Protect against breast cancer in simple steps

All women fear being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, there is still hope in the fight against this dreaded disease.

Advances in prevention, early detection and treatment have resulted in better survival rates. The oncologist specialist team at BNH HCG Cancer Center, a unit of HCG - Dr. Bhavana Parikh, Consultant, Medical Oncologist, Dr. Deepak Patkar, Consultant, Radiologist and Dr. Sanjay Dudhat, Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, help us understand breast cancer in simpler way.

Breast cancer symptoms such as lumps, discharge, pain and abnormalities on mammograms are extremely common. Although only a small percentage of these symptoms turn out to be caused by cancer, they produce a great deal of anxiety and worry among women.

Important facts

All women and some men are at risk of breast cancer.

1 out of 22 women is diagnosed with breast cancer in India. In fact, one women is diagnosed with the disease every 6.5 minutes.

The risk of breast cancer increases with age.

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no other known risk factors.

Around 8 to 10% breast cancer cases have hereditary or familial association.

When women face a possibly life-threatening condition, they wish to have the best possible care.

Earlier is easier

Although there is no absolute method to prevent cancer, we do know that early detection can save lives and require the least amount of medical intervention.

Warning signs

See your doctor if you notice any of these things in your breast:

Lump or thickening

Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

Change in the size or shape

Dimpling or puckering of the skin

Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple

Nipple discharge recent onset

What you can do

Perform monthly breast self-examination on the same day of every month.

Have a clinical breast examination every 6-12 months by your physician.

Have a yearly Mammogram starting at age of 40, or earlier if you have a family history of cancer.

Breast self-examination

Look:

Standing in front of the mirror.

Arms at your side

Arms above your head

Hands on your waist with your chest muscle tensed

Feel:

Lying down on your back with a pillow under your shoulder and your arm above your head.

Used the pads of your fingers and examine the breast tissue in a vertical pattern with a firm and gentle touch.

Examine all of the breast tissue from the collarbone, to the rib cage, to the breastbone, to the armpit.

Read more Personal Health, Diet & Fitness stories on www.healthmeup.com

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/Protect-against-breast-cancer-in-simple-steps/articleshow/21420998.cms

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