What
women must know about Breast Cancer
When
Bollywood actress Mahima Chaudhry revealed her battle with breast cancer, many
people expressed their support and congratulated her on overcoming a
life-threatening condition. With this, she joins a group of actors, like Chhavi
Mittal and Hamsa Nandini, as well as writer-producer Tahira Kashyap, who has
spoken out about their breast cancer fights and helped to raise awareness.
While
breast cancer is treatable today, it is only feasible to beat it if it is
identified early, so keep an eye out for symptoms and get treatment right away.
Signs
to be aware of
Dr
Vikas Talreja, states that a new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit),
swelling or thickening of a section of the breast, or dimpling or irritation of
the breast skin are all warning indications. Other symptoms include redness,
dry skin, nipple discomfort, and the nipple tugging in. Regular mammography
appointments and a three-finger self-examination of one's breasts are
recommended to look for lumps or abnormalities.
Types
of cancer
Invasive
and non-invasive breast cancer are the two most frequent types of breast cancer
(also called breast cancer in situ). "Invasive cancer develops from the
breast ducts or glands to other regions of the breast," says Dr Ankur Bahl.
Age
of concern
Cancer
can strike at any age, and younger women are less likely to assume they are at
danger. In fact, Young Breast Cancer affects 5% of all breast cancer incidences
in women under the age of 40. (YBC). "YBC is frequently aggressive and
either triple-negative or HER2/neu positive breast cancer. Dr Bahl explains
that these cases may have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
Causes
and treatment
Breast
cancer develops as a result of genetic changes or DNA damage. Oestrogen
exposure, inherited genetic disorders, or hereditary genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2
are all possible causes.
"In
early stages, it can be treated with surgery, radiation, and systemic
treatment," Dr. Bahl explains of the treatment options dependent on the
cancer's stage. Chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy are required in
patients with locally advanced breast cancer. Various combinations of hormonal,
chemotherapeutic, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are required in
metastatic breast cancer."
The
power of positivity
Mittal
informed us how her cheerful attitude helped her fight this battle when we
spoke to her immediately before her last radiation treatment. "I think
there's a ray of hope at the end of the tunnel." I absolutely trusted the
doctor when he indicated there was nothing to be afraid of." Chaudhry, on
the other hand, was inspired by the resilience of a young kid who was also
battling illness. "Isi se toh thik hote hai," he told her while
undergoing chemotherapy.
Foods
to consume
A
high diet of fatty dairy products like milk and cheese has been demonstrated to
be a statistically significant predictor of an increased risk of breast cancer.
A Mediterranean diet, on the other hand, may assist to reduce the risk. The
following foods are included in this diet:
· Extra-virgin
olive oil
· Nuts
of many kinds
· Fruits
and vegetables are examples of plant-based foods.
· Grain
(whole)
· Legumes
Precautionary
measures
Consumption
of alcohol should be done in moderation. Breast cancer is more likely to occur
if you drink a lot of alcohol.
Maintain
a healthy body mass index (BMI) by eating well and exercising often.
Try
to nurse your infant if you've recently given birth.
Hormone
therapy for postmenopausal women should be avoided to the greatest extent
possible.