Breast Cancer Awareness Month: 10 Google Questions Answered By Expert
BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
According to a report published by the World Health Organisation (WHO), 2.3 million women around the globe were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. This huge number is one among many reasons why October is celebrated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month every year.
As the name suggests, we take this as an opportunity to spread awareness about breast cancer which affects millions of women globally. Despite being one of the most prevalent types of cancer in the world, we seem to have little knowledge on the subject.
The same report by the WHO also mentioned that by the end of 2020, 7.8 million was the total count of the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the last five years. “Breast cancer occurs in every country of the world in women at any age after puberty but with increasing rates in later life,” the report read.
Therefore, we spoke to Dr Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, to get answers to the 10 most frequently searched questions on Google regarding breast cancer.
What Are The First Symptoms Of Breast Cancer?
Dr Rajpurohit said that the first symptoms of breast cancer include a painless lump or thickening of the breast tissue. The expert pointed out that not every lump is cancerous, but if you witness nipple discharge, changes in the skin, or a new lump, you must consult a healthcare expert.
What Are The 5 Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer?
The five most common warning signs of breast cancer are:
- Changes in the size and shape of breasts
- A new lump in breasts or underarms
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk
- Persistent breast pain
- Changes in the skin, including puckering, redness, and dimpling)
What Is Breast Cancer Caused By?
The source of breast cancer is genetic mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell growth. These mutations are the results of hormonal influences, genetic predisposition, exposure to environmental carcinogens, and unhealthy lifestyle choices, including alcohol consumption and smoking.
What Age Does Breast Cancer Start?
There is no specific age for breast cancer to develop. However, it is most commonly diagnosed among women of age above 50. It can affect young women and even men in rare cases.
What Does Stage 1 Of Breast Cancer Feel Like?
In stage one of breast cancer, the doctor might find a small tumour which might not have spread to nearby lymph nodes or distant sites. In most cases, there are nary to a few noticeable changes in the body. However, a few people might experience a painless lump along with witnessing changes in the breast tissues during self-examination (Breast Cancer Self-Examination) or mammogram.
Is Breast Cancer Painful?
In the early stages, breast cancer is usually not painful. The pain starts when the cancer starts developing and spreads to surrounding tissues and bones. Dr Rajpurohit said, “Many breast lumps that are painful are benign conditions, but any persistent breast pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.”
Can Breast Cancer Be Cured?
The expert assured that breast cancer can be treated successfully, especially if it has been detected early. The treatment involves controlling the spread of the cancerous tissues and removing them so that they cannot affect the surrounding area.
Dr Rajpurohit also added that many survivors of breast cancer can live a healthy life after the treatment, but the outcome of the treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and the individual characteristics of the patient.
How To Detect Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is detected through self-exams and clinical tests like mammograms. Early detection increases the rate of positive outcomes.
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Can A Bra Cause A Lump?
It is a myth that many people believe. Dr Rajpurohit said that wearing a bra does not cause lumps in breasts because they are associated with cysts, hormonal changes, cancer, or fibroadenomas. If you notice the lump, you must get it evaluated.
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What Are The Four Stages Of Breast Cancer?
The four stages of breast cancer include:
Stage 0: Non-invasive cancer in which abnormal cells are confined to the milk ducts and lobules
Stage 1: Small and localised tumour with no lymph node involved
Stage 2: Large tumours with limited lymph node involvement
Stage 3: Locally advanced cancer with more extensive lymph node involvement
Stage 4: Advanced or metastatic cancer that has spread to distant organs or tissues beyond the breasts.