BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer seen in women. Once thought a disease of the developed countries, the incidence of breast cancer is on the rise in India as well. Breasts are designed to produce milk for the newborn baby after delivery. Breast is made up of milk glands and supporting breast tissue. Milk glands contain milk sacs, where milk is produced and milk ducts carry the milk to the nipples from where it is discharged. The breast tissue extends up to the collarbone on top and the armpits on the side. Traditionally the shape and size of the breasts are associated with femininity and any disease affecting the breasts are 
psychologically traumatic.
Breast cancer is a tumor (a mass of abnormal tissue) within the breast. The majority of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, however a small number start in the milk sacs or the lobes. Like other cancers, breast cancer if unchecked also has the ability to spread to different areas. The spread occurs mainly via the lymph ducts.
Who is at risk?
Breast cancer is far more common in women than in men although men can also get breast cancer. Some women are at a particularly higher risk.
* Age-risk of breast cancer increases with age.
* Family history of breast cancer i.e. women whose mother, grandmothers, aunts or sisters have developed breast cancer, are at an increased risk.
* Women, who previously had breast cancer, have a slightly higher chance of having breast cancer in the other breast.
* Women who started their periods (menarche) at an earlier age (before 12 years).
* Delayed childbearing, women who did not breast-feed their infants, or those who never had children.
* Late menopause (after 50 years)
* Obesity
* Diet rich in animal fat.
It is important to mention here that even if several risk factors are present, if does not necessarily mean that cancer will develop in these cases. It is equally important to mention that 75% of women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors.
What are the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer?
In a majority of women breast cancer is first noticed as a lump in the breast. There are other important signs and symptoms.
* Discharge from the nipple, particularly if blood stained.
* Change in shape or size of breast.
* Change in appearance of skin in a part of the breast.
* Rash on the nipples or surrounding areas.
* A lump or thickening inside the breast tissue.
* Inversion or turning in of the nipple.
* Swelling on the upper arm
* Swelling in the armpit
How can Breast Cancer be diagnosed?
Being in an area, which is easily accessible, the importance of early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer cannot be over-emphasized. Early detection and treatment can provide an almost 100% cure.
* Breast Self Examination (BSE) is important as it helps the patient to detect any changes occurring in her breast by herself. All women should be taught how to do a breast self-examination. However it is reassuring to note that all lumps in the breast are not cancerous, though one must check out with the doctor, when a lump is suspected.
* A Mammogram is an X-ray of the breast using a specially designed machine and is very useful in early diagnosis.
* Besides BSE every woman over 40 years must have Physical Examination of the breast done by a doctor, as part of the annual check up program.
Dos and Don't - A few simple moves to help you move back to normal
Do’s
* Wear loose rubber gloves when working.
* Protect your arm from pinpricks, scratches, bruises, cuts or burns of any kind.
* Use an electric razor with a narrow head to shave as this decreases the risk of cuts and scratches.
* Use a thimble while stitching.
* Wear loose clothing and jewellery.
* Use insect repellant to avoid insect bites.
* In case you injure yourself, wash with an antiseptic solution and apply a sterile bandage.
Don’ts
* Never take injections or IV fluids or check your blood pressure or draw blood on the affected arm.
* Do not wear glass bangles.
* Do not expose the arm to excessive heat while cooking.
* Do not cut or pull cuticles on the affected arm.
