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breast cancer

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Unveiling the Hidden Dangers of Smoking for Young Women!”

by Dr. Shruthi R October 4, 2024

written by Dr. Shruthi R

As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024, it’s crucial to highlight the significant risks smoking poses to young women’s health. Discover how smoking increases the likelihood of developing breast cancer and learn empowering strategies for prevention.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024: Here’s How Smoking Can Increase the Risk of Cancer in Young Women

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, research, and education surrounding breast cancer. In 2024, as we shine a light on this critical issue, it’s essential to address the various risk factors associated with breast cancer, particularly smoking, which has been increasingly recognized for its harmful effects on health. Young women, in particular, need to understand how smoking can heighten their risk of developing breast cancer, along with other health complications. This comprehensive guide will delve into the relationship between smoking and breast cancer, the importance of awareness, and actionable steps young women can take to reduce their risk.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow uncontrollably. It is one of the most common cancers among women globally, with millions of cases diagnosed each year. Factors contributing to breast cancer include genetics, age, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences. Awareness is crucial for early detection and treatment, which significantly increases survival rates.

The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was established to educate the public about breast cancer, promote screening and early detection, and support those affected by the disease. It is a time to encourage women to perform self-examinations, schedule regular mammograms, and understand the significance of risk factors, including smoking. This month serves as an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together to raise awareness, share resources, and support research initiatives.

The Link Between Smoking and Breast Cancer

While smoking is widely recognized as a leading cause of various cancers, including lung cancer, its link to breast cancer has garnered increased attention in recent years. Research suggests that smoking can affect breast cancer risk through several mechanisms:

Toxic Chemicals: Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, many of which are toxic and carcinogenic. These substances can damage the DNA in breast cells, leading to mutations that may result in cancer.
Hormonal Changes: Smoking can influence hormone levels in the body, particularly estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of breast tissue, and elevated estrogen levels have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Immune System Suppression: Smoking weakens the immune system, making it less effective at detecting and eliminating cancer cells. This can allow malignant cells to grow and proliferate.
Inflammation: Smoking causes chronic inflammation in the body, which is a known risk factor for cancer development. Inflammation can create an environment conducive to tumor growth and progression.

Statistics on Smoking and Breast Cancer Risk

Numerous studies have explored the relationship between smoking and breast cancer risk. According to the American Cancer Society, women who smoke are 20-30% more likely to develop breast cancer compared to non-smokers. Additionally, the risk is higher for women who start smoking at a young age or have a long history of smoking. Furthermore, research indicates that women who smoke and have a family history of breast cancer face an even greater risk.

Smoking and Young Women

The increasing prevalence of smoking among young women is a concerning trend. Factors contributing to this rise include peer pressure, advertising targeting young adults, and the perception that smoking is a way to manage stress or weight. It is crucial to address these issues and educate young women about the health risks associated with smoking, particularly breast cancer.

Understanding the Young Female Demographic

Age of Onset: Many young women begin smoking during their teenage years or early adulthood, a critical period when their bodies are still developing. This early exposure increases their lifetime risk of various cancers.
Body Image Issues: Society often perpetuates the idea that smoking can help control weight, leading many young women to believe that it is a viable option for weight management. This misconception can have detrimental effects on their health.
Stress Management: Young women frequently encounter significant stressors, including academic pressures, relationships, and career choices. Some may turn to smoking as a coping mechanism, unaware of the long-term consequences.

Preventive Measures and Awareness Campaigns

To combat the rising smoking rates among young women and the associated risks of breast cancer, it is essential to implement effective prevention strategies and awareness campaigns. These efforts should focus on educating young women about the dangers of smoking and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices.

Education and Outreach: Schools, colleges, and community organizations should develop educational programs that address the risks of smoking and breast cancer. Workshops, seminars, and informational materials can help spread awareness.
Support Groups: Establishing support groups for young women can provide a safe space for discussing smoking-related issues and share strategies for quitting. Connecting with peers who are going through similar challenges can foster a sense of community and support.
Social Media Campaigns: Utilizing social media platforms to spread awareness about the dangers of smoking and its link to breast cancer can effectively reach young audiences. Creative content, such as videos, infographics, and testimonials, can resonate with this demographic.
Access to Resources: Providing resources for smoking cessation, such as hotlines, counseling services, and free or low-cost nicotine replacement therapies, can empower young women to quit smoking and improve their overall health.

The Role of Regular Screenings and Self-Exams

Regular screenings and self-examinations play a crucial role in early detection and prevention of breast cancer. Young women should be encouraged to adopt proactive health practices:

Self-Examinations: Performing regular breast self-exams can help women become familiar with their breast tissue and detect any unusual changes. Knowing what is normal for their bodies can lead to early intervention if abnormalities arise.
Clinical Screenings: While mammograms are typically recommended for women starting at age 40, younger women with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss their screening options with a healthcare provider.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices

In addition to avoiding smoking, adopting a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Young women should consider the following lifestyle changes:

Balanced Diet: A nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy weight and support overall well-being. Certain foods, such as those high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, may have protective effects against cancer.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce breast cancer risk. Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, improves hormonal balance, and enhances immune function.
Limiting Alcohol: Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Young women should be mindful of their alcohol intake and consider limiting consumption to reduce their risk.
Stress Management: Developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress, such as yoga, meditation, or creative hobbies, can help mitigate the urge to smoke and promote emotional well-being.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024 unfolds, it is essential to recognize the role of smoking in increasing breast cancer risk, particularly among young women. By raising awareness, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, and advocating for preventive measures, we can empower young women to take control of their health and reduce their risk of breast cancer. Together, we can create a future where breast cancer awareness leads to improved health outcomes and a deeper understanding of the importance of smoking cessation.

Encouraging dialogue, providing resources, and supporting each other in the fight against smoking can make a significant difference in the lives of young women. Let us work together to spread the message of awareness, prevention, and hope as we strive to reduce the impact of breast cancer on future generations.

October 4, 2024 0 comment

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Key Tests For Early Detection

Women Issue

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: LEARN ABOUT THESE IMPORTANT TESTS THAT CAN HELP IN THE DETECTION OF CANCER

by Anshika Mishra October 3, 2024

written by Anshika Mishra

October is recognized globally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and its impact on women’s health. Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer among women, characterized by the development of cancerous cells in one or both breasts.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2.3 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer in recent years. Understanding the significance of early detection and the various screening methods available can greatly enhance survival rates and overall outcomes for those affected by this disease.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). While breast cancer predominantly affects women, it can also occur in men, although the incidence is significantly lower. The exact causes of breast cancer are still being studied, but various factors can contribute, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices, and environmental influences.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection is critical in the fight against breast cancer. When detected at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment and survival increase significantly. This is why awareness and education about breast cancer screening are vital. Regular screenings and tests can help identify potential issues before they develop into more serious conditions.

