms
• Are you at risk for ovarian cancer?

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