Breast Self-Examination Every Month Can Help in Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Women should take 10 minutes from their busy schedule, and opt for breast self – examination within 7 days after their periods.

Incident of breast cancer increasing all over the world and in India too. According to the reports of GLOBOCAN 2018, this is the second most common cancer in the world with 2.1 million cases reported globally annually. In India, breast cancer is commonest cancer type with a mortality rate of 12.7 per 100,000. To reduce the mortality rate, early detection and timely treatment are needed.

The Indian scenario is different compared to western countries the incidence is 35 per 100,000 in urban areas, in the west the leading cause of this cancer is hormone replacement therapy is taken after menopause whereas in India, the reasons are increased body mass index due to eating habits like foods with high saturated fatty acids (junk foods), delayed marriages, avoiding breastfeeding for whatever reason and lack of exercise.

Dr. Sanjay Sharma, HOD of Breast Cancer Department at Asian Cancer Institute says, “The commonest age group for breast cancer presentation in India is between 40-55. Breast self-examination is a vital screening tool with a regular physical examination by Doctor and mammography for early detection is required for successful treatment.”

Self-breast examination is a very effective and easy to teach all women age group. This should be done 7 days of their menstrual cycle, any day in post-menopausal patient. Our advice while bathing move hand on your breast in a circular motion. He added, “Standing in front of the mirror and looking for changes in the breast like lumps, swelling, dimpling of the skin and changes in the nipple, should be added to breast self-examination as per the method. Routine examination of breasts can help you learn more about yourself. Hence, it can be easier for you to know if there are any irregularities in your breasts very early.”

Breast self-examination can allow breast cancer detection early so, at breast surgery breast conservation can be avoiding mutilating surgeries. Don’t be scared, educate yourself about breast cancer, be proactive and visit the doctor if your spot and unusual signs and symptoms of breast cancer, lump in the breast, nipple retraction.

Adhering to a healthy lifestyle by exercising daily and eating fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds on a daily basis is recommended.