Screening Methods for Breast Cancer

There are several effective screening methods that can aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Here are some of the most common tests and examinations recommended for women:

1. Self-Examination

Although self-examinations should not replace professional medical screenings, they are an essential part of breast health awareness. Regular self-exams allow women to familiarize themselves with their breasts and monitor for any changes. Women should check for lumps, swelling, or any unusual skin changes. Being attuned to one’s body and noticing any changes can lead to earlier testing and diagnosis, which is crucial for successful treatment.

2. Mammogram

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and is one of the most common screening tools used to detect breast cancer. This test can reveal abnormal growths or changes in breast tissue, often before any lumps can be felt. Regular mammograms are recommended for women starting at age 40, although some women may need to begin screenings earlier based on their risk factors. Early detection through mammograms can significantly improve treatment success rates.

3. Breast Ultrasound

Breast ultrasounds utilize sound waves to create images of breast tissue. This imaging test is often used in conjunction with mammograms, especially for women with dense breast tissue, where mammograms may not provide clear results. Ultrasounds can help differentiate between solid masses and fluid-filled cysts, which is essential for accurately assessing breast health. This method is particularly useful for women who have been diagnosed with an abnormality on a mammogram.

4. Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A breast MRI is a more advanced imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the breast. This test is often reserved for high-risk patients or those who have had abnormal results from previous mammograms or ultrasounds. MRIs are beneficial in detecting cancer in dense breast tissue and can provide critical information regarding the extent of the disease.

5. Biopsy

A biopsy is a procedure that involves removing a small sample of breast tissue for testing. This is the definitive method for diagnosing breast cancer. If any screening tests suggest an abnormality, a biopsy can help determine whether the cells are cancerous. There are several types of biopsies, including fine-needle aspiration, core needle biopsy, and surgical biopsy, each suited to different circumstances.

6. Clinical Breast Exam (CBE)

During a clinical breast exam, a healthcare professional manually examines the breasts for lumps or other changes. While this may not be as accurate as imaging tests, regular CBEs can help detect abnormalities that might require further investigation. Health professionals typically recommend that women receive a CBE at least once every three years starting in their 20s and annually after age 40.

7. 3D Mammogram (Tomosynthesis)

3D mammography, also known as breast tomosynthesis, is a newer form of mammography that provides a more detailed, layered view of breast tissue. This technology improves accuracy in detecting small cancers, particularly in women with dense breasts, who may not be adequately screened by traditional mammograms alone. Studies have shown that 3D mammograms can increase the detection rate of breast cancer while reducing false positives.

8. Genetic Testing

For women with a family history of breast cancer, genetic testing can be a vital tool. Tests for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can indicate a higher risk for breast and ovarian cancers. Early genetic testing can facilitate proactive monitoring and preventive measures, such as increased screening frequency or even prophylactic surgeries in some cases. Women considering genetic testing should consult with a healthcare provider or a genetic counselor to understand the implications and options available.

Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer Risk

While regular screenings are critical for early detection, understanding and managing lifestyle factors can also play a significant role in reducing breast cancer risk. Factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use have been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco can contribute to overall health and potentially lower the risk of breast cancer.

Importance of Early Detection

Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of early detection and regular screenings in combating breast cancer. With advancements in screening technologies and increased awareness, more women can take charge of their breast health. By participating in regular self-exams and screenings like mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, women can significantly increase their chances of early detection and successful treatment. It is essential for women to stay informed, educate others, and advocate for their health.

October 3, 2024 0 comment

Women Issue

UNCOVER KEY BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS THAT AREN’T RELATED TO LUMPS

by Anshika Mishra September 11, 2024

written by Anshika Mishra

Breast cancer is often associated with the presence of lumps, but this deadly disease can manifest in several other ways that are much more subtle, sneaky, and easy to miss. Being aware of these less obvious signs can be crucial for early detection and potentially life-saving treatment. Many women are aware of the need to check their breasts for lumps regularly, but changes in size, skin texture, nipple discharge, swelling around the armpits, and persistent pain are lesser-known warning signs that can also indicate breast cancer.

Here’s an in-depth look at 5 sneaky signs of breast cancer that have nothing to do with lumps:

1. Changes in Breast Size and Shape

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and can naturally change throughout a woman’s life due to factors like hormonal shifts, weight changes, and aging. However, any sudden, unexplained changes in breast size or shape could be a potential warning sign of breast cancer.

Breast cancer can cause one breast to enlarge or appear different from the other in terms of size or shape. You might notice your breast feels heavier or fuller than usual, or it may look asymmetrical compared to its usual appearance. Sometimes, this change can be subtle, but for some women, it can be dramatic.

It’s essential to be “breast-aware,” meaning that you should familiarize yourself with the normal size, shape, and feel of your breasts. This awareness will help you detect any unusual changes more easily. Although breast asymmetry is common, sudden changes in size and shape that don’t seem to have an obvious explanation should always be discussed with a doctor.

2. Changes in Skin Texture

One of the more visible, yet often overlooked, signs of breast cancer is a change in the skin texture around the breast. Breast cancer can cause the skin cells in the area to change, leading to inflammation that manifests in various ways. Your breast skin might become scaly, dry, or irritated. In some cases, the skin can take on a rough, thickened appearance or resemble the texture of an orange peel, known as “peau d’orange.”

These skin changes may also be accompanied by itching, although itching is not a common symptom. A more specific skin change associated with breast cancer is nipple scaling or crusting, which can indicate Paget’s disease of the breast, a rare form of breast cancer that affects the nipple and areola.

In some cases, skin thickening and other textural changes could signal inflammatory breast cancer, a particularly aggressive type of cancer that often lacks a defined lump. However, it’s important to remember that these skin symptoms can also arise from benign conditions such as eczema, dermatitis, or infections, so it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Consulting a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis is key.

3. Nipple Discharge

While nipple discharge is often associated with breastfeeding or hormonal fluctuations, it can sometimes indicate breast cancer. A discharge that is bloody, clear, or milky in color can be a red flag, especially if it occurs without any stimulation or comes from just one nipple.

Nipple discharge can happen for many reasons. Hormonal changes, infections, or benign conditions like papillomas (small, non-cancerous growths) can cause discharge. However, if the discharge is spontaneous (meaning it happens without squeezing the nipple), bloody, or comes from just one breast, it’s essential to consult a doctor.

