Breast Cancer Awareness

The incidence of breast cancer in India is rising, with the disease accounting for about 15 percent of all cancer cases according to estimates from 2020. Indian women are also developing breast cancer at a younger age compared to women in Western countries.

Given the increasing burden of lifestyle-related diseases in India, such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension, all of which are risk factors for breast cancer, raising awareness and encouraging screening is critical, according to a breast surgeon.

Who is at a higher risk of developing breast cancer?

Women at high risk of breast cancer include those with a family history of the disease, particularly among blood relatives. Certain external factors also contribute to risk, such as receiving chest radiation before the age of 32 or having a history of significant hormonal exposure. Additionally, women with mutations in genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or those with a strong family history of cancer, are at increased risk.

Most breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, meaning the cancer cells grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. However, more aggressive forms, like triple-negative breast cancer (which lacks hormone receptors and has low levels of HER2 protein), are being increasingly diagnosed in younger women.

Young women often have denser breast tissue, which can make mammograms less effective. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, as do tumors, making detection more difficult and potentially delaying diagnosis. This underscores the importance of breast awareness, early screening, and genetic testing for those at higher risk.

Are all lumps dangerous?

Not all lumps in the breast or underarm are cancerous, but any unusual or new mass should be checked immediately. Pay attention to significant changes in breast size or shape, such as swelling or asymmetry, which may be early signs of breast cancer. Changes in the texture of the breast skin, such as dimpling or a puckered appearance like an “orange peel,” are also warning signs.

Other signs to watch for include unusual nipple discharge, especially if bloody or occurring without pressure, nipple inversion, or scaling around the nipple. Persistent pain in the breast or nipple unrelated to the menstrual cycle, as well as redness, irritation, or rash-like symptoms, may indicate an issue and should be evaluated by a doctor.

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or near the collarbone may be a sign that cancer has spread beyond the breast. Other signs include changes in one breast or an unusual warmth in the affected area.

Why is personalized treatment important?

In many cases, surgery is the initial step in treatment. A lumpectomy removes the tumor while preserving the rest of the breast, whereas a mastectomy removes the entire breast. In some cases, radiation therapy is used to target any remaining cancer cells, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Chemotherapy may be recommended either before or after surgery, depending on the case. Hormone therapy is used for hormone receptor-positive cancers, aiming to block the hormones that help tumors grow. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy focus on specific proteins, such as HER2, and may enhance the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells.

Each patient’s treatment plan needs to be tailored based on the specific characteristics of their cancer to ensure the best possible outcomes.

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