Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
Book Appointments & Health Checkup Packages
The most common cancer affecting women worldwide is breast cancer. Its cases are increasing rapidly in India, and as per research, 1 in every 28 women is at risk of being affected by this disease. As per GLOBOCON 2020 data, breast cancer accounts for 13.5% of all cancer cases, out of 1,78,361 detected cases, 90,408 lost their lives. It has a high survival rate of up to 90% if detected and treated early.
When breast cells grow and divide abnormally to form a lump or mass, it causes breast cancer, which can potentially spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Early detection of breast cancer is crucial for better treatment outcomes and survival. This necessitates the importance of screening tests like mammograms, and self or clinical breast exams. The expert diagnostic team available at Manipal Hospitals in Broadway is trained and equipped with cutting-edge technologies to detect breast cancer even before any symptoms appear. We believe prevention and early detection are vital, thus, we recommend that every woman over 40 undergo a mammogram screening annually. Advancements in medical imaging technologies and genetic testing have enhanced the early detection of breast cancers in Kolkata. Through public awareness campaigns, we educate women regarding the warning signs and the importance of regular screenings.
Identification of breast cancer at an early stage, before it spreads beyond the breast tissue, is referred to as the early detection of breast cancer. Its early detection increases the chances of successful treatment and improves survival rates, quality of life, and outcomes for breast cancer patients.
The symptoms of breast cancer differ from person to person and mostly appear later. Some women even do not show any symptoms. This makes its screening vital for detecting this cancer. If you experience any change in the breast or feel the appearance of a lump, get it immediately assessed by a specialist doctor. The common symptoms are:
Lumps in the breast or underarm
Inverted nipple
Swelling, redness, or darkening of breast
Redness or pitting of the breast skin
Changes in the appearance, size or shape of the breast
Bloody or clear discharge from the nipple
Pain in the breast
Scaling, peeling or flaking of the skin around the breast
Rash on the nipple
Many women who do not have a risk factor can still develop this cancer. However, these factors increase your risk of developing breast cancer. These are:
Ageing
Family history and genetic mutations
Exposure to radiations
Obesity
Lifestyle factors (such as drinking alcohol, being physically inactive)
Postmenopausal hormone therapy
Using oral contraceptives for a long time
Never having a pregnancy or having the first child after 35 years
Early menstruation or late menopause
It is recommended to undergo breast cancer screening tests annually to detect any abnormalities or tumours at an early stage. These screening tests can detect cancer even before it can be felt or show any symptoms. These are:
Mammography
Breast self-awareness
Clinical breast exam
Other diagnostic tests used to confirm breast cancer and determine its stage are:
Breast ultrasound
Breast MRI
Breast biopsy
Blood tests
Checking your breasts by yourself for any changes or abnormalities is termed breast self-examination. It should be done monthly, preferably 4-5 days after the menstrual cycle. Look for any visible lumps in the breast or armpit, nipple discharge, texture change, nipple turning inward, or dimpled or depressed skin.
If you notice any changes, consult our oncologist for a clinic breast examination and screening.
It is a screening technique that takes an X-ray of the breast area, helping in the detection of breast cancer when it's too small to be felt and before it shows any noticeable symptoms. It has the potential to detect cancer up to 2 years before it can be felt.
Every woman should get screening mammography done annually after the age of 40 and when she is at an average risk of developing this cancer.
As the compression of the breasts occurs during mammography, it’s not painful but can cause a slight discomfort. The doctor can recommend a mild painkiller if needed. It is also suggested to get it done after one week of periods, as the breasts will be less tender and hurt less.
When early screening tests for breast cancer show breast changes or a lump, a breast biopsy is recommended, as it is the only way to be sure whether it is cancer or a non-malignant mass of cells. In a biopsy, a specialised needle device, guided by an X-ray or another imaging test, extracts a tissue core from the suspicious area. Then these biopsy samples are sent to the laboratory for further investigations. It helps in knowing whether the cells are cancerous, the types of cells involved, the grade of cancer, and whether the cells have hormone receptors or other receptors, as it will influence the treatment options.
Though breast cancer cannot be fully prevented, taking certain steps can help reduce its risk. These are:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Staying active
Reducing alcohol intake
Getting pregnant at the right age
Avoiding exposure to chemicals and radiation
Taking self-breast exams every month
Regular mammograms and clinical breast exams
If you have a higher risk of developing breast cancer, consult with our healthcare professionals to learn about preventive measures you can take to promote overall breast health.
Home Broadway Specialities Cancer-care Early-detection-of-breast-cancers