6 things you should know about Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in India. But the good news is that breast cancer isn’t what it was years ago. Survival rates of breast cancer cases are higher now. Thanks to greater awareness, early detection, and advances in treatment.

Here are a few important things you should know about breast cancer before it’s too late!

1. It ISN’T just a disease of old women

It is a cancer that can affect women of any age. Unfortunately, nowadays women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are also being diagnosed with breast cancer. Therefore, young women need to be breast-aware. But yes, don’t panic! The majority of lumps and changes in a young woman’s breasts are not always due to cancer. But if you do notice something that concerns you, do consult your doctor.

2. It ISN’T always a lump

The most common sign of detecting breast cancer is often a lump in the breast. But many women don’t realize that there can be other signs too that they need to be vigilant about. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• Thickening within the breast or in the armpit
• An itchy scaly rash on the nipple
• Change in the size/shape of the breast
• Unexplained weight loss

3. Very few cases of breast cancer are hereditary

One of the biggest myths of breast cancer is that you only get it if someone in your family has been diagnosed with the disease. The truth is very few cases are hereditary. Only 5 percent of breast cancer cases are caused by inheriting an altered gene. It’s just a very common cancer among women.

If you’re worried about a genetic link to breast cancer and your increased risk, you need to get in touch with your doctor.

4. Lifestyle factors do matter

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help lower your risk of breast cancer. According to reports, some of the below lifestyle habits may reduce your risk:

• Exercise at least thrice a week
• After the age of 40, get an annual mammogram done
• Do breast self-exam every month
• Take any lumps or breast change seriously
• Limit your alcohol consumption
• Get plenty of sleep every night and stay stress-free

5. Breast cancer is not one single disease

There are many types of breast cancer, which grow in different parts of the breast. And the disease isn’t always the same for every woman. It can be diagnosed at different stages and grow at different rates.

Thus the treatment for breast cancer is individually tailored, and what works best for one person may not be beneficial for another.

6. Men can get breast cancer too

Many people don’t know it, but breast cancer affects men as well. Both men and women have breast tissues, although men have smaller amounts. Though the chances of breast cancer are very low and rare in comparison to women, one shouldn’t completely ignore it.

Regency Healthcare: helping you fight cancer!

The Department of Gynecology at Regency Healthcare is dedicated to eradicating breast cancer with thorough screening procedures.