Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2018: Can You Prevent Breast Cancer? Oncologist Reveals How
Yearly mammography after the age of 45 is highly recommended.
October is observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is on a rise and some of the other major issues related to Breast cancer or a tumour are factors such as a recent increase seen in the cases of Breast Cancer among the younger age groups, Late diagnosis, Lack of awareness and delay in screening. These factors are only increasing the burden of breast cancer. Poverty, under-education, etc. only paves way for further complications in the various rising cases of breast cancer. Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2018: Are You More Prone to Breast Cancer? Here Are a Few Associated Risk Factors!
What is Breast Cancer?
It is when the normal the cells in the tissue begin to grow out of control in an abrupt manner that you begin to contract breast cancer. Such cells usually (not always) turn into a tumour. However, any lump can be both cancerous or benign. The tumours ca e detected in a mammogram even before it can be felt as a lump. While not all lumps are necessarily cancerous but they do require immediate medical attention.
In the context of prevention of breast cancer, we got in touch with Dr Sandeep Nayak, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Robotic & Laparoscopic Oncosurgeon at Fortis Hospitals, Cunningham Road. He showed his growing concern regarding breast cancer and remarked:
"Breast cancer is increasing at an alarming rate in India. Less awareness about the disease, delayed diagnosis, and treatment are few of the reasons for low survival rates of breast cancer in India."
Dr Sandeep also shared a few ways that can help us prevent breast cancer.
Self-examination- In order to reduce the risk of breast cancer, one should do a self-examination of the breast regularly and should consult a doctor if you notice anything unusual about your breast. Yearly mammography after the age of 45 is highly recommended. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2018, here's How To Check Your Breasts For Lumps!
Healthy lifestyle- Young women are advised to lead a healthy lifestyle that comprises of healthy eating, physical activities, and a controlled weight. Women with an unhealthy lifestyle are more prone to breast cancer.
Reduced intake of alcohol- Alcohol is a strict No-No if you wish to prevent breast cancer. Excessive intake of alcohol is any way harmful to the human body and one of the ill-effects is breast cancer.
Say no to smoking- Smoking doesn't only cause lung cancer but also affects the breast. Various studies have claimed that smoking may cause breast cancer.
Breastfeeding- In the case of mothers, breastfeeding is also known to help reduce the risk of breast cancer. The more you breastfeed, the more you reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
While it is true that entirely preventing breast cancer is almost impossible but experts believe that positive lifestyle choices can help in reducing the risks of cancer for example- maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular medical care.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 09, 2018 02:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).