Women who are breastfeeding may notice some milky discharge, which is completely normal, but any discharge outside of breastfeeding or pregnancy should be checked by a medical professional. Even though nipple discharge is not the most common symptom of breast cancer, it can sometimes point to an underlying issue, such as ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive form of breast cancer that can develop into a more serious condition if left untreated.

4. Swelling Around Armpits or Collarbone

While lumps in the breast are often the most talked-about symptom of breast cancer, the disease doesn’t always present itself in the breast tissue alone. Breast tissue actually extends beyond the breast and into the areas surrounding the armpits and collarbone. Swelling or unusual changes in these areas can be another sneaky sign of breast cancer.

The lymph nodes, which are part of the body’s immune system, are located in the armpit and can become swollen if breast cancer cells spread to this region. If you notice any swelling, lumps, or tenderness around your armpit or collarbone, it could indicate that breast cancer has spread to your lymphatic system. Sometimes, the swelling can feel like a small lump under the skin, but it may also appear as a general puffiness in the area.

This swelling is often painless but should never be ignored. It’s important to check the area around your armpits and collarbone regularly, just as you would check your breasts. Early detection of swelling in these areas can help catch breast cancer before it spreads further.

5. Constant and Recurrent Pain

Although breast cancer is often described as painless in its early stages, some women do experience breast pain. Persistent, unexplained pain in the breast or nipple can sometimes be a sign of cancer, particularly if the pain doesn’t go away with your menstrual cycle or other normal fluctuations.

Breast cancer can cause changes in the breast tissue or skin cells that lead to discomfort, tenderness, and burning sensations. Women often describe the pain as aching or tender, and while it may not be intense, any constant or recurrent breast pain that doesn’t resolve itself should be evaluated by a doctor.

It’s worth noting that many benign breast conditions, such as cysts or hormonal changes, can also cause pain. However, if the pain is localized, persistent, or doesn’t seem to have a clear cause, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection of breast cancer can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. While many people are aware of the need to check for lumps, it’s just as important to be mindful of these less obvious signs. Being breast-aware and familiar with the normal appearance and feel of your breasts will allow you to notice any changes quickly.

If you observe any of the sneaky symptoms mentioned above — changes in breast size or shape, skin texture changes, unusual nipple discharge, swelling around the armpits, or constant breast pain — don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Many of these symptoms can be linked to non-cancerous conditions, but a timely diagnosis is crucial for ruling out breast cancer or catching it in its earliest stages when treatment is most effective.

September 11, 2024 0 comment

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Breast tumour spreads as you sleep: Study

by Medically Speaking June 26, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

According to a recent study conducted by researchers at ETH Zurich, the University Hospital Basel, and the University of Basel, circulating tumour cells that later become metastases arise largely during the sleep period of afflicted patients.

The study’s findings were published in the journal ‘Nature.’ According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer (WHO). Around 2.3 million people globally acquire the illness each year. Patients typically react favourably to therapy if doctors find breast cancer early enough.

However, if the cancer has already spread, things become much more difficult. When circulating cancer cells separate from the initial tumour, they move across the body via blood arteries and establish new tumours in other organs.

To recently, cancer research has given little attention to when tumours discharge metastatic cells. Previously, researchers considered that tumours continually released such cells.

“When the patient is sleeping, the tumour wakes,” says research leader Nicola Aceto, Professor of Molecular Oncology at ETH Zurich. The researchers discovered that the tumour develops more circulating cells when the body is asleep during their investigation, which involved 30 female cancer patients and mice models.

Also Read: Walking may boost cognitive task performance: Study

Cells that leave the tumour at night divide faster and so have a greater potential to produce metastases than circulating cells that leave the tumour during the day.

“Our findings suggest that hormones like melatonin, which regulate our circadian cycles, affect the escape of circulating cancer cells from the primary tumour,” explains Zoi Diamantopoulou, the study’s lead author and a postdoctoral researcher at ETH Zurich.

Adapting treatments to the tumour

Furthermore, the study suggests that the timing of tumour or blood sample collection for diagnosis may alter oncologists’ conclusions.

An unintentional discovery along these lines set the researchers on the correct route in the first place. “Some of my coworkers work early in the morning or late in the evening; they’ll also analyse blood at odd hours,” Aceto explains with a smile. The researchers were caught aback when they discovered that samples collected at different times of the day showed extremely variable quantities of circulating cancer cells.

Another hint was the very large quantity of cancer cells detected in mice per unit of blood when compared to humans. Because mice are nocturnal creatures, they sleep throughout the day, which is when scientists gather the majority of their samples.

“In our opinion, these data suggest that healthcare providers should systematically record the time at which they do biopsies,” Aceto added. “It could aid in making the data genuinely comparable.”

The researchers’ next step will be to figure out how to incorporate these discoveries into existing cancer treatments in order to optimise remedies. Professor Nicola Aceto of ETH wants to examine if various forms of cancer behave similarly to breast cancer and whether existing medicines might be made more effective if individuals are treated at different periods.

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June 26, 2022 0 comment

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Breast cancer cases on rise in Kolkata, doctors recommend self-examination, annual screening tests for women over 45

by Medically Speaking February 6, 2022

written by Medically Speaking

According to reports, breast cancer accounts for 25-32% of all female cancers in big metropolitan cities like Kolkata

Being the most common type of cancer in women, breast cancer accounts for 14% of cancers in Indian women

More than 50% of Indian women suffer from stage 3 and 4 of breast cancer

Doctors recommend annual mammography test for better diagnosis in women over 40 or those who have a family history

Kolkata, 3rd February 2022: The state of West Bengal is witnessing a rapid rise in breast cancer cases, with its capital Kolkata bearing the burden of most of the cases, according to doctors. Despite high level of literacy, the lack of awareness regarding this disease is leading to several cases every year. Eminent doctors and medical experts from the busy metropolitan have noted that breast cancer cases have overtaken cervical cancer recently. According to reports, breast cancer accounts for 25-32% of all female cancers in cities like Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Ahmedabad, and Chennai. This is more than one-fourth of all female cancers.

Being the most common type of cancer in women, breast cancer accounts for 14% of cancers in Indian women. Every four minutes, a woman in the country is diagnosed with the disease. At the same time, the rural-urban difference in the incidence of the disease is reducing due to urban trends penetrating in villages as well as small towns.

Dr Sudipta Bandopadhyay, MD (PGIMER), DM, Chief Medical Oncology, Ruby Hospital, Kolkata, says that the disease is becoming more common in younger age group also. “A few years back, we used to get most of the breast cancers in postmenopausal women i.e., over 50. Urban lifestyle, late marriages due to higher education or career ambitions, unhealthy lifestyle like excessive use of alcohol and smoking have brough younger women (25-50) also in the radius. Our hospital has received several cases after restrictions were lifted recently and many of them are in advanced stages. Although the numbers are staggering and constantly rising, we recommend self-examination and annual screening tests for women over 45,” he says.

