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Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed annually during October, plays a crucial role in raising awareness about breast cancer, its prevention, and early detection. This day serves as a reminder of the importance of regular screenings, self-examinations, and timely medical check-ups to detect breast cancer in its early stages.
Before we dive into lesser-known facts about breast cancer, let’s quickly review what we already know: breast cancer is the most common cancer in India, surpassing oral and cervical cancers, and is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Dr. Kabir Rehmani, Surgical Oncologist at Fortis Hospital Greater Noida, emphasizes that “Breast cancer has an excellent outcome (completely curable) if diagnosed early.” He also highlights how screening tools like mammography have revolutionized early detection, significantly improving survival rates.
Self-examination, combined with timely clinical checks by healthcare providers and regular mammography, has become one of the most effective preventive measures for breast cancer.
As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s explore some interesting facts that might surprise you:
1. Not All Breast Lumps Are Cancerous
While finding a lump in your breast can be alarming, the majority of these lumps—especially in younger women—are benign (non-cancerous). However, if you’re over 40, any new lump should be evaluated quickly. It’s also important to remember that breast cancer can still occur in younger women, so vigilance is key at any age.
2. Only 5-10% of Breast Cancers Are Hereditary
Contrary to popular belief, most women with breast cancer did not inherit the disease. Family history does elevate the risk, but it’s not a guarantee. If you have close relatives who have had breast cancer, you may need to start screening earlier and undergo genetic testing. A woman with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who had breast cancer is about twice as likely to develop it. If multiple close relatives have had it, your risk triples.
3. Breast Removal Isn’t the Only Surgical Option
Mastectomy isn’t the only treatment choice. Today, there are breast-conserving surgeries such as partial mastectomy or lumpectomy, where only the cancerous tissue is removed, sparing as much healthy tissue as possible. There are also nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies. Breast reconstruction can often be done simultaneously with breast removal, offering more options to preserve body image.
4. Men Can Get Breast Cancer Too
Though rare (0.5-1% incidence), men can develop breast cancer. Risk factors include family history and conditions that increase estrogen levels. The same principles of self-examination and being aware of warning signs apply to men, making early detection equally important.
5. Breast Cancer Is One of the Most Survived Cancers
With advances in early detection and treatment, breast cancer survival rates have significantly improved. Survival chances vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but overall, the prognosis is much better than in the past.
6. Survivors Are at Risk for a Second Cancer
Breast cancer survivors are at a higher risk of developing a second cancer, either because of treatment side effects or genetic factors like BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. This is why ongoing vigilance and regular screenings are crucial even after successful treatment.
7. You Can Lower Your Risk of Breast Cancer
Adopting a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and cutting down on junk food and sugar (to prevent obesity) are important. Limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco also play a significant role. Drinking just one alcoholic drink a day slightly raises the risk, while consuming two to five drinks daily increases it by one and a half times.
Don’t fear a breast cancer diagnosis—early detection makes all the difference. Be proactive, stay informed, and take charge of your health. Remember, breast cancer is curable if caught early.
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