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While breast cancer is usually associated with older women, a concerning trend shows an increasing number of diagnoses in younger women as well
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancers in the early stage have a survival rate of 99% compared to later-stage cancers at 24%. (Representative Image)
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting millions of women and men each year. In India, it has risen from being the fourth most common cancer in the 1990s to now being the leading type of cancer among Indian women and also the most common cancer when incidences of both sexes are combined. In 2022 alone, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer globally and 670,000 people lost their lives to the disease. In the same period, India reported 192,020 new cases and 98,337 people lost their lives to breast cancer.
Dr Harshveer Singh Malhi, MD, Head of Oncology Medical Affairs – Merck Healthcare shares all you need to know.
While breast cancer is usually associated with older women, a concerning trend shows an increasing number of diagnoses in younger women as well. Since the disease can affect women at any age after puberty, it is crucial for women must be aware of its signs and symptoms, underscoring the importance of early detection and awareness. A family history of breast cancer is also associated with a higher risk of developing the disease, thereby awareness is essential.
To spot and prevent the onset of breast cancer, women – including younger women – are encouraged to perform regular self-examinations to detect early signs and abnormalities. By routinely checking the appearance and feel of their breasts, they can become familiar with what is normal for their body. This practice aids in identifying any unusual changes, such as lumps, bumps, or alterations in the skin, allowing for timely medical attention if needed. In menstruating women, breast self-examinations should be done in the week after their period ends.
Key signs that you should be aware of during a breast self-check are:
- If there is a presence of breast lumps or thickening. This can be painless as well.
- Any sudden changes in breast size, shape, and appearance. Any occurrence of dimpling, redness, pitting, or skin changes.
- Altered nipple appearance or changes witnessed in the areola.
- Any abnormal or bloody nipple discharge.These changes are not a definite indicator of breast cancer but are a leading sign to get tested early to eliminate any chances of the disease.
Mammograms, which are low-dose x-rays of the breast, are recommended every two years for women from 40 years onwards. Younger women with a family history of breast cancer associated with breast cancer susceptibility 1 and 2 (BRCA1/2) gene mutations would also be evaluated with a brief familial risk assessment tool and counselled for genetic testing if the assessment is positive.Cancer treatment is feasible and more successful if found in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of breast cancer. In case of any abnormalities, one should opt for a mammogram and clinical breast examination for an accurate diagnosis of the condition.
