Picking Breast Cancer Early

Picking Breast Cancer Early https://www.greaterkashmir.com/op-ed-2/picking-breast-cancer-early/ Spotting cancer at an early stage saves lives, so it is important to tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice anything that isn't normal for you.? It is never too late for breast cancer awareness., Breast cancer awareness month, which takes place in October, is an important time to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection, prevention, and support for individuals affected by the disease. says Dr Fiaz Fazili WORRIED? Have I got breast cancer? Have you noticed something different about your breast? Every woman should know the risk of having a commonly occurring disease that attacks without a warning. It is a perfect time to share with your wife, sisters, daughters about this serious matter, especially if it has touched someone in your family. The American Cancer Society recommends that all women over the age of 20 perform monthly breast self-examinations. The best time to do so is at the end of the menstrual period when the breasts are not swollen or tender. After the menopause, any easy-to-remember date will do, such as the first of each month. Use the same technique each time you examine your breasts and examine both breasts in the same way so that any changes will be immediately obvious. If you find a lump, consult your doctor immediately. About four out of five breast lumps are found to be benign. (A benign tumour will not spread.) In common with leading breast cancer centres and international standards, we recommend routine annual full field digital Mammography (available in our valley) from the age of 40, or from 35 if high risk factors have been identified. A mammogram is a breast x-ray, generally only suitable for women aged 35 or over, performed by a radiographer and viewed by a consultant radiologist. Unfortunately some women are averse to the idea and ask, Why should I get screened for Breast Cancer, when I don't have any symptoms?The answer is very simple. If your mammogram results are normal then you will have immediate peace of mind. If, however, an abnormality is found, you will have access to expert diagnosis and treatment. Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chances of recovery. In addition to mammography, it is possible to have an appointment with a Consultant breast surgeon for clinical examination and review. Whatever your age, size or shape it’s important to take care of your breasts. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females, so it’s important to look after your breasts by being breast aware. Being breast aware is an important part of caring for your body. It means getting to know how your breasts look and feel, so you know what is normal for you. Being breast aware means noticing any changes that occur in the breast and having them checked out by a doctor without delay. It is important to remember that most changes that occur in the breast are part of normal breast development. You can then feel more confident about noticing any unusual changes. FAQ is How do I check my breasts? There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly. Just a few minutes every now and then could help save your life. Detecting a change early means that if cancer is diagnosed any treatment may well have a better outcome. Go to your family Doctor he/she can teach you this simple, valuable method. Do regular breast self-exams and have annual mammograms if you are a woman over the age of 40. And encourage those women you love to do the same. Breast awareness 6-point code- 1.) Self-Examination: Know what is normal for you by breast self-Examination Encourage women and men to perform regular breast self-examinations to detect any changes in their breast tissue. Educate them about the importance of early detection. 2.Know what changes 3. To look and feel for and report any changes to your Treating doctor without delay. 4. Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 40 or over- Indian women should start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms from the age of 40 years," Dr. Ghugare a leading oncologist said. Breast screening tests include a range of methods like mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT).5. If you have Breast cancer or cancer of any type in the family -start BSE examination at least five years before becoming 40. 6.Mammograms: Advocate for regular mammograms, particularly for women over 40 or those with a family history of breast cancer. Promote awareness about when to schedule mammograms and how to access screening services. The new mammogram guidelines for 2023, the task force now recommends women: Start breast cancer screening at age 40 instead of the previously recommended starting age of 50. Get screening mammograms every other year from ages 40 to 74. Your breasts change constantly throughout your life from puberty, through adolescence, the childbearing years, before a period during pregnancy, Before, during and after the menopause and (change of life). This is because of the varying levels of the female hormone’s oestrogen and progesterone in your body., When breastfeeding, Breast problems. Sometimes breast changes can indicate a benign breast condition that may need treatment. For example, breast pain linked to your periods is common and usually seen as normal. However, when it’s severe and long lasting it can be seen as something that needs treating. Awareness is the key.. The most common symptoms of breast cancer are a change in the look or feel of the breast, a change in the look or feel of the nipple and nipple discharge. However if you are not sure about the changes in your breast or you notice something new it is always best to see your doctor to have this checked out, .Please remind this on to anyone whom you would like to be aware of this dreadful disease breast cancer. Scope of the problem and some Key facts about Breast Cancer. In 2020, there were 2.3 million women diagnosed with breast cancer and 685 000 deaths globally. As of the end of 2020, there were 7.8 million women alive who were diagnosed with breast cancer in the past 5 years, making it the world’s most prevalent cancer. Breast cancer occurs in every country of the world in women at any age after puberty but with increasing rates in later life. Roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific risk factors other than sex and age. Approximately 0.5–1% of breast cancers occur in men. How close are we to curing breast cancer? Is breast cancer curable? answering frequently asked questions. The latest breakthroughs in Breast Cancer Treatment · 1. 3-D Mammography · 2. Tumour Profiling · 3. Immunotherapy · 4. New Treatments for Metastatic Cancers. Breast cancer mortality changed little from the 1930s through to the 1970s when surgery alone was the primary mode of treatment (radical mastectomy). Improvements in survival began in the 1990s when countries established breast cancer early detection programmes that were linked to comprehensive treatment programs including advanced effective multimodal therapies. Breast cancer is highly treatable in its early stages, and the outlook is generally very positive. Even advanced cancer is manageable with latest therapies if not curable in most cases, according to the ACS .Cancer that's diagnosed at an early stage, when it isn't too large and hasn't spread, is more likely to be treated successfully. Breast cancer that is found in the early stages has a 99 percent survival rate, but when found in later stages, the survival rate drops to 28 percent, according to the American Cancer Society. A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.Lest we forget October is breast cancer awareness month, an important time to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection, prevention, and support for individuals affected by the disease. Dr Fiaz Fazili is a Breast surgeon and member of the international community on breast cancer prevention and awareness programme, and is team leader of the Group campaigning for Not for Profit State of art Cancer hospital in Ut of JK. can be reached at drfiazfazili@gmail.com