Rising problem of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a significant health concern for women around the world, with alarming statistics that emphasize the importance of early detection and awareness. In India, the situation is particularly critical, with a high incidence rate and a startling number of lives lost to this disease. Some of important statistical fact about breast cancer are:
- Every 4 Minutes, a Woman is Diagnosed with Breast Cancer globally
- A Woman Loses Her Life Every 8 Minutes because of breast cancer.
- For Every 2 Women Diagnosed, 1 die because of it.
- Each year, India witnesses a distressing 1.78 lakh new cases and 90,000 deaths because of breast cancer. Highest Age-Adjusted Rates in Delhi
- Breast Cancer Accounts for 13.5% of All Cancer Cases and 10.65% of all cancer related deaths.
- The Risk of Breast Cancer for a female is 2.8.
- American cancer society reported that chances of a woman being diagnosed with breast cancer are 1 in 8. However, in India, the risk is 1 in 28 women. While the risk is lower in India, the sheer population size means that the absolute number of cases is very high
- More than 50% of breast cancer cases in India are diagnosed in stages 3 and 4.
- More cases are being reported in younger population in India.
Contributing factors:
We must understand that breast cancer is a multifactorial disease which means most of the times multiple causes are responsible rather than a single cause. Apart from non-modifiable factors like age, gender, genetics, many modifiable factors are playing increasing role for rising incidences of breast cancer.
- Fast Food culture: a diet consisting of highly processes food like pizza, burger etc and along with high sugar beverages is a commonly prevalent health hazard in today’s corporate culture.
- High Fat and low fiber diet: consumption of high fat leads to obesity which is a known risk factor for breast cancer
“a properly cooked whole grain paratha is healthier than a pizza”
“do not run behind a particular food but eat a balanced healthy diet”
- Processed meat and red meat: contain n nitroso chemicals which are known carcinogens.
- Alcohol: even in moderate amount is linked with cancer.
- Binge watching: excessive screen time because of binge watching leads to physical inactivity.
“ a real life should have more real time for family, friend & outdoor rather than excessive reel time”
- Obesity: Body mass index above 30 is obesity. Overweight and obesity are associated with 15-20% of cancer related deaths. A healthy practice should be adopted to maintain ideal body weight.
“ a healthy body doesn’t mean six packs but strong enough to do daily activities with full energy and happy mind”
- Late marriage and late age of first pregnancy: first pregnancy before age of 30 years and breast feeding are protective factors for breast cancer.
Prevention: What can we do?
- Healthy balanced diet.
- Daily calories 2000-3000. 45% – 55% from carbohydrates, 25-30% from proteins, 15-30% from fat.
- Protein requirement 1g/Kg/day.
- 400g of fresh/ vegetables per day.
- Encourage intake of Fibers and plant based diet.
- Daily Physical activity:
- One minute of moderate-intensity physical activity provides seven minutes of additional life.
- Regular exercise reduces risk of cancer by 10-20%
- 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week or 30min of exercise daily for a at least 5day in a week.
- Avoid Alcohol/ tobacco
- Screening:
- Breast Self-examination once a month and clinical breast examination
- Mammography: bilateral breast mammography every 2 yearly starting at age of 40- 50 years is very helpful in early detection and early treatment.
Rising incidence of breast cancer in India is a grave concern. The statistics presented here underscore the pressing need for increased awareness, early detection, and improved access to healthcare services. It is imperative that we collectively work towards reducing the burden of breast cancer in Indian women and society. Early detection can save lives, and spreading awareness is the first step towards achieving this goal.
To Know more about breast cancer:
Breast Cancer Awareness: Understanding, Preventing, and Detecting Breast Cancer
Breast cancer awareness is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide, with millions of new cases diagnosed each year. It occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Breast cancer awareness aims to educate people about the importance of early detection, the risks and symptoms associated with the disease, and the various prevention and treatment options available. By raising awareness, we can improve survival rates, support research efforts, and provide essential support to those affected by breast cancer.
The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness
Breast cancer awareness is crucial for several reasons:
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Early Detection Saves Lives: When breast cancer is detected early, the chances of successful treatment and survival are significantly higher. Early detection allows for more treatment options, less aggressive therapies, and a better quality of life. Awareness campaigns encourage regular screenings, such as mammograms, which can detect cancer before symptoms appear.