According to a report released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bengaluru-based National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), the number of cancer cases in India is estimated to be 13.9 lakh in 2020 and may increase to 15.7 lakh by 2025.

Several reports have also indicated that more than 50% of Indian women suffer from stage 3 and 4 of breast cancer. Apart from that, Indian women develop breast cancer at least 20 years in advance than their western counterparts.

Risk factors also include increasing age, a personal history or family history with breast cancer, obesity, radiation exposure, postmenopausal hormone therapy.

Symptoms include change in the shape, size or appearance of a breast, a lump or thickening, changes to the skin over breast, a newly inverted nipple. “We recommend mammogram screening test for better diagnosis of the disease as it is approved by WHO as well.

“The good news is that it is the most treatable form of cancer in women if diagnosed early, so awareness regarding the same is important. To reduce the risk, women should aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, limit postmenopausal hormone therapy, maintain a healthy weight, and consume lot of fresh fruits and vegetable in their daily diet. At the same time, they should avoid sedentary lifestyle, limit their alcohol intake, and quit smoking,” says Dr Sudipta Bandopadhyay.

February 6, 2022 0 comment

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World Cancer Day 2022: Recognising and addressing the social inequalities in cancer care

by Ayushya Singh February 5, 2022

written by Ayushya Singh

Led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), World Cancer Day is more than a day on the calendar. It is observed every year to raise awareness, improve education, and catalyse personal, collective and government action to save millions of preventable cancer deaths. Furthermore, it seeks to “reimagine a world where access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all — regardless of who you are or where you live”.

A multi-year campaign for impact

In keeping with the theme ‘Close the Care Gap,’ UICC launched a three-year campaign this year to create more equitable access to cancer services. In the first year — 2022-23 — the campaign will focus on “understanding and recognising the inequities in cancer care around the globe”. The second year of the campaign – 2023-24 – is about “uniting and mobilising communities to take actions, build stronger alliances and innovative new collaborations”. The last year of the campaign – 2024-25 – is all about bringing attention to a higher level by raising voices to engage those in power. It is about “calling on leaders to eliminate health inequities by addressing their underlying causes, ensuring that everyone has access to quality health services when, where and how they need them”.

Addressing the social inequalities in the cancer continuum

In the cancer continuum, social inequality refers to systematic differences between social groups that affect people’s risk of developing cancer, the likelihood that they will receive effective and timely (or any) cancer treatment, whether they will survive, and whether they will have access to palliative care. Such inequality can occur along a variety of axes, including, but not limited to, a person’s socioeconomic status, race or ethnicity, gender, disability, sexuality, and geographic location. Persistent social inequalities exist both between and within countries along the cancer continuum. They reflect the significance of social, economic, environmental, historical, and political contexts in determining who develops cancer, what type of cancer they develop, and whether they are able to survive or die from it.

The terminology in this field is somewhat contentious. The term inequity implies a judgement that differences are inherently unjust, such as the unequal distribution of cancer care services. This element of unfairness can be contentious and difficult to determine at times. These barriers — cultural, educational, financial, socio-economic, geographical and gender or age-related discrimination — potentially reduce a person’s chance of surviving cancer – and they must be addressed.

Why should we be concerned about social inequalities in cancer?

Social inequalities are very much evident at every step of the cancer continuum, starting from the individual’s exposure to risk factors, and the likelihood of developing cancer, to whether cancer-related data is collected and counted, through access to screening and cancer diagnostic facilities, and even to fundamental palliative care.

For decades, social patterns of cancer incidence and mortality have been documented, with many cancers occurring more frequently among groups with lower socioeconomic status and other underserved populations. Cancers associated with chronic infections are significantly more prevalent in countries with a lower Human Development Index. India spends less than 2% of its GDP on healthcare. Out-of-pocket expenses continue to account for more than three-quarters of cancer expenditure in India. In countries where there’s a lack of universal health coverage or other adequate safeguards, a diagnosis of cancer can be financially catastrophic for individuals and their families due to unaffordable out-of-pocket payments.
The most fundamental requirement for identifying and addressing inequalities in cancer is the ability to generate relevant information from a functional cancer registry. Despite some progress, many low- and middle-income countries still lack the capacity to generate even basic cancer intelligence.
Indigenous populations, people living in poverty, and ethnic minority groups or other disadvantaged groups tend to experience different patterns of cancer incidence; poorer cancer survival rates are observed among such groups compared to more privileged people in both higher- and lower-income countries.
Lack of access to healthcare workers and services remains one of the most serious impediments to cancer globally. Given the large number of cancer patients in India, the number of healthcare providers available to treat cancer is insufficient. There are only around 4000 oncologists for an entire 1.3 billion population. Most cancer treatment centres are overcrowded, and patients have to wait for long periods of time to get their treatment done. Approximately 70% of cancer patients live in rural areas with little to no cancer care facilities. Approximately 95% of cancer care centres are located in cities. The main logistical challenges that rural people face are commuting to urban areas, finding housing, and financial difficulties. Furthermore, cancer treatments necessitate a multi-pronged approach making traveling even more challenging.
Despite its relative affordability, access to palliative care is a neglected aspect of global health, and many people with cancer, including children in low and middle-income countries and underserved people in some high-income countries, die without access to adequate symptomatic relief. Despite its importance in cancer care, India lags far behind in providing patients with palliative care. Many more professionals need to be trained in this area. With an ageing population and an increase in cancer cases, more palliative care centres need to be established. The fact that many of the world’s most vulnerable people do not have access to effective palliative care, can be seen as a “medical, public health, and moral failing, and a travesty of justice.”

What can be done to close the cancer care gap?

Social inequalities in cancer outcomes are not inevitable, but changing them will almost certainly necessitate coordinated action at many levels, both within and outside of the health sector, and at both local, regional, and global levels. Strategies and policies aimed at addressing root causes, such as unequal power and access to resources between groups, are likely to have an impact on population health in general and cancer outcomes in particular. Efforts should be made to improve cancer care access for the entire population in a uniform manner, regardless of geographical or socioeconomic barriers.

In many low-and-middle-income countries, a lack of universal health coverage is a barrier to both development and addressing inequalities in cancer outcomes. Progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of universal health coverage will have an impact on cancer inequalities both between and within countries. Advancements made towards meeting the health-related United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of universal health coverage will have an effect on cancer inequalities both between and within countries. Talking about India, the country’s healthcare system needs to be revitalised, with a special emphasis on cancer care. To combat the rising death toll, it is critical to improve healthcare infrastructure at all levels and establish regional cancer centres. Aiming for preventive and early detection services is essential. Advanced treatment equipment and drugs should be made available to all at a reasonable cost. The key is a more cost-effective and efficient health-care network.

