Hyderabad: Breast Cancer is on the rise in most cities in India with an incidence of 30 per lakh female population per year in urban areas said Dr. Shyny Reddy Consultant Medical Oncologists.
Addressing a press conference here today as part of the World Breast Awareness Month to discuss the theme “Early DetectioN is the key to defeat Breast Cancer “Dr/ Sjumu Reddysid that there is an alarming rise in breast cancer cases over the past few years. Knowing what to look for, being aware of the risk factors and symptoms of breast cancer can help detect breast cancer at an early stage.
She explained that detecting breast cancer at an early stage can help cure breast cancer fully in many cases and prevent mortality.
Stating that the purpose of creating breast awareness during the Breast Cancer Month which is observed in October is to educte general popultion on the risk factors symptoms and to stress on the fact that early detection is the key to prevent mortality and saving of the breast. Blaming lifestyle changes she said that increasing age and female gender are the major nonmodifiable risk factors for breast cancer. But the modifiable risk includes obesity, physical inactivity alcohol consumption. By preventing obesity, and becoming active reducing alcohol consumption and bringing in lifestyle changes like eating traditional foods, having more physical activity, breastfeeding the baby, is the key to prevention in many cases.
However, urging the woman to ensure that they always examine their breasts she said that early detection can treat the disease better. Hence she urged women to screen themselves more often as breast cancers found during screening are more likely to be smll nd confined to the breast giving a better chance for cure. She also thrust upon the need to self-breast examine at regular intervals to check for any lumps. The most effective screening strategy for breast cancer is mammography which is an X-ray examination of the breast.
She further said that women with risk factors such as changes in BRCA1, BRCA 2 genes or certain genetic syndromes should get themselves screened from a younger age.
For others screening through mammography should be done above the age of 40 years every year. Women with symptoms like a lump in the breast or armpit, change in the size or shape of the breast, or any discharge, skin changes over the breast should consult the doctor and get a diagnosis .
She said that if a patient is breast cancer positive then multi-modality treatment with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy depending upon the stage is required. She reiterated that leading a healthy lifestyle, regular screening, and compliance with treatment is the key to overcome breast cancer and lead a healthy life. On the occasion, GM Marketing Sun Oncology was also present.
Ratna Chotrani