A global survey by Avon revealed that several women still don't know enough about the early symptoms and risks of breast cancer. Early diagnosis is vital in treating the disease. Dr Jayanthi S Thumsi, senior consultant-breast oncology, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals, dwells a little into the subject. She said, “The magnitude of the disease is very huge, yet it is a very treatable condition. Breast cancer, when detected early and treated appropriately, can be almost completely cured. Detecting it early is vital. It is very important for women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.”
Dr Reetu Jain, Medical Oncologist, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, said, “Early diagnosis is effective in all terms- financially, economically and the treatment needed for survival. If a lady is diagnosed with breast cancer at stage 1 or say stage 2, the chances of curing is 95-96 per cent. If there is an early breast cancer, the woman may not need radiotherapy or chemotherapy; only operating and removing the cancer will be needed. Patients can keep away extensive treatments.”
Proper awareness to detect the problem early is important.
Jain said, “ If there is a strong family history of breast cancer then we (doctors) recommend self-breast examination from the age of 30. Patients with family history of breast cancer can themselves start self-breast examination which should be conducted every month; another span of examination is a yearly-based physical examination, where the patient should consult a physician. Women with a family history of breast cancer after the age of 35-40 should opt for screening mammography every year. For people who don't have any family history of breast cancer, doctors recommend self-breast examination from the age of 35-40 years and screening mammography at the age of 40 years.”
Thumsi said, “ If one finds any of the symptoms in their breast, there is no need to panic as 80 per cent of the times it could be non-cancerous. But because we should not miss the other 20 per cent when it could be cancerous, it's very important to go to a doctor and get yourselves thoroughly examined and investigated and not to neglect the signs and symptoms.” She added, “ Time is the most important factor in breast cancer. Cancer has an inherent property to grow and spread very fast. Hence, if we intend to beat the cancer negligence will not help. Do not hesitate to share about your problems with others and do not delay in seeking medical help.”
Breast cancer need not be detected in the breast first
Explaining the earlier symptoms, Jain said, “Breast cancer can spread and form a lump in lymph modes under the arms or around the collar bone. This could cause a swelling even before the original tumour in the breast tissue is large enough to be felt.”
Men can get it too
“Breast cancer can occur in men too. 1:100 is the ratio between men and women developing this disease. Breast cancer in men is very easy to diagnose. The signs and symptoms in men are similar to that in women, but the disease could spread to the other organs very quickly in men compared to women,” said Thumsi. “Most breast lumps in men are caused by gynaecomastia (a harmless enlargement of the breast tissue),” Jain added.
Genetically, both men and women are at equal risk of developing the disease. “Suppose the mother is the carrier and has the gene present in her. If she has two daughters and two sons and if all four children have the gene present in them, then irrespective of the gender, all four have the same amount of risk to develop breast cancer. Gender does not the matter if the gene is present. Breast cancer can be passed on from mother to son or daughter,” explained Jain.