February 5, 2022 0 comment

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Key to Cancer Cure suggested by Specialists

by Medically Speaking Team November 9, 2021

written by Medically Speaking Team

Cancer, traditionally regarded to be a disease of old age, is becoming a source of concern among young people and children.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there will be an estimated 12 per cent rise in cancer cases in India in the next five years.

An expert panel discusses the measures to subside this graph. The panel included: Dr Suman Lal, Sr Gynaecologist and Cancer Specialist, Max Hospital; Dr Hitesh Verma, Additional Professor, ENT, AIIMS; Dr Sushil Mandhaniya, Sr Medical Oncologist, AIIMS; Dr Dodul Mondal, Sr Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital; Dr Shweta Verma, Dental Surgeon, AIIMS.

Cancer is often associated with the probability of death. How significant do you think is awareness today?

Dr Sushil Mandhaniya: there is an upward trend in the number of Cancer cases since the last 30 years. There is a dramatic decrease in the death rate due to cardiovascular diseases, but very marginal decreases in deaths due to Cancer. This is because the extreme ignorance, late diagnosis and the myths that surround. A lot of time is wasted in unnecessary medications in patients. This is why we need to create awareness. In breast cancer, nearly 49% of malignancies are seen in individuals less than 50 years of age. This is the difference between the western and Indian population. We observe stage 3 or stage 4 malignancies in nearly 50 per cent to 60 per cent of the cases. We have different demographic pattern and types of malignancies than the western population.

Number of cases of breast cancer and cervical cancer are rising in younger women, especially in rural areas. A woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes in India. Is lack of awareness the biggest issue you would pin-point?

Dr Suman Lal: When we talk about the gynaecological cancer, they are very prevalent in India. If we detect early, we can detect it properly. For cervical cancer, we say that it is not genetic, but occurs due to human papillomavirus. If we conduct pap smear test thrice a day, we can reduce the burden to a huge extent. Even if a woman goes for a pap smear test atleast once a year, we can detect the cancer in the society as a whole in most of the cases. Women who are sexually active should go for pap smear test and if they are positive, they should get treated by their gynaecologist immediately rather than living with the cancer.

Screening is important when it comes to breast cancer, especially after periods. If a women haves a history of breast cancer in paternal or maternal family, they should be more vigilant. Self-palpation, palpation by the expert and mammography after the age of 40 is recommended to detect the cancer in early stages.

What do the policymakers need to do as far as awareness and improving infrastructure is concerned?

Dr Dodul Mondal: We talk about spreading awareness among the patients, but we forget that similar awareness is required on the part of the policymakers, bureaucrats and the doctors also since they all are a part of the system. Many a times the patient is troubled due to lack of awareness on the part of the physician. Breast cancer, Cervical cancer, Oral cancer are really prevalent in our country. Oral cancers are majorly caused due to tobacco, smoking and it is the enforcement by the administration that needs to be implemented.

Government is doing over and above what it can to prevent the use of tobacco. What more needs to be done on our part?

Dr Shweta Verma: As we all know tobacco and alcohol can cause oral cancer. To reduce the number of oral cancer cases by large, we need to spread awareness against this at the school level so that the children, many of whom grow up to become consumers of such products, know what harm it does to one’s health. Other reasons for oral cancer are: Oral sex or sex with multiple partners and poor oral hygiene. Annual oral health check up can prevent one’s risk of developing oral cancer.

How can early detection help the patient and the family in terms of mortality and the treatment costs?

Dr Hitesh Verma: When it comes to cancer, one has to go through different treatment modalities like chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. One of these modes is sufficient for the patient when diagnosed at an early stage and survival chances are very high. When the tumour advances, they have to go through prolonged surgery and additional treatment therapy and the survival chances reduces by 10 or even 20 folds in 5 years period.

What is the difference between the treatment one undergoes when diagnosed early and when diagnosed at later stages?

Dr Sushil Mandhaniya: Early detected cancers are highly curable as they are local advanced diseases while in later stages they become metastatic disease. We generally talk about the quality of life and not cure during stage 4 disease. For most of the solid organs, mostly the modality remains surgery and many of the patients are scared of the malignancies.

A major myth surrounding cancer surgery is that “Cancer spreads by the touch of a tool” and is mainly a reason why people do not opt for surgery and switch onto taking alternate medications instead which wastes a lot of months that could have been invested in their cure.

When we talk about Cervical Cancer, HPV vaccines are given between a certain age.

Dr Suman Lal: As a gynaecologist, I believe that we have a responsibility to raise awareness, but I believe that the first step should be to include safe sex in the curriculum, with women commencing intercourse and using contraception such as a condom or other methods. The virus’s chances of spreading will be reduced, thus discussing safe sex in the school curriculum will be crucial. If we go for cervical cancer vaccine at teenage, 70 to 80 percent of cancer will be averted in later life. When women come to us for reasons like pregnancy, infertility and other reasons, we should take a pause and talk about the genetic history.

We should examine them once. If it appears that the cervix haves infection, we can talk about cervical cancer and slowly, we can talk about the pap smear and we can examine the breast at that time.

Is there a significant reduction in the risk of cervical cancer if you are vaccinated? Is there an HVP vaccine?

Dr Suman Lal: If a woman is getting vaccinated against cervical cancer, the risk factor reduces by 70%. As a result, if we vaccinate 100% of our young population, especially the female population, the cervical cancer burden would be reduced by 70%. For the remaining 30%, pap smear examinations become important, and we must explain when we are providing the vaccination. Sex education while vaccination is very important for the young girl.

Can you explain what is proton beam therapy and how it differs from standard radiotherapy? How does a patient determine which treatment or therapy to pursue?

Dr Dodul Mondal: Patients should not arrive with any preconceived notions. It should mostly be left to the expert. The distinction between proton and standard radiation is mostly X-Ray based. It’s a new kind of radiation altogether which is more precise than the conventional radiation and it reduces the risk of side effects and the treatment is really intensified. As a result, a higher dose of radiation can be provided or, because of the reduced Side Effects, a better quality of life can be achieved. Now, a simple recommendation to these young cancer patients is that they should be treated with proton, radiation facilities if they are accessible. It’s also important to consider the cost, which is unquestionably expensive when compared to traditional radiation.

How do you dispel myths around cancer? What would you tell those who waste their crucial time that they could use to go to a doctor and get treated?

