Breast cancer affects 5% to 8% of the Indian population, making it the second most prevalent type of cancer after cervical cancer. Moreover, around 50% to 70% of breast cancer cases are primarily diagnosed in the advanced stage, where chances of cure and survival are significantly lower. Studies have shown that this can be attributed to the lack of infrastructure to carry out screening tests, a casual attitude towards female health as well as a lack of awareness. To ensure you understand early breast cancer causes, signs and avail treatment at the right time, read on.
Breast cancer, as the name suggests, forms in the cells of the breast. While it can occur in both men and women, it is widespread in women. While increased awareness and early diagnosis have helped completely cure this cancer worldwide, the same cannot be said about breast cancer cases in India. Awareness and knowledge about the disease can help in early diagnosis and subsequent treatment and cure. It is thus in your best interest to know the breast cancer causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention options.
Additional Read: Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Self-examining your breast along with regular screenings can help you notice any unusual development or changes in your breast and help you seek immediate medical attention when required. So, if you have ever wondered ‘How to know if I have breast cancer?’, here is a step-by-step guide.
A doctor will conduct the following diagnostic tests to diagnose this cancer.
The doctor will physically examine your breast, looking for any unusual changes in the shape, size, and skin of the breasts.
On detecting the presence of lumps or tumors in the breast, the doctor may order a mammogram, an X-ray of the breast to check if the tumor is benign or cancerous.
For further confirmation and clarity, the doctor may order these non-invasive imaging tests as well.
Here, a small piece of the breast tissue is surgically removed to be studied in a lab.
Depending on the stage of cancer, the doctor may resort to any of the following treatments.
Here, the cancerous tissues in the breast are surgically removed while keeping the breast intact.
Here, the entirety of the breast, along with the tumor and connecting tissues, are surgically removed.
One of the most common cancer treatments, this uses drugs to impede the spread of cancer.
Here, targeted beams such as X-rays are used to kill cancer cells.
This is used when breast cancer is caused due to hormones.
Similar to other cancers, early diagnosis and treatment is the only way to cure it altogether. While you cannot control or prevent causes such as genetics and age, adopting a healthier lifestyle can help reduce your chances of developing breast cancer. Additionally, ensure that you undergo regular check-ups and screening for breast cancer, especially once you cross 40 years of age. Moreover, on the slightest doubt on detecting any early breast cancer signs, visit your doctor immediately.
Finding the right oncologist is simple on Bajaj Finserv Health. By using location, gender, experience and other filters, you can find the right specialist near you and even book appointments. While you can choose an in-person consult, you can also consult a doctor online to get remote care. Choose from our health plans to get affordable options from partner clinics and labs to address your health holistically.
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