Do you know that according to the new study, breast cancer is the most common disease in India due to its lack of early diagnosis and awareness.
It is important to diagnose the women with breast cancer at an early stage as the survival chances are better than those who were diagnosed in an advanced stage.
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s read about how to combat this deadly disease.
Signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer to look out for :
- A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
- Discharge from nipple – The discharge can be colored, bloody or clear
- A newly inverted nipple
- Redness or swelling – A pitted surface with a change in color and texture of the breast
- Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin.
- Changes to the skin over the breast
Also Read : World Heart Day
Prevention is better than cure
A little change in the lifestyle may help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
- Breast cancer screening – clinical breast exams and mammograms.
- Periodic Breast Self-Examination (BSE) – As the name suggests, is examination of one’s own breasts. This involves detecting lumps, changes in skin or nipple, and the presence of nipple discharge. This is easy to do and should be regularly practiced once a month, a week after the menstrual cycle ends. Kindly seek medical advice if any changes are detected.
- Exercise regularly – indulge in physical activity for 30mins on most days of the week.
- Maintain healthy body weight – reduce your weight through regular exercise and healthy diet which include five small meals, some fruits, vegetables and grains.
- Follow healthy diet – Add fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Reduce portions of meat and dairy products.
- Moderate your alcohol intake – According to several studies, there is an association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer.
- Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy.
Also Read : An Awareness on Diabetes
References :
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
*Disclaimer : The content in this post is purely meant for educational purpose only and not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment.
*PC : Google