Dr Hitesh Verma: Cancer treatment primarily allopathic treatment, hence surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are a part of the treatment. Whenever you feel, there is some kind of abnormal thing in your any body part, which is persisting for a period of time, like swelling, any pain, etc. you should visit some allopathic doctor. Early-stage biopsy is required, which is primarily done by a surgeon, increasing survival rates since we remove that part, hence improving the quality of life subsequently. But when the cancer is in an advanced state, in that case, the burden of surgery very high, like excision is wide vision would require some kind of collapse which can create a defect and some sort of radiotherapy or chemotherapy is required.

What should people living in rural area do? Do you see early detection increasing in rural India? What really do we need to do?

Dr Sushil Mandhaniya: I had worked in a tribal village located deep in forests, for two years that. I know that the problem in the rural population is that they hardly have anything to eat and therefore health is not a priority for them. So how we should Target them? There are two ways: first, target the local PSE doctor because every hospital in Maharashtra haves a qualified doctor.

Secondly, we need to train and motivate the community leaders because they are the ones that the local population obeys. People have hesitancy in disclosing their issues to the doctor but they can talk about it to their community leaders, hence making the latter a bridge between the people and doctors.

We started training all the local doctors that were posted in Public Health Centres over there. Each PSC has got 8-10 subcentres. If the patient can openly discuss their issues with the doctor, the doctor can refer that patient the right place at right time which can eventually save a lot of precious lives.

What would you like to tell people, especially as Dr Mandhaniya spoke about rural population, their health is not the priority. Another part of our population, women do not prioritize their health. What would you like to tell the women of the country?

Dr Suman Lal: If our government will make the vaccinations for diseases like Cervical cancer to the younger population free of cost, we can save lots of lives. It is my sincere request to make this vaccinations free for the rural population and it should be mandatory for all the young girl, nine years to 11 years or less than 12 years.

Dr Mondal what would be your advise to the policy makers?

Dr Dodul Mondal: Biopsy should be done whenever required, Surgery should be done whenever required, Radiation has to be given whenever required, Chemotherapy should be given whenever required. Early detection and proper treatment under specialized Center and experienced team of doctors will lead to success.

Dr Verma, you’ve spoken about the significance of the basic Dental visits not ignoring or even the slightest one early sign. Oral cancer really is something which can be cured at an early stage. What would you like to tell the people about reducing mortality?

Dr Shweta Verma: My advice would be Avoid tobacco at all, as it’s not healthy at all in any terms. Avoid alcohol, and if you are still taking it, limit the consumption amount. Visit your dentist each year and do not ignore any symptoms that may be an alarming sign. HPV is a major reason for oral cancers which is spread through sex with multiple partners and hence we should disseminate awareness regarding this. Brush twice a day and if you see any white patch on your lips, teeth or inner cheek, which is does not heal within two to three weeks, visit your dentist as this might be a sign of oral cancer. Oral cancer detection at early stage will hep you regain a better lifestyle. And if you avoid those symptoms, you will land up into surgeries and therapies that are required at later stages.

Dr Hitesh, do you wish to add something that was just mentioned? Can lifestyle changes, as previously said, lessen the risk of cancer?

Dr Hitesh Verma: We have a wide variety of preserved foods and salty meals, all of which are linked to a higher risk of cancer in some way, such as in the digestive tract. Regular exercise is important as it reduces risk of acidity, mucosa bleeding and cleans airways.

If you feel any change in your body persisting for more than two to three weeks, you should see your doctor to see if anything is out of the ordinary. If the doctor says everything is fine after a few tests, you can go forward. Aside from that, early detection is feasible. If you visit your doctor early in the course of your symptoms, your chances of being cured are quite good because your disease is limited and you just have one therapy option rather than several options and exhausting yourself throughout your treatment.

November 9, 2021 0 comment

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Breast Cancer Symptom Management can be taken care by Medical Marijuana

by Medically Speaking November 4, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

According to a recent survey, 42 percent of women with breast cancer reported using medical marijuana to treat disease-related symptoms such as pain, insomnia, anxiety/stress, and nausea/vomiting.

Furthermore, despite the risk of side effects, the majority of patients reported using medical cannabis during treatment, according to the study published in Cancer.

Dr. Marisa C. Weiss, founder and chief medical officer of BreastCancer.org, and director of breast radiation oncology and breast health outreach at Lankenau Medical Center in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania, and her team conducted this survey to learn more about what patients with breast cancer, particularly their interest in medical cannabis for symptom management, sources of information they refer to and whether they spoke with their health care professionals before using, among other topics.

“While people are actively under treatment, you want to make sure that all the things that they’re doing are helpful or at least harmless, but not harmful,” Weiss told CURE®. “It became clear over time, while taking care of cancer patients, that many of them were utilizing the increasing number of medical cannabis programs across the country.”

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 36 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have approved publicly available medical marijuana programs. Many of these states include cancer as a main qualifying condition to obtain access to medical marijuana. Even

though cancer is included in the list of accepted conditions, there should be some caution on its use based on the cancer treatment a patient is using, Weiss said.

“It’s not good to be using multiple medications that are broken down by the same part of the liver,” she said. “It might be an overload to the liver, it may affect the liver function. You don’t want to use things that have overlapping toxicity. For example, smoking or inhaling medical cannabis could make it more likely for you to develop a side effect of targeted chemotherapies (called) interstitial lung disease.”

Seeking Solutions for Breast Cancer Symptoms

The study conducted by Weiss and her colleagues consisted of 612 patients with breast cancer, of whom 42% reported using medical cannabis to relieve symptoms including insomnia (70%), pain (78%), stress (51%), anxiety (57%) and nausea/vomiting (46%). Additionally, 79% of patients reported medical cannabis use during treatment including radiation, systemic therapies and surgery.

“The whole (cancer) experience is difficult, with uncertainty and disruption of your life,” Weiss said. “All these changes in your body, your self-perception, how much energy you have and all the sacrifices that people make when they go through treatment just to get to the other side, to give themselves the best shot at never seeing it again, and it comes at a price. People are suffering; they have pain, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, symptoms that really take away from your quality of life, wear you down and make it hard for you to function at the level that so many of us have to push to function at just take care of everything. … Going through treatment is a rough ride, and people are seeking a solution for those symptoms.”

Despite this increased use, 39% of patients discussed it with any of their physicians. Weiss explained that there may be several reasons why patients are not opening up to their health care teams about medical cannabis use. These include the fact that cannabis is illegal at the federal level, the fear of negative judgement from their doctor and job loss from illegal substance use, especially for professions in the military, law enforcement and schools. Patients who are regular users may also be afraid of being told by their doctors to stop cannabis use altogether.

