As October rolls forward in all its festive glory, it is obligatory that we discuss cancer. And no, I’m not speaking about the zodiac sign. Rather, to be specific, I am speaking about breast cancer, the pathological condition known to have an annual diagnosis rate of 1.38 million, a number huge enough to rival followers of famous influencers.
During this Navratri season, Artist Sid Ghosh has paid a beautiful tribute to breast cancer survivors in his design.
The Impact of Breast Cancer: Understanding, Treatment, and Support
It is a cancer that originates in the breast tissue, commonly affecting the cells that line the lactiferous ducts and tubules. Breast tissue usually consists of milk-producing glands, their piping system in the form of ducts and sinuses, and fat as well as ligaments that maintain the shape of the breast.
Breast cancer can impact any of these components. Symptoms may involve the presence of breast lumps, dimpling and retraction of skin around the breast area, and nipple discharge. Screening for breast cancer plays a crucial role in assessing the severity and predicting the outcome. Cancers detected at an early stage are likely to be smaller.
OCTOBER is designated the BCAM, during which awareness is spread and funds raised for breast cancer treatment on a large scale, across the world. The pink ribbon holds immense importance in this initiative. Taking this in stride, for this awareness month, we come to you debunking a few myths about breast cancer.
MYTH #1: BREAST CANCER ALWAYS PRESENTS AS A LUMP
Lumps in the Breast are
but one of many presentations of the disease. Breast cancer may cause changes in texture of the skin due to inflammation of the area. It may also cause nipple discharge, dimpling of skin and changes in breast size. Nipple retraction or inversion may also be seen as the tumor pulls on the ligaments that help provide shape to the breasts. A classic Peau d’ orange appearance might also be seen, with bumpy, pitted skin.
MYTH #2: ALL LUMPS ARE BREAST CANCER
Conversely, not all the lumps that are found on the breast are cancerous. While it is quite easy to assume the worst, lumps may also point towards breast abscess, fibroadenomas and papillomas.
MYTH #3: ONLY WOMEN GET BREAST CANCER
While an overwhelming number of women get diagnosed with breast cancer, it is imperative to remember that even men are susceptible to this disease. A small amount of breast tissue is present in everyone. Hence, men are at risk of developing this disease as well. Ductal carcinomas are most common in males. Elevated estrogen levels in males, a family history of breast cancer, and exposure to radiation are common risk factors. The third week of October, in particular, helps raise awareness about breast cancer in men.
MYTH #4: UNDERWIRE BRAS AND NIPPLE PIERCINGS CAN ALSO CAUSE BREAST CANCER
While many individuals theorize that wearing underwire bras restrict the lymph circulation, causing accumulation of toxins in the breasts leading to cancer. There is no scientific evidence to back this argument. A study conducted in the US in 2014 showed that there is in fact, no relation between the type or bra women wear and the occurence of breast cancer. While nipple piercings may cause infections, abcesses and plethora of other conditions, they do not cause breast cancer.
MYTH #5: PEOPLE WITHOUT FAMILY HISTORY OF BREAST CANCER WON'T GET IT
This is a fairly common misconception. However, statistically only 5-10% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history. This is caused due to mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes. However, there are still more reasons for the incidence of this cancer including lifestyle, exposure to radiation and hormonal factors. Studies showed that women with early menarches, later menopauses, earlier first child births and shorter breastfeeding periods have higher risk of developing breast cancer.
MYTH #6: IVF INCREASES RISK OF BREAST CANCER
Due to administration of estrogens and other hormones in Assisted Reproductive Technology to promote ovulation, it is often mistaken that they might increase the risk of breast cancer. However, studies have proved that there is no correlation between the two.
MYTH #7: MAMMOGRAMS CAUSE BREAST CANCER
Mammograms do expose the individuals to a minor amount of radiation. However, one mammogram study is almost the same as two months of background radiation. Moreover, this imaging technique is the gold standard for screening of breast cancer. As early detection helps to mitigate the complications of breast cancer, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this screening procedure.
MYTH #8: ONLY OLDER WOMEN ARE AT RISK
Although more common in the older population, even young women are at risk of developing it. What is more terrifying is that breast cancers in women under 40 are more aggressive forms of the disease with larger size and advanced stage. The primary concern of the survivors in this age group is post-treatment infertility.
MYTH #9: TREATMENT IS LOSING THE WHOLE BREAST
The treatment for breast cancer includes various different procedures and not necessarily mastectomy. Management of breast cancer mainly deals with destroying the cancerous cells while preserving the properly functioning cells. This may be done by various methods including radiation therapy, chemotherapy and lumpectomy(wherein only the tumorous mass is removed). Even after lumpectomy and mastectomy, the breasts can be reconstructed surgically by adding breast implants.
SELF EXAMINATION FOR BREAST CANCER
A Breast self examination is an early detection tool that can help identify cancer at earlier stages. It revolves around understanding the normal parameters of your breast including size, shape and texture. In case of any abnormal changes, this will help identify them better. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform these examinations atleast once a fortnight.
HOW SHOULD IT BE PERFORMED?
It is recommended that all the three steps of self examination are done each time when it's done.
IN THE SHOWER: Using the pads of the middle 3 fingers, press down on both breasts and over the armpits with varying pressures. Check for any changes including hardnening, thickenings, lumps or any discharge from the nipples.
IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR: Inspect for any dimpling, swellings or any irregularities in the texture of the skin.
LYING DOWN: Similar to inspecting in the shower, lie down with a pillow beneath the shoulder and examine.
Conclusion
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing battle against one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. It highlights the importance of early detection, timely treatment, and ongoing research in improving survival rates and quality of life for those diagnosed with breast cancer. As we spread awareness, we also emphasize the need for regular screenings, self-examinations, and education on risk factors, which play a crucial role in prevention and early intervention. By supporting awareness initiatives and promoting conversations around breast cancer, we contribute to a future where fewer lives are lost, and more are empowered to fight and survive. Together, we can make a difference, one step closer to a world without breast cancer.
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