Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, representing nearly 27% to 32% of all female cancers. Over 200,000 new breast cancer cases are diagnosed annually in India, with estimates showing approximately 221,579 cases and 82,429 deaths recorded, according to data shared by Observer Research Foundation .
Dr Asha Dalal, director of obstetrics and gynaecology at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, highlighted that breast cancer is the most frequent type of cancer found among women in India, with Indian women getting diagnosed almost ten years before Western women . Decide on a regular date every month. For those who still have their periods, select a date just after their monthly cycle. For those who do not have their periods anymore, select a fixed date,” she added. Dr Namita Pandey, a breast oncoplastic surgeon at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Mumbai, stated that as a breast oncosurgeon, she would urge all women to get acquainted with the normal look and feel of their breasts. For women who do not have their menstrual periods anymore, it can be done on any day of the month. Here are some key steps she highlighted: “It should be noted that self-examination does not replace clinical examination or screening. In case of detection of a new change, you should contact a doctor rather than self-checking the area,” Dr Namita added. However, delaying the check-up until there is a lump in your breast is wrong. Women should become aware of the usual look and feel of their own breasts. Self-exam is not about diagnosing cancer, but recognising any changes in your body that may need to be checked out,” she added. The main idea is practice, not perfection. Meanwhile, Dr Asma recommended consulting a physician if you discover a new lump or thickening, any alteration in the breast’s size or shape, dimpling or puckering of the skin, redness or abnormal swelling, an inverted nipple, anything different about the nipple area, or any discharge from the nipple that is unusual or bloody. “It is true that most lumps in the breast area are not cancerous. However, it is not necessarily normal for a lump to be painless. She further underlined that ‘women with a family history, mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, chest radiation before, and personal history of breast cancer may require closer surveillance, and even MRI scans’. “Individualised recommendations should be sought from a breast specialist. Do not postpone consultation if you notice an abnormal change. Meanwhile, Dr Asha Dalal states that regular screenings must depend upon age, personal medical history and individual risk profile. She highlighted, “Early breast cancer might not have any symptoms at all, which could only be detected through mammograms. Breast cancer doesn’t necessarily cause pain, nor does the lack of lumps in the breast exclude it. She further noted that more serious cases of breast cancer might lead to ‘unexplained weight loss, bone pain, shortness of breath or nerve-related problems, but none of them is specific to breast cancer’. “They are often diagnosed in their 60s, since breast cancer in males is rarely suspected by both men and doctors. It is not recommended to perform routine self-exams for all men, but awareness should still be raised. Any lump, nipple discharge, or skin changes in the area behind the nipple should be examined by a doctor. Men in these categories should discuss the possibility of regular clinical examinations with a doctor,” she added. It is often a misconception that only women can get breast cancer or carry the risk. She further noted, “Even though breast cancer is quite rare among men, they must still be vigilant about any changes in their chest, including the presence of lumps, nipple discharge, retracted nipples or any other changes in the skin. Absolutely, Dr Namita noted. “There are numerous risk factors, including age, family history, BRCA2 gene mutations, some hormonal conditions, and radiation exposure in the chest area. Men with a history of breast cancer in the family should talk to a doctor and determine their level of risk. What I am trying to say is that early detection is crucial and can save lives,” she added.
Dr Namita stated that women at average breast cancer risk should consult a doctor about regular mammograms, typically starting around age 40, depending on age and risk. “In average-risk patients, regular clinical examination once every one to three years in the 20s to 30s, and once annually after 40 years is one commonly used approach. There are different guidelines concerning mammography – in India, most oncological societies recommend annual mammography starting at 40,” she added. Per Dr Asha, men also have breast tissue, and 1% of breast cancers are found in men.
Therefore, she stressed that no one should turn a breast examination into some complex medical procedure. Because breast cancer is a rare disease among the male population, men should not ignore such signs simply.
“Self-awareness of breasts helps women detect changes at an earlier stage,” she stressed. Ideally, a breast self-examination should be done once a month following the menstrual period, as at this time the breast is less sensitive, according to her. A cancer physician at M|O|C Cancer Care Pune, breast lumps are probably the most widely recognised breast cancer symptoms, according to Dr Asma Pathan. One should be aware of: “It is important to know that most breast lumps are benign; however, every new lump should be checked by a physician,” Dr Namita underlined, according to Dr Namita. “Clinical breast examination could also be recommended,” she added. Self-examination can be done consistently, according to Dr Asma, but clinical examinations or mammograms may or may not be required depending on age and personal and family medical history. It does not, according to Dr Namita. However, according to Dr Namita, that is far from the truth.
“Breast cancer can manifest itself through other visual or non-visual signs long before the appearance of a lump—and even at an early stage of breast cancer there might be no symptoms at all. “ Today, breast self-awareness has replaced any specific method.
However, taboos around the topic and the general fear of the disease can lead to women often ignoring any lumps that may have formed around their breasts. As October marks the annual breast cancer awareness month, HT Lifestyle reached out to experts from Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, M|O|C Cancer Care, and a senior gynaecologist from Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital to understand breast cancer, how to perform self-checks, how to recognise warning signs, and more. Here are some poignant questions we asked the experts related to breast cancer:
Therefore, it is important to know how to do a proper self-examination at home.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
