Cancer is one of these diseases that we humans do not want to hear about. Among all of these, one of the most common cancers affecting millions of women in the world is breast cancer. The positive is that in its early stages, it is very treatable. The knowledge of how to identify breast cancer at its earliest stages can help save lives.
Well, for all the people around who are confused and have no clue about the same, we have curated this read. In this article, we will discuss how to detect breast cancer and other related details. Keep on reading to know more!
Understanding Breast Cancer Symptoms
Early detection of signs and Breast Cancer Symptoms is the initial move towards an early diagnosis and improved results. Although the symptoms may differ in different individuals, the warning symptoms are mostly the following:
- Development of a new lump or thickening of the breast or underarm
- Alteration of the size or shape of the breast without any explanation
- Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), especially if bloody
- Puckering, dimpling or redness of breast skin.
- Inverted nipple
- Pain or tenderness of one part of the breast that endures
It is noteworthy that not all lumps are malignant, but any suspicious alteration should not be disregarded. Always the right thing to do is to consult a competent oncologist.
Early Signs of Breast Cancer
Initially, it is noticed that the Early Signs of Breast Cancer are usually very mild and in most cases these are missed. Most women fail to feel pain during the initial phases, and this makes publicity very important. The warning signs to Detect Breast Cancer could be:
- A hard or irregular, small, painless lump
- Swearing around the collarbone or armpit
- Skin that looks like an orange peel
- Odd warmth or itchiness in the breast
- Scaling or flaking of nipple skin
Early diagnosis would give tremendous chances of effective treatment. Especially alert should be women older than 40 and with a family history of breast cancer.
How to Detect Breast Cancer at Home
Simple and powerful is learning to do a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) to Check Breast Cancer at Home. There are few steps included in the same:
Step 1: Visual Check
This is one of the primary steps to be followed. For this, a woman needs to stand in front of the mirror keeping their arms relaxed. Check for any observable changes in shape, size or skin texture of both breasts.
Step 2: Raise Your Arms
This is somewhat similar to the first step done. So yes, repeat the above step with your arms but this time, raise them above your head and test the changes.
Step 3: Manual Examination (Standing)
After the second step, this is the time for manual examination. For this, use the pads of your fingers to examine the whole breast, armpit to the cleavage, using light, medium and firm pressure in a circular motion carefully.
Step 4: Manual Examination (Lying)
Pillow under your right shoulder, your right arm behind your head and your left hand and examine your right breast. Do the same on the other side.
Step 5 : Analyse the Nipple
Squeeze both nipples and observe discharge. If there is any discharge then that is concerning and requires the need to see the doctor.
Conducting BSE at least once a month, preferably a couple of days after your period, may make you get used to the idea of what is natural to your body.
Medical Tests Used to Detect Breast Cancer
Although self-exam is useful to Detect Breast Cancer, professional medical screening is necessary to effectively identify breast cancer. Typical diagnostic techniques comprise:
- Mammography: An X-ray of the breast, which is suggested every year to women above 40 years.
- Ultrasound: Used to further evaluate lumps found during a physical exam
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is suggested as a high-risk person.
- Biopsy: A small piece of tissue is removed and studied to either identify or eliminate cancer.
- Clinical Breast Exam (CBE): It is done by a skilled medical practitioner.
Screenings are the best ways of breast cancer detection even before the symptoms develop.
Breast Cancer Treatment in Jaipur
When you or a loved one have been diagnosed, it is essential to find expert care. Treatment of Breast Cancer in Jaipur has developed and the specialists provide extensive personalized treatment. The available treatment options typically include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy. The ideal treatment involves the consideration of the stage of the cancer, the type and the health of the patient. Early consultation with a Breast Cancer Specialist in Jaipur will be a guarantee that you can get a personalized treatment plan that will lead to the best results possible.
About Dr. Tara Chand Gupta — Leading Oncologist in Jaipur
Dr. Tara Chand Gupta is a respected and accomplished oncologist in Jaipur with his reputation of compassionate treatment of patients and clinical knowledge on cancer treatment. Having decades of experience and being a specialist, he has been able to lead thousands of patients along their cancer paths with confidence and assurance. His specialties include surgical oncology, breast cancer diagnosis and advanced treatment regimens. Dr. Gupta is a firm believer in integrating the use of the most advanced medical technology with personalized care. In case you are seeking the services of an honest breast cancer provider in Jaipur, then Dr. Tara Chand Gupta and his staff will provide you with all the facilities, including a world class cancer care system that serves you at a single roof.
FAQ
What is the age at which women should begin their screening to identify breast cancer?
Average risk women are supposed to commence annual mammograms at the age of 40. Individuals who have a familial or genetic predisposition to it (i.e. BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations) may have to be initiated earlier – at as early as 30s. Always seek expert guidance on an individual basis.
Can Men also have breast cancer?
Well, it is not common to develop breast cancer. Men ought to be observant of lumps, alteration of the nipples or discharges and make an appointment after noticing something that seems to be abnormal.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer that one needs to be aware of?
Some common symptoms of breast cancer that one should notice are:
- Painless breast lump
- Breast shape or size
- Change in nipple discharge
- Skin dimpling
At which frequency at home should I check breast cancer?
Breast cancer examinations at home are advised to be taken once in a month. A few days post your period is the most appropriate time when you are not likely to be tender or swollen in your breasts.
Is Breast Cancer treatment in Jaipur available at an equivalent level to metro cities?
Absolutely. Breast Cancer treatment in Jaipur has improved immensely over the years in Jaipur since there are now highly qualified oncologists, advanced oncology-related diagnostic machines, and full-fledged care facilities. Patients will not have to commute to metro cities to get quality treatment of their cancers.
