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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

  • October 04, 2021
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It's an annual international event, organized by WHO to raise awareness about the disease and its causes, prevention and care. Through this blog post, we at myHealtmeter would like to contribute to this cause by raising general public awareness on breast cancer issues and the challenges associated with them.

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer worldwide, accounting for nearly a quarter (25%) of all cancers in 2012, with an estimated 1.67 million new cancer cases diagnosed. Although the age-adjusted incidence of breast cancer in India is lower (25.8 per 100,000) than in the UK (95 per 100,000), mortality is still comparable (12.7 vs 17.1 per 100,000). This fact indicates that India is on the verge of a breast cancer epidemic.

Risk factors

Although the exact cause of breast cancer is unknown, certain risk factors make it more likely. Some of these risk factors are preventable.

1. Age

Breast cancer risk increases with age. At the age of 20, one have a 0.06 percent chance of developing breast cancer. This figure rises to 3.84 percent by the age of 70.

2. Molecular biology

Women who have certain BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are more likely to develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or both. These genes are passed down from parents to children.

3. Breast cancer history

Women who have had breast cancer before are more likely to get it again than those who have never had it.

4. Breast tissue with a high density

Breast cancer is more common in women who have dense breasts.

Symptoms:

Breast cancer usually manifests itself as a thickened area of tissue in the breast, a lump in the breast, or a lump in the armpit.

Other symptoms include:

  • Pain in the armpits or breasts that do not vary with the monthly cycle
  • Pitting or redness of the breast skin, similar to the surface of an orange
  • A rash on or near one of the nipples
  • A discharge from a nipple that may or may not contain blood
  • A sunken or inverted nipple
  • A change in the breast's size or shape

Prevention

Certain lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk of both breast and other types of cancer. Among them are:

  • Everyone should strive to maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight raises the risk of many cancers, including breast cancer, especially after menopause.
  • Maintain a balanced diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables & avoid alcohol consumption.
  • Women who exercise for at least 30 minutes per day have a lower risk of breast cancer.
  • Breastfeeding for one year or more (for all children) reduces the risk of breast cancer.

According to studies, mammography screening for breast cancer saves lives. It can aid in the early detection of cancer when it is most treatable. Regular mammograms can begin at age 40 for most women, but specific recommendations vary depending on age and risk.

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