Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women and accounts for 14% of all cancers. The incidence rate begins to rise in early thirties and peaks at the age of 54- 60 years. Overall 1 in 18 women is likely to develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
Risk factors for breast cancer:
1) Increasing age
2) family history
3) genetic mutations
4) increased body weight
5) hormone replacement therapy
6) reproductive factors - nulliparity, early menarche, late menopause, absence of breastfeeding
7) radiation exposure
8) certain benign breast lesions
Watch out for Warning symptoms of breast :
Bloody nipple discharge
Skin changes like puckering
Nipple retraction
Unexplained lumps in breast
Breast asymmetry
Redness of skin of breast
Strategies for early detection of breast cancer:
Breast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. Breast cancer that’s found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.
Mammogram starting from age of 45 years
Breast self examination
Clinical breast examination
Halsted Breast Cancer Prevention Programme is an Initiative of Halsted Surgical Clinic to create awareness and education among woman on breast cancer