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Breast cancer is a major health concern affecting women of all ages, but there has been a growing incidence of the disease among younger women in recent years. This trend is a cause for concern and highlights the need for greater awareness about the disease, the factors that may contribute to its development, and the importance of regular breast cancer screening for early detection.
Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cancer seen among women worldwide, after skin cancer. While the risk of breast cancer increases with age, the disease can occur in women of any age. In recent years, there has been a growing incidence of early-onset breast cancer among younger women, defined as those between the ages of 40 and 50. This is a significant shift from the past decades when breast cancer was primarily considered an older women’s disease (over 60 years of age).
Identifying Breast Cancer Symptoms
There are various early signs and symptoms of breast cancer that can go unnoticed. Thus, have an eye for these common symptoms:
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Lump in the breast.
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Dimpling or peeling of the skin.
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Changes in the size & shape of breasts.
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Inverted nipple or fluid/blood discharge.
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Swelling or lump near arm or collarbone.
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Redness, swelling, or warmth around the nipple.
In case you have any of these symptoms, immediately consult a top hospital for breast cancer treatment in Old Airport Road. The consultant oncologists will perform a physical examination as well as order a mammogram or biopsy, to determine the disease and help with the treatment module.
Causes of Breast Cancer
Age has been a major cause for women with breast cancer. However, the reasons for the increasing incidence of breast cancer among younger women may have suggested certain environmental causes, lifestyle changes, and reproductive patterns.
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Women who have children later in life (after 35 years of age), or who have fewer children, may be at greater risk of developing breast cancer.
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Lifestyle factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and lack of physical activity are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.
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Many younger women have genetic mutations (BRCA1 and BRCA2) that may have contributed to the development of the disease.
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Women with a family history or personal history of breast cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease.
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Certain hormones (estrogen and progesterone), hormone replacement therapy, and birth control pills can raise the risk of breast cancer.
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Exposure to certain environmental toxins such as endocrine disruptors and pollutants may also increase the risk of breast cancer.
Early Diagnosis & Treatment of Breast Cancer
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Early detection is important for the effective treatment of breast cancer. Advances in imaging technology, such as mammography, breast MRI, and biopsy, have made it easier to detect small tumours that may not be visible.
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Women should consider breast cancer screening from age 40 annually, depending on their personal risk factors and medical history. Women with a family history of breast cancer may need clinical breast examination/ultrasound of the breast every 1-3 years from age 25-40 years.
Consult a top oncologist in Old Airport Road for diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
There is a World of Possibilities in Ways to Treat Breast Cancer
The standard care of treatment mostly involves a combination of surgery with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery remains the first step, followed by therapeutic treatment. A Lumpectomy is performed for the removal of small tumours and surrounding tissues. When the tumour is huge and has spread to lymph nodes, a Mastectomy is the best approach to remove the entire breast. If surgery is not recommended, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be used as standalone treatments. Newer and more advanced treatment options include hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
Cancers that occur in younger women are more aggressive compared to those in elderly women. This can lead to a poorer prognosis and a more difficult treatment journey. It is important for women to stay informed about their risk factors for breast cancer, undergo regular screening as recommended by their healthcare providers, and seek support and resources as needed.
Book an appointment with a Consultant – Oncology at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road to receive the best course of treatment.
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