Breast cancer is currently the most common cancer in urban India and in rural India. Everywhere you look around there is a mother, daughter, sister, or a friend who has been affected by breast cancer.
In India, due to late presentation and lack about awareness of screening among women, there is a direct decrease in the quality and survival rate of patients with breast cancer.
Unfortunately, aggressive cancers in the youth are on a rise. At present we are witnessing an increased incidence in the number of young patients.
In the West due to awareness and screening breast cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, resulting in cure, less suffering and better quality of life. But in India, majority of patients with breast cancer present in advanced stages, due to various reasons such as illiteracy, lack of awareness and availability of screening, fear and financial crisis.
We can decrease the number of deaths due to breast cancer by early detection and treatment for women. This is only possible with an aggressive promotion of awareness, screening and quality treatment.
Not all breast cancers are the same. They are classified in various diverse categories and It is important to know about screening and early detection. Regular screening tests (along with follow-up tests and treatment if diagnosed) will lessen your possibility of dying from breast cancer.
It is mandatory that all women should know about the screening test to detect cancer at an early stage.
1. Self-breast examination {begins at age 20}
2. Examination by a Doctor {Once every year after you attain the age of 40.}
3. Mammography {Yearly, starting at the age of 40.}
You must consult a doctor if you notice any of the given symptoms:
* Painless lump
* Skin changes
* Nipple discharge
* Skin dimpling
* Inverted nipple
* Armpit swelling
Moreover, it is always advisable to visit your doctor once a year after the age of 40. I strongly believe women should be encouraged to get a mammogram done if they are above the age of 50. Annual mammograms can detect cancer early.
At MIO we have a state of the art stereotactic mammogram, a non-invasive imaging technique that uses low-dose x-rays to check for breast cancer. We at MIO have carried out over 2000 mammograms and the results have been very accurate.
Being mindful about the symptoms of breast cancer and looking out for them routinely and reporting the same to a doctor on time is absolutely the most critical factor for better survival of the individual.
On Saturday 27th October 2018, a breast cancer awareness programme along with screening has been planned at Mangalore institute of Oncology.
