Breast Cancer Can Be Cured.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and over 2 million women get it every year. The heartening fact is that breast cancer, when detected very early, has the best 5-year survival rate of 90%.

You don’t have to fear breast cancer, but you have to be aware of it and its symptoms. 

Breast cancer is one of the easiest cancers to identify. If you spend a few minutes examining your breasts regularly, you will be able to notice changes early. Any change in your breast is a warning. No matter how minor it may seem, you should consult a doctor to identify the cause. There could be any number of reasons behind this, one of them cancer.

How to diagnose breast cancer?

Breast self-exam

Stand in front of a mirror and check your breasts by running your fingers flat around your breasts. Look out for: 

• A lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
• Change in breast size or shape
• Pain or discomfort in the breast
• Change in the texture of the skin
• Dimpling of skin
• Redness, flaking, pulling in of the nipple area
• Discharge or crusting around nipple

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer can be caused due to genetic factors. You may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer if someone in your family has had breast cancer. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor to check if you require to get a breast cancer screening. This will tell you if you are likely to develop breast cancer in the future and will help you and your doctor plan a strategy to avert it.

Mammogram 

A mammogram is one of the best methods of detecting breast cancer. It can identify very small growths even when they are buried deep within breast tissue and at a very early stage. Much before you can feel it during a self-exam, a mammogram will detect cancer. If you are over 45 years old, you should have a mammogram every year.

Treatment options for breast cancer.

A multi-modal treatment plan is usually recommended for best results. The options of treatment are chemotherapy to target fast dividing cancer cells, surgery to remove the cancerous growth and radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells through radiation. Targeted therapies are also available to selectively target and kill cancer cells. A patient specific treatment plan will be drawn up to suit the type and stage of the cancer. 

Be aware of breast cancer, its symptoms and your risks. Regular self-exam and mammograms if you are over 45 years and a breast cancer screening if you are at a high risk, can help you detect breast cancer very early. 

Consult your doctor if you notice any change in your breasts. With early detection and treatment, you will be able to beat breast cancer. 

If you suspect that something is wrong with your breasts, contact our specialists immediately.