Patients should be open about their use of medical cannabis, especially because it may explain persistent side effects like nausea, for example.

“Let’s say someone has … nausea that won’t go away, and the doctor (says), ‘What’s going on here? This nausea’s not going away. It’s not responding to the anti-nausea medicine,’” Weiss explained. “There’s some people (who get this) unusual side effect, but it’s still real (called) hyperemesis syndrome from chronic overuse of cannabis, where you have nausea/vomiting from it. It just doesn’t agree with you, and the only cure for that is to stop using cannabis, but if the doctor doesn’t know you’re using cannabis and they think … it all must be from the chemo, then they’re misunderstanding the situation. (The doctor) can’t be as helpful to you if they don’t really know what’s going on.”

Before a discussion about medical marijuana is started by the patient or their doctor, it’s important that the patient is aware of the other remedies that are proven to help symptoms such as nausea, among others.

“There are pharmaceutical medicines that are more effective against nausea than cannabis,” Weiss mentioned. “You don’t want to miss the opportunity to use something that’s proven to be effective and instead go with something like cannabis, which may be less effective, and the levels at which you might be using (cannabis) to get a nausea benefit might be intoxicating.”

Removing the Stigma of Medical Cannabis Use

Weiss explained that several things need to occur to remove this stigma of medical cannabis for symptom management including legalizing cannabis for medicinal purposes at the federal level and conducting additional research in this area.

“By doing that, we’ll build more knowledge about what (cannabis) can do and what it can’t do,” she said. “We have some papers already, but we need more. Then that new knowledge needs to be incorporated to medical schools so that doctors (who graduate) know more about cannabis based on facts, not just on people’s individual stories or anecdotes.”

Weiss and her colleagues are currently conducting the COALA-T-CBD study, which will assess the effects of cannabidiol (CBD), the second-most active ingredient in cannabis, in patients with peripheral neuropathy from chemotherapy for breast, ovarian, uterine and colon cancers.

“It’s one of the most common, difficult side effects of chemotherapy that doesn’t just interfere with quality of life, but it can interfere with a person’s ability to finish their treatment,” she said. “Therefore, it isn’t just important relative to side effect management, but also in survival because if you cut your chemo early, you may not get the benefit of the full course of chemo.”

If additional research shows the benefits of medical marijuana for symptom management in breast cancer and other cancers, “I do think that in our toolkit of effective therapies against common symptoms due to breast cancer or its treatment, that cannabis products will be part of our armamentarium,” Weiss said. “I really do believe that.”

November 4, 2021 0 comment

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Maintaining Healthy Breasts amid stressed out life

by Medically Speaking Team October 26, 2021

written by Medically Speaking Team

Dr. Aruna Kalra, OBGYN, CK Birla Hospital, suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle helps you keep healthy breasts and protects you from breast cancer.

What are considering the possible risk factors for breast cancer? And how is it avoidable?

Dr Aruna Kalra: As we are aware that it is a breast cancer awareness month and breast cancer cases are increasing at a younger age group also. Why these are increasing at a younger age, mostly it is because of our lifestyle changes. Once we know the reason what causes it, we can prevent it also. As we know that breast cancer mostly is estrogen dependent or hormone-dependent cancer, in previous years, breast cancer was more common in each group of more than 40 or 50 years of age, but nowadays, even, 20 years old, girl can have breast cancer, because we start our Menses as early as 12 or 13 years of age, and it goes on till 51 to 55 years of age. We are always under the effect of estrogen and when it comes to a pause such as during pregnancy and lactation, the risk decreases and it provides protection from breast cancer. Nowadays, we are not getting married at an early age around in our 20 or 30’s. We are not getting pregnant and as frequently as our mothers or Granny’s used to be. So we are opting for either no child or delayed conception and that is why we are exposed to hormones for a longer period of time. Every month we are getting menses and there is no nine months pause for pregnancy or a year long pause for breastfeeding.

Second reason can be very major lifestyle change, which is mostly related to our health or diet. So, we are not having healthy diet nowadays, we are dependent upon junk food or easily, digested carbohydrate diet, mostly a simple carbohydrate diets, and we are having longer fasting hours. All we are eating unhealthy food very frequently and gaining unnecessary weight. We are not doing exercise at all. Almost 80% of us are stressed because of longer hours of our work, online work, which are sitting jobs and you’re not getting time for walk or exercise, which causes obesity.

As the fat accumulates in estrogen receptors, we get thrown for extra estrogen and estrogen related cancers, which is breast cancer. Many girls are obese, or because of unhealthy lifestyle PCOS, and PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease Syndrome) again causes increased risk of breast cancer as well as uterus cancer or any each other cancer.

Smoking and alcohol is another very common and high risk for breast cancer. People are getting PCOS as well as other types of cancer because of smoking and infertility also is high because of smoking. So, all these factors and another Factor can be genetic which you do not have any control over but you can definitely decrease your chances of breast cancer if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and regular checkup for early detection of breast cancer and early treatment of breast cancer.

What are the basic lifestyle changes that can prevent hereditary breast cancer?

Dr Aruna Kalra: I should be knowing my genetic composition like whether I am a carrier of BRCA 1 or BRCA 2, and if I am a carrier of these genes, I should be vigilant and regular about my breast cancer screening. You should be knowing how to do a breast self examination. You should be getting your breast ultrasound done yearly and because less than 40 years of age breasts are denser, we do not go for mammogram, we go for MRI breast, if there is any lump, which is felt by you and which your breast surgeon or your gynecologist thinks that it should be diagnosed further with other diagnostic modalities. So if you are a breast aware and you are getting regular screening done for you, you can prevent yourself from developing higher stage of breast cancer. It can be detected early if you are genetically predisposed to breast-cancer and you should be knowing about your new genetic predisposition through genetic mapping or testing.

Is there a certain age that were girls should be start getting mammograms or it is not age restricted?

Dr Aruna Kalra: It is like after the age of 40, we get mammogram done before the age of 40 because breasts are denser we get MRI breast if at all. Every month you should check your breasts post periods. So if you’re checking your breasts, post periods like 5 or 6 day of your periods and you find that there is any lump, you go to your breast surgeon, ask him or her to check your breasts for lump. And if they also feel that there is suspicious lump, then if you are less than 40 years of age, you should go for MRI.

What is self-examination coming to that point. How is it possible for, at all for all of us?

