10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BREAST CANCER

1. Most common cancer in females with 1.5 lakh new patients per year in INDIA

2.May present as a lump in breast/ change in size shape of breast or nipple/ change in the skin over breast/nipple discharge/swelling in the axilla

3. Risk factors include female gender / increasing age / early menarche / late menopause / obesity / hypertention / diabetis / smoking / alcohol consumption / 5-10% genetic predesposition

4. Confirmation requires examination by a doctor / Mammography / SOS Biopsy

5. Treatment includes Surgery / Chemotherapy / Hormonal Therapy / Radiotherapy / Targeted Therapy

6. Breast preservation possible with Breast conservation surgery. Hair loss avoidable using scalp cooling devices during chemotherapy. Advanced Radiotherapy techniques help in reducing side effects.

7. To reduce the risk have appropriate weight/decrease consumption of fatty food / avoid alcohol smoking / have an active lifestyle / promote breastfeeding practice

9. To detect breast cancer early practice breast self-examination and yearly breast cancer screening mammography as advised by your doctor

10. Breast cancer is curable and one can live a normal fulfilling life post-treatment