Women Be Careful About Breast Cancer
Every woman particularly forty and above is at risk of Breast cancer and the risk increases with age.Breast cancer is curable in early stages , so women should be watchful and get it detected sooner.
You are your own first line of defense against breast cancer . So you have to be careful if you see or feel anything unusual with your breast , you should report to your doctor .
Know early Sign of Breast Cancer - Most common signs of breast cancer -
Any painful lump or mass in or around any of breasts. ( But all lumps are not cancerous )
Swelling under armpit or in arm
An unusual change in breast size or its firmness
Any sore or rash in / around breast
Change in skin color around breast
Discharge , burning , itching or inward bending of nipple(s)
Any feeling of pain in breast
Feeling hot/ warm in/ around breast
Nipples or areola changing size or shifting
Dimples in breast skin
In the above situation , get your breast screening done if suggested by your physician . Early detection usually results in complete cure . In developed countries all women above 40 / 50 are advised to get an annual mammogram ( an X ray ) of breast done . Mammograms can detect cancer cells early when it is limited to ducts only and they didn’t break and spread to other areas . Mammograms can detect cancer before it can be felt , even up to three years in advance .
Types of Breast Cancer ( depending on place of origin ) -
Ductal Cancer ( carcinomas ) - The most common breast cancer starts in the ducts of breasts . Milk is produced by milk glands ( lobules ) and it flows to the nipples through tubes or milk ducts .
Lobular Cancer ( carcinomas ) - The cancer which originates from lobules is called lobular cancer .
Invasive or noninvasive Cancer
Noninvasive cancer - Ductal Cancer which is confined to ducts is noninvasive and is called “ 0 stage “ cancer . It might not cause a lump but it is detected in the early mammograms as tiny calcium deposits .
Invasive cancer- The cancer which grows outside ducts or lobules and starts in surrounding areas/ tissues is invasive . It can further expand to other areas of the body and may be a potential threat . Many cases of duct cancers are invasive duct cancers. (IDC ) . Skin over the lump area may seem dimpled or the nipple may be pulling inwards . Around 12% of breast cancers are Invasive lobular cancer ( ILC ). In advance stages , It may feel like a hard lump . IDCs are easily detected during mammograms while it is difficult in case of ILCs
But because of early detection and medical advancements 90% of women normally survive after diagnosis and treatment .
Self Exam of Breast - It is good to be familiar with your own body .
Use your opposite hand to test your breast i.e. use left hand to check right breast and vice versa
Keeping your hand flat use your fingers to complete a sweeping motion starting at your clavicle ( collarbone ) downwards to your nipple with a gentle but firm pressure .
Then sweep all the way towards the nipple from outside of the breast to the nipple .It means from bra line to the nipple and behind the nipple and areola .
Check areola , the ring of colored skin around the nipple.
Notice the change in color of skin of the breast / around the nipples . There should not be redness.
Repeat this process periodically , say every month . You will yourself feel what’s normal for your body . You will know that Some lumps or bumps are normal but if there is any unusual change in lump / mass , it’s time to be alert. . Usually the upper outer quadrant of the breast near the armpits has some dense tissues .
But a self breast exam can’t be a substitute for mammograms .
When to consult doctor - When you notice the followings ( not necessarily all ) -
Nipple / areola changing size or shifting .
Inverted nipple i.e. nipple inclined inwards
Dimples on breast skin
Discharge from nipple ( bloody discharge is bad )
Thickening and / or redness of skin .
Discoloration of nipple / areola
Unusual increase in breast size .
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