- In 2022, breast cancer claimed the lives of 670,000 women globally.
- Out of 185 counties, Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in 157 counties.
- In India alone, over 98,000 women lost their lives to Breast Cancer in 2022.
((Source: WHO, Health Ministry,India))
YES! The statistics are staggering! Could their life be saved? Experts say early detection is key, and in many cases, lives could be saved with early diagnosis and timely intervention. The month of October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Today, through this blog, I will be highlighting the importance of early detection in fighting the war against Cancer.
While regular medical screening and mammography are key, one simple yet very effective tool is generally overlooked by us, ‘Self Breast Examination’. This simple technique of observing changes in your own body can be crucial in the battle against cancer. Experts say each and every woman must learn this simple technique that could be a potential life saver.
‘Self-Breast Examination’
In simple words, a ‘Self-Breast Examination’ is a check of your breast done by you. Medical experts say everyone must do a ‘Self-Breast Examination’ at home, and it can be done in a few minutes. A self-breast examination is done to see if there is any abnormal change in the size of the Breast? and the colour of the breast?
Why Self-Breast examination is important?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. If detected early, it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Experts say Self-Breast examination plays a pivotal role in early detection. According to Mayo Clinic, Self-Breast exam helps you understand the typical look and feel of your breasts. If you notice a change in your breasts or if you notice one breast is different from the other, you can report it to your healthcare professional.
In Breast cancer, breast cells grow abnormally and form a tumour.
According to the World Health Organisation, Breast cancer cells begin inside the milk ducts and/or the milk-producing lobules of the breast. The earliest form (in situ) is not life-threatening and can be detected in early stages. Cancer cells can spread into nearby breast tissue (invasion). This creates tumours that cause lumps or thickening.
Experts often emphasize that breast lumps or changes are typically noticed by women during their routine activities. This is where Self-Breast Examination becomes a valuable tool.
According to the American Cancer Society, Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year.
The prevalence of breast cancer among women in the age group 20 to 40-years age is increasing. Experts say that a lack of awareness among women is also a contributing factor to late-stage breast cancer diagnoses. Many are not aware of the importance of early detection, self-breast exams, or the warning signs.
India and Breast Cancer
Year Breast Cancer cases
2019 200218
2020 205424
2021 210714
2022 216108
2023 221579
Year Deaths due to breast cancer
2019 74481
2020 76414
2021 78387
2022 80390
2023 82429
During self-breast examination look for the following
Image Source: Freepik
- Check if the breast size and colour has changed
- Changes in the nipple position
- Redness or scaling around the nipple or breast skin
- Check of the nipples are turning inwards
- Lumps, knots, or thickenings
- Nipple discharge
((Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer))
How Self-Breast examination can be done?
According to health experts, Self-breast examination can be done standing in front of a mirror or while laying in the bed.
- Inspect your breasts with your hands pressed down on your hips.
- Inspect your breasts with your arms raised overhead and the palms of your hands pressed together.
- Lift your breasts to see if ridges along the bottom are symmetrical.
- Use the pads, not the very tips, of your three middle fingers for the exam. Examin the breast from the top, bottom and in circular shape.
- Choose a bed or other flat surface to lie down on your back. When you’re lying down, breast tissue spreads out. This makes the tissue thinner and easier to feel.
- Lather your fingers and breasts with soap to help your fingers glide more smoothly over your skin.
((Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-exam/about/pac-20393237))
According to the WHO, most people will not experience any symptoms when the cancer is still early hence the importance of early detection.
Self-breast examination cannot replace the advance medical techniques such as Mammogram. But this simple yet effective tool can be usuful to notice an unusual change in your body and help you quicker earlier evaluation and detection. As early detection plays a crucial role in breast cancer treatment outcomes. According to American Cancer Society, if the breast cancer is diagnosed at a localised state, the5-year relative survival rate is over 99%.
By incorporating self-breast examination into your routine and encouraging others to do the same, you’re contributing to the larger goal of reducing breast cancer-related deaths. Let Breast Cancer Awareness Month be a reminder to make SBE a lifelong habit!
((Note: This blog is written by collating the information from various sources. This is only for information purposes))
Image- Freepik
Mayank Bhagwat 