Dr Aruna Kalra: If you are in your reproductive age group, when you are getting regular periods, before periods, your breasts are denser and water-filled. We do not do breast examination during that phase. We do breast examination, post period around fifth or sixth day of your periods when your breasts are softer, and how to do breast examination, once you’re having shower, once you’ve removed your clothes, check your breasts. And in front of mirror, see whether they are placed rightly at same level. Nipple is not pulled up or held down, skin is intact, there is no ulcer or dimpling of skin nipple is not retracted inside, all those signs or changes in your breast skin, nipple can tell us that there is definitely some abnormality and then you press your nipple and see whether there is some kind of blood stain discharge. Normally greenish or little white discharge is really very common in breast. But if it is transparent or if it is a blood-stained mainly, it can be an underlying pathology or disease. then you have to your arms up above your head and see whether the nipple is moving together or not. If one nipple is still down and another breast nipple has moved up the nipple, which is still down is must be pulled by a lump or a cancer. Once you have had your shower lie down on bed. If you have a bigger breast, try to place it on your ribcage, it should not be hanging and then with the flat of your hand, you have to examine your breasts. If you’re able to feel any lump, if it is mobile, might be fibroadenoma (hormonal lump). If it is fixed to skin or underlying muscle, chances are that it might be a little suspicious lump, here we should be going to doctor. If you are doing breast examination every month, you can detect a lump as big as two- or two-point five centimeter, but once you go to physician or clinician or your doctor, they are able to detect as small as 1 cm lump. It is better as soon as you find some lump, even if you feel that it must be a benign fibroadenoma, you should go and get it checked with your clinician. After you have examined your breasts, breast surgeon would will examine underneath your axilla, so they would examine lymph nodes in your axilla and lymph nodes above your clavicle bone. These areas are also involved in breast cancer if it is stage 2 or stage 3 breast cancer. So that is also very important to be examined by breast surgeon.

What would you say about that breast health?

Dr Aruna Kalra: Breast Health as we know that first thing would be awareness, that you should be aware about your genetic history about your hereditary predisposition to breast cancer. Then you should not gain unnecessary weight because we know that obesity has extra estrogen and other hormonal problems related with extra hormones, which is breast cancer, PCOS, endometrial cancer. we should be aware that our diet should be less in those fats, anything like Ghee or saturated fatty acids, and less of simple carbohydrate and sugar. So, if we maintain a healthy diet, lots of vegetables, fruits, dairy products, which are low fat, and do regular exercise. Whether it’s 60 minutes of brisk walk or jog, or Gym, we are going towards healthy breast. Breast examination is also very important and can be done vertically, in circular manner or in a cartwheel manner, but do not leave any area unchecked.

It is said that long lactation can also cause breast cancer. How far is it true?

Dr Aruna Kalra: I don’t think there is any truth in this, because once we are lactating estrogen and progesterone level goes down and prolactin level increases. We say that breast cancer are mostly hormone dependent cancers, and once these hormones are low in our body chances that we would be prevented from breast cancer. if you lactate for a year or so studies proved that you would be protected from breast cancer.

Do you still see the hesitancy in your patients when it comes to breast cancer?

Dr Aruna Kalra: The population we are catering nowadays, they are aware about their health. as young as 15 years older girl knows about PCOS, breast cancer, sexual health and contraception. When I was in a government hospital like 20 years ago, people were hesitant to come or they were feeling shameful about it. But nowadays, I feel that girls are really aware about their own health. Only thing, which I could be a little sad to tell is that they know that breast cancer risk is increasing and it can be corrected by healthy lifestyle, but still because of cooperate lives or job, they are not following it. They want to have a quick fix to the problem.

Avoiding stress may not be possible for those with cooperate jobs, but is there any substitute to it?

Dr Aruna Kalra: The lifestyle that we are following, we know that it’s really a strenuous lifestyle where mental health and physical health are getting affected and there is no end to it and it is not that you are productive for these five years or ten years. This is going to go on for much more years than what you feel, but discipline in life is really important. You can always modify your lifestyle. If you feel that you come by 7:30 or 9 PM, shut down your mobile and computer, give yourself some quality time. If you are sleeping on time around 10, you would be getting up at five o’clock in the morning, have your tea go for walk have a healthy breakfast, make a quick Dalia with lots of vegetables or oats. If you are having high fiber diet which is dalia (proteins) in the morning, multi grains chapatti in the afternoon with in between proteins, like, kala chana, sprouts, raita, and as soon as you come back to not eat carbohydrates because you’re coming late from office. Then you have Daal, vegetable, double-toned milk and then go back to sleep. But girls do not want to do even if they know that healthy lifestyle can prevent every kind of hormonal imbalance.

But what is your word to the viewers on this Breast Cancer Awareness Month special?

Dr Aruna Kalra: To the younger girls and to everyone, I would say that everybody should do breast self-examination. You should maintain a healthy diet, which consumes lots of fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk or dairy products, lots of proteins, and you can have polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are just nuts, like Almond, Walnut, but less peanuts or cashews which contain fat. Healthy lifestyle includes one hour of walk or half an hour of jogging every day, deep breathing exercises, and early to bed, early to rise. Be aware that you have screening methods available. You have breast screening method available. You have canceled a uterus cancer screening; cervical cancer screening is available. You have vaccines for many cancers like cervical cancer. So you go as early as possible. We are giving vaccine to a girl who is 11 or 12 years of age for Cervical cancer. You have to go a long way because you are not planning a pregnancy as early as 25, we want to preserve your fertility, breasts and ovaries. So for yourself, maintain a disciplined, lifestyle, a healthy lifestyle.

October 26, 2021 0 comment

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Breasts: Facts to know

by Medically Speaking October 26, 2021

written by Medically Speaking

This October, ditch the pink and spread breast cancer awareness with these facts related to breasts.

1. The average woman in the United States wears a size 40 D bra. This works out to about 3 pounds total, or 1.5 pounds per breast.

2. The left breast is usually slightly larger than the right in most women. Only a small percentage of women have perfectly symmetrical breasts. It is normal for the right and left breasts to differ in size by up to 20%. Sudden changes, on the other hand, are not normal and should be discussed with your doctor.

3. Breasts typically grow for two to four years after a girl’s first period.

4. Breast cancer is the second most lethal cancer in women. The first is lung cancer.

5. Men can get breast cancer too. There will be an estimated 2,190 new cases of male breast cancer in 2014. Peter Criss of the rock group Kiss is a breast cancer survivor.

6. Women can reduce their risk of breast cancer by watching their weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding or limiting menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

7. The state with the highest incidence of breast cancer is Massachusetts. According the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are 139.5 new cases per 100,000 female residents in the state.

8. The state with the lowest incidence of breast cancer is Arkansas. The CDC reports 101.9 new cases per 100,000 female residents.

9. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has found evidence that night-shift work might be linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

10. By the end of 2014, an estimated 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to have been diagnosed in American women. An additional 62,570 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected as well.

October 26, 2021 0 comment

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