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In October since the 1980s, Breast Cancer Awareness Month has been held. "Pink October" is when people all over the world wear pink and show a pink ribbon to bring attention to how important it is to avoid breast cancer and get screened regularly so that it can be found early. Breast cancer is now the second most common cancer in the world. The Union Ministry says that breast cancer is the most common cancer in Indian women, with up to 25.8% of cases and 12.7% of deaths per 1,000,000. The numbers are scary, but doctors say that staying watchful about mammograms and self-checks can change the game.
Breast cancer awareness
People often think of self-checking for lumps when they hear the phrase ‘early detection’. This is not fast enough, though, because the disease may already be coming out. Even though a lump is the most common sign of cancer, early diagnosis means finding any problem before it turns into a solid shape that everyone can see. A sudden nipple leak from one or both breasts and changes in the shape or size of the breast or nipple would be signs.
After age 40, you should not only get a mammogram once a year, but you should also check your own breasts every month. Most people who get breast cancer in India are in their 40s or 50s. Also, if someone in your family got breast or ovarian cancer when they were younger, you need to get a scan every year after age 35. Don't be afraid to get a mammogram once a year; there is no risk.
How to do a self-breast exam
An important part of breast cancer awareness is knowing how to do a self-breast exam. Menstruating women should check their breasts on day 10 of every cycle. To give you an idea, day 1 is your period. Any day of the month, women who have gone through menopause can check their breasts. Also, do a self-exam every time you take a shower or go to bed. Check your breasts with the tips of your fingers to get a sense of what is normal for them. Because you can only notice things that aren't normal once you know what is. For the left breast, use your right hand and for the right breast, use your left hand. Make circles with your fingers starting at the nipples and working your way outwards.
Preventative measures you can take
Here are some things that can help lower your risk:
- Drink less or not at all: Any amount of drinking makes you more likely to get breast cancer. More research shows that drinking more alcohol is linked to a higher chance of getting breast cancer.
- Stay at a good weight: Patients who are overweight are more likely to get breast cancer, especially after menopause. Scientists think this is because fat cells can make oestrogen, and too much ooestrogen is linked to breast cancer.
- Importance of folate: To make sure you get enough folate every day, you can either eat foods that contain it or take supplements (folic acid is the form that supplements come in). Getting enough folate seems to lower the risk that comes from drinking too much.
- Physical exercise: Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of fairly hard activity, 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous activity, or a mix of the two every week. Strength training and stretching twice a week to improve balance and flexibility.
- Balanced diet: Eat a lot of whole grains, veggies, fruits, and beans. Eat more fruits and veggies that are brightly coloured or have strong flavours. Cut back on processed foods that are high in fat and carbs, sugary drinks, and red and processed meats.
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding for at least one year has been linked to a lower risk of getting breast cancer. But it's up to you to decide if you want to breastfeed your baby. One of the many things to think about is the fact that nursing may slightly lower the risk of getting breast cancer.
- Quit smoking: Even though there isn't a strong link between smoking and breast cancer risk, it is highly advised that people don't smoke because it clearly increases the chance of heart disease and lung cancer.