Columbia Asia Hospital speaks on the rapidly increasing breast cancer among women

Dr. Baswanthrao Malipatil, Consultant Medical Oncology, Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield

Bangalore, March 21, 2018: Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of anomalous cells anywhere in the body. The growth of these uncharacteristic cells are termed as cancer which can penetrate into the normal body tissues and form lumps of malignant cells or masses of tissue called tumours. Cancer can start developing almost anywhere in the human body and when these cells grow old or damaged, they die and new cells take their place.

Breast cancer is one of the most belligerent cancer among women leading to death. Age doesn’t matter for a breast cancer, but the risk doubles each decade after menopause, after which the surge slackens. Survival rates of breast cancer have now improved worldwide, because of the advanced medical facilities and diagnosis at an early stage.

Every womanshould be aware of the symptoms, as after puberty a woman breast consists of connective tissues, fats, thousands of lobules and ting glands that helps in producing milk for breast feeding. These tiny cells or ducts carry the milk to the nipple. At times the cell growth rapidly multiplies resulting in breast cancer. In many women it usually begins with the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk.  From here it gradually starts spreading to other parts of the human body.

Life events also plays a major role among women in the development of breast cancer, includes early menarche, delayed mother-hood after the age 30, infertility and also late menopause after age 55. All these factors intensify the woman’s lifetime exposure to oestrogen and progesterone leading to a high risk of breast cancer. Oral contraceptives which includes both these hormones also develops a small menace among the young women today.

When younger women are diagnosed with breast cancer it is not only alarming but also emotionally traumatic for the patients. These young women are either single or have young children. It thus makes it emotionally difficult for them to ‘break the news’ to their family and friends. Doctors say that breast cancer cases are increasing in developing countries due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles. In fact, due to lack of awareness, majority of breast cancers are detected late in developing countries. 

Warning signs of breast cancer:

• Nipple retraction:When a nipple appears to turn inwards, it is a key sign of breast cancer which most women aren’t aware of. It is caused due to the tumour which is located in the centre of the breast, which shortens and pulls in the nipple involving the milk ducts.
• A swollen lymph under your arm: Many people notice a lump in the armpit, but not around the breast, they ignore it thinking it’s non-cancerous. But it can be a sign of cancer which has spread to the lymph nodes, and at times it is spotted even before it appears on the breast.
• Changes in breast sign: If there is a swelling or shrinking found in any one of the breast, it is something to noted.
• Thickening of the nipple:Any changes in the skin surrounding the nipple area, it could be either be thickening, puckering, dimpling or itching of the nipple which should never be ignored.
• Presence of rashes: If rashes are found across both the breast, it shouldn’t be brushed away thinking it’s an allergy. Because it could also be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.

How to reduce your risk of breast cancer?

• Weight control: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. It’s easy to tune out because it gets said so often, but maintaining a healthy weight is an important goal for everyone. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
• Breast-feed: Breast-feeding might play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
• Keeping you fit: Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. Regular exercise can also go a long way in improving your body’s metabolism and controlling weight.
• Healthy diet: Diet plays a very small but measurable role in breast cancer prevention. Dietary fats may increase your risk of developing breast cancer, and fruits, vegetables, and grains may help to reduce the risk. Embrace a diet high in vegetables and fruit and low in sugared drinks, refined carbohydrates and fatty foods. Eat lean protein such as fish or chicken breast and eat red meat in moderation, if at all.
• Avoid alcohol: While moderate drinking can be good for the heart in older adults, even low levels of intake can increase the risk of breast cancer. However, if you choose to drink alcohol including beer, wine or liquor try to limit yourself to no more than one – two drink/week.

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)