Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Warning signs, risk factors and prevention

New Delhi: Breast cancer is the top cancer victimising women in the developed as well as in the developing world.

In India, breast cancer has surpassed cervical cancer as the most common form of cancer among women.

Studies have shown that both the incidence as well as deaths due to breast cancer are now way ahead of cervical cancer.

Unfortunately, both low and middle-income countries are at a higher risk of breast cancer due to lack of timely diagnosis.

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in the developing world due to increased life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles.

With October being observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to understand the nuances of breast cancer – its warning signs, risk factors and how you can reduce your risk of developing the disease.

As the warning signs of breast cancer are not same for all women, it's important to pay attention if you spot any unusual changes in your breasts and get yourself medically examined.

Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump in the breast – this is the most common, initial sign of breast cancer
• Swelling, redness or darkening of the breast
• Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Breast pain
• Pulling in of the nipple
• A rash on or around the nipple
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• A lump in the underarm

While these changes can also occur as a result of other, less serious conditions, which may not necessarily be malignant, it's always better to get them checked promptly by a doctor.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer impacts over 1.5 million women each year, and also causes the greatest number of cancer-related deaths among women.

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the risk for breast cancer increases with age; most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50.

Women who have inherited certain genetic changes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, are at higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

Some women will get breast cancer even without any other risk factors that they know of. Having a risk factor does not mean you will get the disease, and not all risk factors have the same effect.

Other risk factors apart from age and genetic mutations include:

• Early menstrual period
• Late or no pregnancy
• Starting menopause after age 55
• Not being physically active
• Being overweight or obese post menopause
• Having dense breasts
• Using combination hormone therapy
• Taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Personal history of certain non-cancerous breast diseases
• Family history of breast cancer
• Previous treatment using radiation therapy
• Drinking alcohol

Reducing the risk of cancer taking control of one's body is the first and foremost way to keep cancer at bay.

Besides replacing unhealthy lifestyle habits with healthier ones, early detection can also help women control breast cancer from spreading or becoming malignant.

Here are a few measures that one needs to follow to prevent the risk of developing breast cancer.

Stay physically fit

Exercise in any form has been established as the perfect medicine that one needs to curb numerous health issues.

Medical professionals all over the world have established that physical activity in any form can prevent one from contracting numerous diseases, while also helping us get rid of them.

That said, every woman should make exercise a part of her daily routine to stay fit. Staying physically fit has several advantages as it enhances the quality of life and improves physical form.

Regular physical activity such as hitting the gym or doing exercises at home has the ability to cut down one’s risk of breast cancer as well. Any form of physical activity can reduce breast cancer risk by at least 20 percent.

Healthy eating

Regular exercise should always be accompanied with a balanced diet. Eating the right food can boost your immune system and cut down your risk of developing breast cancer. Avoid processed foods and say no to aerated drinks.

Include foods rich in fibre in your daily diet along with a lot of fruits and veggies. These food items can protect your body and boost your immune system to fight breast cancer. Always maintain a healthy diet and control your body weight to considerably reduce breast cancer risk.

Breastfeeding

Women who breastfeed are at a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who don't breastfeed at all. Breastfeeding helps lower estrogen levels in the body, thus preventing the risk of cancer.

Some women choose not to breastfeed as they believe the act will result in sagging breasts. However, breastfeeding is considered one of the most natural ways to protect one's body against development of cancerous cells.

Quit smoking and control alcohol intake

Heavy smoking and high consumption of liquor are high risk factors for breast cancer. A study published in the journal Cancer, revealed that women who tend to smoke a lot have a significantly higher incidence of ‘estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer,’ a common tumour characterized by its sensitivity to hormone-blocking therapy.

Limiting your alcohol consumption and giving up on smoking are important to reduce breast cancer risk over time.

Consult a physician for hormonal therapies

If you wish to undergo hormone treatments, it is essential to consult your doctor for alternative therapies to cut down the risk of breast cancer. Avoid medicines that contain hormones for long term therapy or limit their use to less than three years.

Go for periodic screenings

Periodic screening is imperative, especially for those women who have a family history of breast cancer. A woman should undergo regular check-ups once she hits 30.

The two screening tests available are mammography and ultra-sound. Be familiar with how your breasts feel normally. Always notify your physician if you observe any kind of lump, bleeding, discharge or if you experience any pain.

There is no assured way to prevent breast cancer, but there are ways to strengthen your immune system to fight against any deadly disease. Cultivate a healthy lifestyle and keep yourself mentally, physically and emotionally fit to improve your body’s ability to combat any life-threatening disease, including breast cancer.