Thousands of lives of Indian women can be saved each year by a simple act done once a month which takes only a few minutes
The simple act of breast self-examination once a month can save the life of as many as 30-40% of breast cancer patients in India, who currently die of the disease because it gets detected in advanced stages when no treatment is possible.
About 75% of all breast cancer patients in the country are already in stage 3 or 4 of the disease when it gets diagnosed, leading to a survival rate of only 20%.
This was said by Dr. Saphalta Baghmar, Senior Consultant, Dept. of Medical Oncology of Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, at a meet highlighting the importance of breast self-examination. October is observed worldwide as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“If diagnosed early, breast cancer is treatable.” Most individuals are unaware that breast cancer can strike young women between the ages of 20 and 30. To diagnose breast cancer in its early stages, it is suggested that all women begin breast self-examination once a month when they reach the age of 20. It entails inspecting and examining the breasts for any abnormalities. This simple self-examination, which takes only a few minutes, can aid in the early diagnosis of breast cancer. If discovered in stage 1, there is a 98-99% chance of cure with appropriate therapy.”
Said Dr. Saphalta Baghmar, Senior Consultant, Dept. of Medical Oncology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad:
Women should contact a doctor right once if they notice a change in the appearance, feel, or size of their breasts, or if they notice a bulge, lump, or thick patch in the breast tissue. Any pain, warmth, redness, or black spots on the surface of the breasts are causes for concern.
“Breast self-examination and early detection can save the lives of around 30-40% of individuals who now die from breast cancer.” However, most women in India are unaware of how to perform a breast self-examination. Even if there is a lump in the breast, they ignore it and eventually go to the doctor when the chances of survival are below 10-20%. There are numerous targeted medicines available now that can improve. Now, there are many targeted therapies that can increase the life span of stage 4 patients from six months earlier to 4-5 years now, but this is not a substitute to early detection when the disease can be completely cured,”
Dr. Saphalta Baghmar said.
Breast self-examination is even more important now with increasing incidence of breast cancer. If incidence of male and female cancers are combined, breast cancer accounts for the highest number.
The doctor said this is due to increasing urbanization and risk factors such as eating junk food, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle.
“Late pregnancies after the age of 30, or not having child at all, increase the chances of getting breast cancer. Many working women decide not to breastfeed the child as they have to rejoin office within 2-3 months after child birth. This is another risk factor for the disease. Breastfeeding reduces the chances of breast cancer,”
Dr. Saphalta Baghmar added.
After breast cancer surgery that involves removal of breast (mastectomy), a common side effect is swelling of the arm or hand (lymphoedema) that may last lifelong.
However, surgeons can now conduct surgery to cure the problem by reconnecting the blood and lymph channels. Reconstruction of the entire breast is possible too, and desirable.
“Most women who have had their breasts removed due to cancer choose breast reconstruction if advised by their oncologist.” Women feel significantly more emotionally stable after breast reconstruction surgery since the stigma associated with mastectomy fades and they begin to feel normal physically and psychologically. In our 20 years of expertise, we have discovered that ladies are ecstatic after breast reconstruction. They are not need to wear special clothing in order to conceal their defects and heal entirely emotionally and psychologically. In reality, the majority of them are unaware that they are breast cancer survivors. As a result, it is our job to educate patients about breast reconstruction surgery following mastectomy.”
Said Dr. Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant & Head, Dept. of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad:
