10 FAQ’S ABOUT BREAST CANCER
Looking at the number of cases
increasing day by day, it is not unusual to seek answers to a variety of
questions about Breast Cancer Treatment in Bangalore. Surprisingly, a
disturbing trend noticeable in our country is the younger age in which women
are falling prey to this disease (<40 years). Breast cancer can originate in
different areas of the breast including the lobules, the ducts, or in some rare
cases, the tissue in between.
Here are 10 FAQs about breast cancer that will help to resolve most of the doubts
related to this disease. If you are unable to find an answer to a question you
consider important, please post it in the comment box below, and we at Oncology
India will do our best to answer it.
Q1. What are the
symptoms of breast cancer?
Usual signs of breast cancer
include a painless lump or mass, bulging of skin, puckering, dimpling, nipple
retraction, change in skin color and discharge. Having one or more of these
signs and symptoms is not a sure shot sign of breast cancer, however,
consulting a specialist is recommended.
Q2. What are the
top risk factors for breast cancer?
Though the definite cause of
breast cancer is still not clear, many factors increase the risk. These factors
include increasing age, alcohol, late pregnancy, early menstruation, late
menopause, and family history, use of oral contraceptives and history of
radiation therapy.
Q3. How often
should the breast self-examination (BSE) be performed?
Doctors recommend performing the
breast self-exam (BSE) in monthly. Dimpling, palpable lump, puckering,
discharge from the nipples, inversion of the nipple, scaliness of the
nipple/areola area and breast skin should be looked for while examining the
breasts. If any of these changes in the breasts are noticed, contacting a
specialist is advised.
Q4. Can wearing bra
cause a breast cancer?
There has been a lot of
discussion around the connection between bra (especially padded) and breast cancer. However, there are still no studies or
surveys that prove wearing a padded bra can cause cancer.
Q5. Can the risk of
breast cancer be lowered?
Though there is no proven ways
that help in preventing breast cancer, certain alterations in lifestyle can
lower the risk. Steps that might reduce the risk include maintaining a healthy
weight, having an active lifestyle, limiting alcohol and timely pregnancy.
Q6. Does
reproductive and menstrual history increase the breast cancer risk?
Yes, women who get pregnant for
the first time after 30 or later or have no biological children are at an
increased risk. Furthermore, women who got their periods before the age of 12
and began menopause after 55 are also at risk.
Q7. Do all pains in
the breast direct to breast cancer?
Known as mastalgia/mastodynia,
soreness or pain in the breast is usually associated with pre and post
menstruation. Many women often suspect this as a symptom of breast cancer.
However, it is rare that the pain is because of cancer. But, if the pain lasts for more than 3
weeks, seeking a consultation is advisable.
Q8. Are all Benign
Cysts cancerous?
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs
within the breast and can rarely lead to cancer. However, any lump in the
breast should be immediately brought to the doctor’s notice and investigated.
Cyclical lumps are also common in some women. They are cysts that appear before
the menstrual cycle and disappear later. Though they are harmless, there is no
harm in getting them monitored.
Q9. Is Mammography
Painful?
Compression of the breasts during
mammography can cause slight discomfort. Doctors always advise the patients to
schedule the test a week after the periods, so that the breasts are less tender
and hurt less. To prevent discomfort, the doctor may even advise a painkiller
approximately 45-60 minutes before the test is conducted.
Q10. What are the
major side effects of chemotherapy?
The side effects differ from one
individual to another. Common side-effects of chemotherapy include nausea, anaemia, mouth sores,
appetite change, hair loss, fatigue, infertility, menopause, diarrhoea and
changes in smell or taste.
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