Reports by NICPR (National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research) suggest that the estimated number of people living with cancer in India, as of November 2019, is approximately 25 lakh. Also, more than 11 lakh new cancer patients get registered in our country every year. Cancer of oral cavity in males and breast cancer in females are the most commonly diagnosed cancer in India. If we don’t create awareness against this deadly disease, we are not far away from cancerocalypse.
Now let’s talk about the most prominent cancer that plagues female health in our country - Breast cancer. Breast cancer is the duplication of tissue cells and out of control growth in the breast. It affects both men and women but is more common in women. According to Globocan data 2018, breast cancer accounts for 14% of all cancers in Indian females. Its high time to create awareness regarding this deadliest disease to prevent further loss of life.
What is Breast Cancer Awareness And How Is It Important?
You know what they say, ‘knowledge is power.’ Awareness means education, educating yourself, and understanding the causes or symptoms or risks of breast cancer will only help you make more healthy and more informed as to what to do if you’re diagnosed. Breast cancer awareness will help you make the right and healthy choice in your life.
People were not aware of it, but with the rise in breast cancer, everyone has realized its importance, and that’s why the month of October is celebrated as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” all around the world. The month is dedicated to all those courageous breast cancer survivors. This month also helps in raising funds that will provide proper medical attention to patients that are diagnosed with breast cancer. But the essential purpose of “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” is to educate people. All the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and preventions related to breast cancer are mentioned below:
Risk Factors
One of the primary factors that cause breast cancer in women is her age. Most breast cancers are found in women ages 55 and older. Given below are the list of uncontrollable factors that might increase the risk of attaining breast cancer:
- Family History: If your sister or mother had a history of breast cancer or are currently suffering from it, then the chances are, you might also develop this disease.
- Breast lumps- If you have some non-cancerous breast lumps, then you are more likely to develop cancer later on in your life.
- Unhealthy lifestyle and Obesity: If you are a woman who is an extreme smoker, eat an unhealthy diet, drink alcohol, then you are at more risk of developing breast cancer. Also, being overweight can be the reason of developing breast cancer.
- Estrogen exposure – if your menarche started earlier or entered menopause later, then you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer as your body has been exposed to estrogen for a longer duration.
Signs And Symptoms
Every woman should know how her breasts usually look and feel so that if any changes might occur, she can recognize it. Given below are the symptoms that might lead to breast cancer:
- Swelling or thickening of all or part of the breast
- Lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
- Dimpling or skin irritation of breast skin
- Redness of the nipple or breast skin
- Any recognizable change in the size or shape of the breast
- Change in skin texture
- Constant breast pain
- Discharge from nipple (other than breast milk)
Preventions
Here are the things that you can do to prevent to prevent breast cancer:
- If your breast looks different or doesn’t feel right, then you should consult the doctor.
- In case you have a family history of breast cancer, then get your mammography done. It is a radiographic technique that helps in detecting irregularities in the breast tissue so that you can cure it at an early stage.
- Maintain healthy body weight by exercising and adding vegetables and fruits in your diet.
- If you are a new mother, it is advisable to breastfeed your child for at least one year.
- Moderate alcohol consumption and smoking.
Educate yourself and, just like polio, help build a cancer-free world.
