Breast cancer....for early detection, do regular self examinations.

Breast cancer is rising rapidly in India, pushing cervical cancer to the second spot. According to ICMR report, 1 in 22 women suffer from breast cancer. Breast cancer is a uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the tissues of the breast. It can occur either in the ducts or in the tissue where the milk is formed.

Common symptoms are:-

-Painless swelling ( lump) in the breast or the armpit region

-Nipple retraction

-Nipple discharge

Change in size & shape of the breast and the nipples

Change in the look of the skin surrounding the nipples, looking reddish in colour.

Usually, the early stage does not cause any symptom. Thus self examinations once in a month are very helpful.

Besides, yearly mammogram X - ray after the age of 40 and with a family history from the age of 35 should be done, as early detection is the only cure. Various factors of breast cancer include late age at first childbirth, fewer children, shorter duration of breast feeding with a lifestyle which involves excessive smoking & alcohol consumption.

Regular breast feeding is a boon to prevent breast cancer.