Breast Cancer in India – The number are growing

Breast cancer is now the most common cancer in most cities in India, and 2nd most common in the rural areas. In India, we are now witnessing more and more numbers of patients being diagnosed with breast cancer to be in the younger age groups (in their thirties and forties). one fourth (or even approaching one thirds) of all female cancer cases are breast cancers. Breast cancer is a non existent entity for a majority of population till a near and dear one suffers from it. Healthcare is low on priority and even in major cities, screening is also an 'alien' word for most people. So naturally, this results in most people presenting only when symptomatic, and on an average, most 'symptomatic' cancers are stage 2B and beyond (significant numbers in stages 3 and 4)

Breast cancer is the overgrowth of breast tissue. The occurrence of breast cancer is on the rise in India with 1 in every 25 women expected to develop the disease. It is not known what exactly causes cancer but certain factors increases the risk of contracting it such as genetics, previous cancer, lifestyle and hormonal imbalance. Without a known cause, and with the early detection of cancer being so critical to the treatment, one has to rely on the identification of symptoms and a proper diagnosis.

The symptoms for breast cancer include:

· Lumps

· Swelling

· Eczema-like symptoms on the nipples

· Breast skin irritation

· Nipple discharge

Diagnosis is the only way to confirm the presence of breast cancer and is done through imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasounds and MRIs as well as a biopsy, which is the testing of a sample of the lump.

Even though the cause is unknown, you can still take measures to prevent against breast cancer by avoiding the risk factors. For instance, avoid or limit your exposure to radiation and toxic chemicals as well as your dosage and duration of hormone therapy. If prevention is unsuccessful, you can still get treatment for breast cancer and early diagnosis is vital for this.

Treatment depends on the location, spread, and advancement of cancer. It is easier and less costly to treat breast cancer while in its earlier stages. The cost of treatment in India depends on the city and hospital with some being more expensive. Treatment strategies include:

· Surgery

There are two types of breast cancer surgery; a lumpectomy and a mastectomy/quadrantectomy. A lumpectomy removes the cancer and tissue surrounding it without affecting the appearance of the breast. A mastectomy could be partial (only part of the breast with the cancer is removed) or total (whole breast is removed). Surgery requires one session and a couple of radiotherapy sessions to kill the remaining cancer cells. A lumpectomy costs about Rs. 2 lakh while a mastectomy costs about Rs. 4.5 lakh

· Radiation therapy

The cancer is targeted and destroyed using precise and controlled radiation. Multiple sessions (about 5-6) are required to avoid harming the patient with excess radiation and certain side effects should be expected. It is used either before surgery (to shrink the tumor) or after surgery (to destroy it). Each session costs about Rs. 20 lakh.

· Chemotherapy

Works in much the same way as radiotherapy except it isn't targeted and drugs are used instead of radiation. Depending on drugs and dosage, the cost is between Rs. 25,000 - 1 lakh per session.

· Hormone therapy

Used to treat cancer that is caused by hormonal imbalance by preventing the action of these hormones.

In conclusion, even though breast cancer can be scary, the treatment is very successful when it is caught early. The treatment might be hard to handle, especially in the case of chemotherapy but at the end of it all you come out stronger and more determined to live a full life. Apart from treatment, one can and should connect with support groups like the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) and the Pink Initiative which provide valuable support services as well as helpful tips in not only treatment issues but also other elements of living with cancer including counseling services.