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Breast cancer is the second most common cancer seen in women. Once thought a disease of the developed countries, the incidence of breast cancer is on the rise in India as well. Breasts are designed to produce milk for the newborn baby after delivery. Breast is made up of milk glands and supporting breast tissue. Milk glands contain milk sacs, where milk is produced and milk ducts carry the milk to the nipples from where it is discharged. The breast tissue extends up to the collarbone on top and the armpits on the side. Traditionally the shape and size of the breasts are associated with femininity and any disease affecting the breasts are psychologically traumatic. Breast cancer is a tumor (a mass of abnormal tissue) within the breast. The majority of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, however a small number start in the milk sacs or the lobes. Like other cancers, breast cancer if unchecked also has the ability to spread to different areas. The spread occurs mainly via the lymph ducts. Breast cancer is far more common in women than in men although men can also get breast cancer. Some women are at a particularly higher risk.
It is important to mention here that even if several risk factors are present, if does not necessarily mean that cancer will develop in these cases. It is equally important to mention that 75% of women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors. What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer? In a majority of women breast cancer is first noticed as a lump in the breast. There are other important signs and symptoms.
How can Breast Cancer be diagnosed? Being in an area, which is easily accessible, the importance of early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer cannot be over-emphasized. Early detection and treatment can provide an almost 100% cure.
CPAA provides cancer screening for early detection of breast cancer at the following centres: 1.
Cancer Patients Aid Association Early Detection Centre, 2. Lila
Kishanchand Shahani Clinical Diagnostic Centre What are the treatment options for Breast Cancer? Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the three options available for treating breast cancer. Often the treatment given may be a combination of 2 modalities, such as surgery followed by radiotherapy; or chemotherapy followed by surgery. Selection of the appropriate therapeutic approach depends on the location and size of the tumor, breast size, appearance on the mammogram, the extent of change in the tissues, and the preference of the patient and treating doctor.
Dos and Don't - A few simple moves to help you move back to normal Do’s
Don’ts
CPAA provides budgeted medical aid for poor and needy breast cancer patients at: In Mumbai Smt. Panadevi Dalmia
Cancer Management Centre In
Delhi Cancer
Patients Aid Association, In
Bangalore Cancer
Patients Aid Association, In
Pune Cancer
Patients Aid Association, Life after mastectomy (surgery done to remove the breast) Because of the traditional thinking that femininity is associated with presence of breasts, the surgical removal of a breast can be traumatic and requires rehabilitation measures. Detachable External Prosthesis, Silicone prosthesis and reconstructive surgery provide hope to these patients. Breast prosthesis are now available, to help patients feel as feminine as before and nobody can notice the difference. The fitting of breast prosthesis should occur approximately 6-8 weeks following mastectomy. Careful measurements help in getting a well-fitted prosthesis. When fitted correctly, the prosthesis is comfortable and looks as natural as the healthy breast. Check for the following:
CPAA’s economical, fully washable breast prosthesis, developed specially for Indian patients by our Rehabilitation Centre, is soft and fully washable (important in view of the hot and humid climate), gives an extremely good cosmetic appearance, and costs Rs.350 to 400 (depending on size). The prosthesis is fitted at the Smt. Panadevi Dalmia Cancer Management Centre under the guidance of a sympathetic and fully qualified technician. CPAA provides counseling at various stages of breast cancer treatment from diagnosis to rehabilitation at the following centres: In Mumbai 1.Smt. Panadevi
Dalmia Cancer Management Centre 2. Guidance,
Diagnostic & Rehabilitation Centre 3.Lila
Kishanchand Shahani Clinical Diagnostic Centre 4.Bombay
Hospital, 5.
Nanavati Hospital, 6. Tata
Memorial Hospital 7. Cama
& Albless Hospital 8. B.Y.L.
Nair Hospital, 9.
Bharat Sevashram Sangh, 10. IC
Church, 11.
Breach Candy Hospital, In
Delhi Cancer
Patients Aid Association, In
Bangalore Cancer
Patients Aid Association, In
Pune Cancer
Patients Aid Association, In the shower
Raise one arm, with fingers flat, touch every part of each breast, gently feeling for a lump or thickening. Use your right hand to examine your left breast, your left hand for your right breast.
With arms at your sides, then raised above your head, look carefully for changes in the size, shape, and contour of each breast. Look for puckering, dimpling or changes in skin texture. Gently squeeze both nipples and look for discharge. Lying down
Place a towel or pillow under your shoulder and you right hand behind your head. Examine your right breast with your left hand.
Finger flat, press gently in small circles, starting at the outermost top edge of your breast and spiraling in towards the nipple. Examine every part of the breast. Repeat with left breast.
With your arm resting on a firm surface, use the same circular motion to examine the underarm area, this is breast tissue, too.
This self-examination is not a substitute for periodic examination by qualified physician. For a free brochure on the correct procedure for conducting a Self Breast Examination, contact us. Download printable version of Self Breast Examination brochure [Top] |
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