OCTOBER is celebrated as the Breast Cancer Awareness month to highlight the importance of early detection for better treatment outcome.
RISK FACTORS:
Being a woman
Older age group (>50 years age)
H/o Ovarian Cancer
Family history of breast cancer (Mother, sister or daughter)
Overweight/Obesity
Early onset of menses
Late Menopause
Never been pregnant
Contraceptive Pills (>5 years use)
BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
Alcohol
Hormone Replacement Therapy
BREAST SELF-EXAMINATION:
Do it 3-5 days after your periods
Do it every month
Should start after you turn 30 years age.
WARNING SIGNS:
New lump in the breast/underarm
Dimpling of breast skin
Nipple retraction
Nipple Discharge (other than breast milk)
Change in size or shape of the breast
Pain in the breast.
NOTE: Visit your doctor immediately if you notice any of the warning signs!
MAMMOGRAM:
Best screening tool for early detection of breast cancer (sometimes, up to 3 years before it can be felt).
Get it done 3-5 days after your periods.
Get it done every year.
Should start after you turn 40 years age.
TIPS: Wear a comfortable outfit as you will need to undress from your waist up. Do NOT wear deodorant, perfume or powder.
NOTE: Mammograms are calibrated to release extremely small amount for radiation which is too low to cause cancer and hence are absolutely safe!
FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY:
Uses a fine needle attached to a syringe to aspirate a few cells from the suspicious lesion. The cells are examined under the microscope to check for cancerous changes.
FACTORS WHICH CAN LOWER THE RISK OF BREAST CANCER:
A healthy weight.
Regular exercise
Avoid alcohol
Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Discuss with your Gynaecologist before taking OCP or HRT.
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