The rising cases of breast cancer in the country of India have taken the attention of everyone as early prevention and cure of it has to be done to uproot it from its roots. One of the key factors of the high prevalence of breast cancer among women is the lack of awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection.
Breast cancer today accounts for nearly 14% of all tumors in Indian women. Globally, breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women, which has even overshadowed lung cancer as the number one cancer in 2020. In India, women of younger age are suffering from breast cancer than those in the Western countries. This is one of the most serious concerns among women in India, and therefore, early detection and intervention become crucial in improving the treatment and saving lives.
Why Breast cancer is becoming prevalent in India?
Lack of awareness and knowledge about the disease is one of the main reasons behind the increase in cases in our country. Lack of knowledge often leads to late diagnosis, contributing to high mortality rates. In a country like India, there are still places where people do not openly talk about it or discuss it’s importance in a woman’s life. In order to debunk this mentality, education is the only way to dispel fears and encourage open conversations about breast health. By educating and creating awareness among women, they can be empowered with the right knowledge about the risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of regular self-examinations of their breasts to avoid any future risks of developing cancers.
Importance of Early Detection of Breast Cancer and its significance
Early detection of breast cancer plays as the early key driver of improved treatment outcomes and life-saving interventions. The most crucial step behind this detection is empowering women about the seriousness of cancers and teaching them about self-examination for breast cancer. This is even more important for those women who have a certain family history of cancers, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle choices, etc.
Self-examinations are very simple and can be done even at home if they are well aware of the possibilities and symptoms of cancers. When women are taught about the correct method to perform a breast self-check, they become cautious about the normal look and feel of their breasts. They can quickly identify any changes or abnormalities. Certain signs that may seem abnormal are developing lumps, changes in size or shape, dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge or inversion, or any unexplained breast pain. In that case, consultation with the doctor as early as possible is a big must. A healthcare professional can easily identify any subtle differences that might be overlooked during a self-examination.
The American Cancer Society suggests annual mammograms for women starting at the age of 45 and even earlier for those at a higher risk. The Breast Imaging Society, India recommends 40 years as the age for starting annual mammography-based screening. A mammogram is basically an x-ray of the breast that can detect tumors and calcifications of the root of the disease even before they can be felt. It is very necessary if someone is developing any changes in their breasts.
Women who are well aware of the disease are more likely to prioritize routine screenings and early check-ups. Early detection of Breast cancer helps make treatment more feasible and increases the chances of survival. By promoting awareness and encouraging regular screenings, we can reduce the burden on healthcare systems by identifying and addressing health issues in their early stages, thus avoiding more extensive and costly treatments later on.
