One has to have a good idea of their body and must sense any change that occurs in the shape or size of the breast or any other malformations. So one has to get acquainted with their body.
A monthly self-examination, an annual check up by physician and periodic mammograms helps in early detection of the breast cancer. If breast cancer is detected in the early stages, it will increase the chance of successful treatment. If early signs are not spotted, the disease creeps up without our notice and can be diagnosed only when we feel the painful changes. Be vigilant.
Some of the warning signs during self-examination include:
- Dimpling
- Puckering of skin
- Bulging of skin
- Inverted nipples
- Discharge from the nipples
- Redness
- Soreness
- Rashes
- Swelling
When to consult a doctor?
If any of the above signs are observed, it may indicate some abnormality like presence of cancerous cells and it requires immediate attention for screening and treatment. So consult a doctor if you find the above signs. The warning signs not only suggest us to take immediate action but also shows the presence of some risk factors.
The National Institute of Health gives some list of risk factors for the breast cancer:
- Family history of breast cancer if present
- If there is onset of menstruation before 12 years
- Onset of menopause after 55 years
- If not given birth to children
- If first child is born after 30 years
- Fewer pregnancies
- Low breast feeding (if less time spent in breast feeding)
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives)
- Hormone replacement therapy
Now, the option of genetic testing has become available (but only to a few) to assess the risk of breast cancer. But before taking this option, it has to be discussed with the physician to understand its implications.
Mammogram has to be scheduled during the first 2 weeks of the menstrual cycle to avoid a hormonal shift that makes the breasts more sensitive in the case of pre-menopausal women. Caffeine also should be stopped for a week before the test as caffeine increases the tenderness of breasts.
Understanding of the condition:
If you are at low risk, screening can be done annually from 40 years of age. The previous reports have to be taken whenever you are consulting a physician. The doctor compares the earlier images with the new ones and tracks the changes over time.
A healthy lifestyle should be maintained. Avoid some addicting habits like smoking, drinking that elevates the risk of cancer. So healthy diet has to be taken. Taking of anti-oxidants reduces the risk of cancer and they are present from turmeric to tea as anti-oxidants are ubiquitous. Moderate eating helps in maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity is not associated with breast cancer.
If you are at a high risk, the screening has to be done annually from 30 years onwards. The screening includes mammogram and an MRI.
Treatment by the Physician:
If there is an establishment of cancer, the physician suggests the ‘Tamoxifen Therapy’.
There may be preventive surgery also. The removal of breasts may be possible.
But the treatment should be done after considering everything and should be done with great care.
Women who have experienced non-invasive cancerous growths can reduce the future risk by undergoing lumpectomies. It means removal of the cancerous lumps and the margin of non-cancerous tissue.
Therapies should be taken well in time.