Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020: ‘Early Detection is the key to prevention’

Team Udayavani, Oct 5, 2020, 2:59 PM IST

The month of October is observed as breast cancer awareness month. During this month different activities are conducted worldwide to create awareness about this type of cancer affecting a large population of women.

According to WHO, there are about 1.38 million new cases and 458 000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008). The majority of deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, where most women with breast cancer are diagnosed in late stages due mainly to lack of awareness on early detection and barriers to health services.

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth of cells, which results in formation of lumps withing the breast and it is known to be the most common cancer among women worldwide

In 2018, it is estimated that around 627,000 women died from breast cancer. In India, it is the most common cancer and accounts for 14 percent of all cancers in women

Symptoms

Symptoms may include- presence of lump in the breast, pain in the breast, swelling in areas near the breasts, discharge from nipple other than breast milk, change in the shape of the nipple and swelling under arm.

In some cases, these may not be the sign of breast cancer but any of these signs should be reported to the doctor immediately. gWomen should conduct a self-exam at home regularly. Consult your doctor for better analysis.

Who is at risk?

Women above the age of 55

Women who consume excessive alcohol

Early menstruation or late menopause

Giving birth at an older age

Women who choose hormone therapy