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Education on Risk Factors: Breast cancer awareness efforts educate people about the risk factors associated with breast cancer. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed lifestyle choices to reduce their risk. Common risk factors include age, family history, genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2), hormonal factors, obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity.
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Promoting Self-Exams and Screenings: Regular self-exams and clinical screenings are vital components of early detection. Breast cancer awareness campaigns encourage women to perform monthly breast self-exams and schedule regular mammograms, especially those at higher risk due to age or family history.
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Reducing Stigma and Fear: Awareness campaigns help reduce the stigma and fear associated with breast cancer. By normalizing conversations about breast health, more women are likely to seek medical advice, share their experiences, and support each other through their journeys.
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Supporting Research and Advocacy: Increased awareness leads to greater support for breast cancer research and advocacy efforts. Funding for research can lead to breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, ultimately saving lives and improving outcomes for patients.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is crucial for early detection. Common symptoms include:
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A Lump or Thickening: A lump in the breast or underarm area that feels different from the surrounding tissue is often the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous, but they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
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Changes in Breast Shape or Size: Any sudden change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast should be investigated. This includes swelling, shrinkage, or asymmetry.
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Skin Changes: Dimpling, puckering, redness, or scaliness of the breast skin can indicate underlying issues. A rash or irritation on the breast, especially around the nipple, may also be a symptom.
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Nipple Changes: Nipple retraction (turning inward), discharge (other than breast milk), or changes in the appearance of the nipple, such as scaling or crusting, can be signs of breast cancer.
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Breast Pain: While breast pain is common and often related to hormonal changes, persistent pain in one area that does not go away with time should be evaluated.
Preventive Measures for Breast Cancer
While some risk factors, such as genetics and age, cannot be changed, several lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of breast cancer:
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Maintain a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce cancer risk. Limiting the intake of processed foods, red meats, and sugary beverages is also beneficial.
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Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce body fat, and lower the risk of breast cancer. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
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Limit Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Limiting alcohol intake to one drink per day or less can help reduce this risk.
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Avoid Smoking: Smoking is a known risk factor for many cancers, including breast cancer. Quitting smoking or avoiding tobacco products can improve overall health and reduce cancer risk.
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Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of breast cancer. The longer a woman breastfeeds, the greater the protective effect.
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Limit Hormone Therapy: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during menopause has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women considering HRT should discuss the risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
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Regular Screenings: Women should follow recommended screening guidelines for mammograms and clinical breast exams based on their age and risk factors. Early detection through regular screenings is one of the most effective ways to prevent advanced breast cancer.
Screening and Early Detection
Regular screenings are vital for early detection of breast cancer. The most common screening methods include:
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Mammography: Mammograms are X-ray images of the breast that can detect tumors that are too small to be felt. Women aged 40 and older should discuss with their healthcare provider when to start and how often to have mammograms based on their risk factors.
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Breast MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer due to genetic factors or a strong family history. MRI can detect abnormalities that may not be visible on a mammogram.
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Clinical Breast Exam: A healthcare professional performs a physical examination of the breasts to check for lumps or other changes. This exam is often part of a regular check-up.
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Breast Self-Exam: Women are encouraged to perform monthly breast self-exams to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. Any changes should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately.
Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness
There are many ways to support breast cancer awareness and contribute to the fight against this disease:
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Participate in Awareness Campaigns: Join local or national breast cancer awareness events, such as walks, runs, or fundraising activities, to raise awareness and support research.
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Educate Others: Share information about breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection with friends, family, and the community.
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Donate to Research and Support Organizations: Contribute to organizations dedicated to breast cancer research, education, and patient support. Donations help fund critical research efforts and provide resources for those affected by breast cancer.
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Advocate for Policy Changes: Advocate for policies that support breast cancer research funding, access to screenings and treatments, and patient care.
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Support Survivors and Patients: Offer emotional support, encouragement, and assistance to those undergoing breast cancer treatment or recovering from the disease. Joining support groups or volunteer programs can provide a sense of community and hope.
