Breast Cancer Awareness

Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai 400012

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in Indian women. The incidence is more in urban than rural women. It is more prevalent in the higher socio-economic groups. Women of the Parsi community face a higher risk. The average incidence rate varies from 22-28 per 100,000 women per year in urban settings to 6 per 100,000 women per year in rural areas. Due to rapid urbanization and westernization of lifestyles, there is a rising incidence of breast cancer in India. According to The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organisation, there were approximately 79,000 women per year affected by breast cancer in India in 2001 and over 80,000 women in 2002.
 Typically, breast cancer arises from cells lining the milk ducts and slowly grows into a lump. It is thought that it takes about 10 years for a tumour to become 1 cm in size starting from a single cell.A malignant tumour has the ability to spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body via the lymphatics or the blood stream.

Preventable and Non-Preventable Breast Cancer Factors

Several factors can contribute to developing breast cancer. Some of these factors are lifestyle choices and some are biological characteristics. The biological characteristics encoded in DNA are factors that cannot be controlled. The other factors, however, can be controlled to prevent an increased risk for breast cancer.

Non preventable breast cancer factors include:

Family pre-disposition:

If a family member has developed breast cancer in the past, or currently has breast cancer, women in that immediate family have a greater risk for breast cancer than those without family history. If you have a grandmother, mother, sister, or daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this does put you in a higher risk group.  See your doctor at any sign of unusual symptoms.

Age:
As women become older, the risk for breast cancer increases. Most cases of breast cancer are found in women over 40,though the number of younger women developing breast cancer is currently on the rise.

Race:
Breast cancer is diagnosed more often in white women than  Asian, or African women. The reason for this has yet to be defined, but women of all races should still be concerned.

Reproductive and menstrual history:
Women who experienced their first menstrual cycle before age 12, had their  menopause after age 55, and/or never had children are at an increased risk of breast cancer.

Preventable breast factors include

Body weight:
People who are obese or overweight face a greater chance of developing breast cancer than those who are of a normal weight. A woman who exercises four hours per week reduces her risk of breast cancer. Exercise pumps up the immune system and cuts the estrogen level.

Smoking:
Many people are aware that smoking increases lung cancer risk, but it also increases breast cancer risk as well. One recent study indicated there may be a link. Studies of the relationship of breast cancer to cigarette smoking and second-hand cigarette smoke are still under investigation. However, smoking decreases your survival rate once you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Drinking Alcohol:
Excessive alcohol consumption, more than one drink a day, can lead to a higher risk for breast cancer. Studies show that breast cells are exposed to higher levels of estrogen when consuming alcohol. This may trigger the cells to become cancerous. The more alcohol you drink, the higher your risk.

Diet :
Eat a low-fat, nutritious diet. A high-fat diet increases the risk of breast cancer. Fat triggers the hormone estrogen, that fuels tumor growth. Fill your diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.

How to help prevent breast cancer (steps to self exam)

Be breast aware

To be breast aware means becoming familiar with how your breasts look and feel. You should understand how your breasts may change at different times during the month and also as you get older. For some women, breasts become enlarged, tender and lumpy just before a period, and then return to normal once the period is over, others may have swollen breasts throughout their cycle. Age, pregnancy,and the menopause can all affect the size and feel of your breasts. The important thing is to recognise which changes are usual and which are not. Make sure you know what is normal for you.

 These are the five steps to self examination that every woman should practice every month.

Step 1:  After a bath , step in front of a large mirror and put your hands on your hips. Look at the size, shape, and color of your breasts. They should look as they normally do with no visible dimples,puckering,or swelling.

Step 2: Raise your arms above your head and clasp your hands together. Examine your breasts as you did in step one and look for dimples, puckering, swelling, rashes, or inverted nipples.



Step 3: Place your arms at your side and gently squeeze each nipple between finger and thumb to check for any discharge.

Step 4: Next, lie down, and use your right hand to feel your left breast and then your left hand to feel your right breast. Taking three fingers, firmly press the breast in small circles from top to bottom and side to side. Make sure to go as far as the collarbone to the top of the abdomen and from cleavage to armpit. Do this three times, first with a soft touch, then with increased pressure, and on the very last time press firmly and deeply.

Step 5: Finally, either sitting in a chair or standing, feel your breasts as you did in step four. 

 By doing this women can not only become more familiar with their breasts, but can sense breast problems before they become too serious.

Signs of breast cancer: