Breast Cancer: Early Detection Saves Life

October is the “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”. Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death due to cancer in women, after lung cancer. Lately, there has been an increase in the incidence of breast cancer in the developing world, owing to increase in life expectancy, urbanization and adoption of western lifestyle.

Some Statistical Facts about Breast Cancer

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, both in the developed and the less developed countries
• Over 508, 000 women died due to breast cancerin 2011
• 58% of breast cancer deaths occur in less developed countries
• Incidence rates are quite high in non-Hispanic white women
• Asian/Pacific Islander women have the lowest incidence and death rates due to breast cancer

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

There are no specific symptoms when the tumor is small. Therefore, it is very important for women to follow recommended screening guidelines for detecting breast cancer at an early stage. When breast cancer has grown to a large size, it can be felt as a painless lump.Breast cancer can spread to underarm lymph nodes and cause a lump or swelling. Less common signs and symptoms include:

• Breast pain or heaviness
• Persistent changes to the breast, such as swelling, thickening, or redness of the breast’s skin
• Abnormal discharge from nipple

Prevention of Breast Cancer

The American Cancer Society has recommended guidelines for Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Prevention. They can be enlisted as:

• Achieve and maintain a healthy weight throughout life.
  • Be fit throughout life without being underweight.
  • Avoid excess weight gain at all ages.
  • Do regular physical activity and limit the intake of high-calorie foods and drinks.
• Adopt a physically active lifestyle.
  • Adults should doat least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week.
  • Children and adolescents should performat least 1 hour of moderate- or vigorous activity each day.
  • Limit the sedentary behavior such as sitting, lying down, watching television, and other forms of screen-based entertainment.
• Follow a healthy diet, with an emphasis on plant foods.
  • Choose foods and beverages in amounts that help achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reduce the consumption of processed meat and red meat.
  • Eat at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits each day.
  • Choose whole grains over refined-grain products.
• Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages.
  • Limit to no more than 1 drink (per day) for women or 2 (per day) for men.

Approximately,eight out of ten women develop malignant lumps in the breast. Therefore, don’t underestimate the importance of a monthly breast self-exam. Breast cancer can be fatal at any age. Women should therefore undergo proper counseling and screening for early detection. Turacoz Healthcare Solutions (THS) aims to raise awareness about the breast cancer. We, as a medical writing company in Delhi, consider it our corporate responsibility to share the healthcare measures for prevention of breast cancer.