Pink ribbon. It symbolizes breast cancer. This symbol was first used by the Austrian-American Evelyn Lander. Exactly 25 years ago today. Her goal was to raise awareness about breast cancer around the world through this tape. He himself was a survivor of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) is also well-versed in breast cancer. They are organizing various campaigns throughout January-February to raise awareness about breast cancer in small and big cities around the world.
Gynecologists and cancer specialists from Kolkata are also playing a positive role in such a campaign. According to them, in the case of breast cancer, the key to diagnosis and awareness lies with the patient. ‘Self detection’ is the best weapon.
The WHO claims that the disease is spreading among Indian women.
According to cancer expert Sukumar Sarkar, there is no such thing as an age limit for people suffering from this disease nowadays. Young women in their 20s and 30s also suffer from this disease. However, 30-50 year olds are the most affected by this disease. You have to be aware of this disease from the very beginning. Remember, not all lumps or tumors in the breast have a tendency to cancer. On the contrary, 10-15% of tumors have this fear, but you should go to the doctor at least once a year for a check-up to see if there is any lump in the body.
It is necessary to keep aware about Breast Cancer symptoms, causes, and take early treatment.
Why is this cancer spreading so much?
According to gynecologist Martha Hazra, unhealthy environment is one of the main causes of human papillomavirus. In India, girls often have to live in unhealthy environments, even in marginal areas, even in urban areas. There are very few ways or opportunities to take care of the genitals. In addition, the trend of smoking and drinking among Indian girls has increased nowadays. In this too, such feminine diseases are being suppressed more and more. Being unhealthy during periods, not being able to change underwear for long periods of time – these are also emerging as small and big side effects of the disease.
Besides, lack of awareness is also responsible for this. So this disease is not decreasing in spite of various propaganda campaigns year after year. However, there is no benefit in just blaming the patient. Indian villages or small health centers do not have the infrastructure and doctors to diagnose the disease.
Cancer means a lot of costs, a lot of harassment – this idea seems to be ingrained. So many families start relying on alternative medicine or alternative medicine when they catch this disease. Many times the disease is even bigger than this.
Indian women do not look after themselves in office, doing housework. As much care as they need, there is still a deficit. Exercise, diet, overweight, stress, smoking and drinking are also factors.
Age is a big risk factor. Lately, the average life expectancy of people has increased a lot. The risk of breast cancer also increases with age. And this is why breast cancer is on the rise lately.
Late marriage or not getting married or not having children can lead to breast cancer. Menarche at a young age, that is, the onset of periods, and menopause at an older age, prolonged intercourse with estrogen. Estrogen increases the risk of cancer. Even if the baby is not breastfed, there is a risk of cancer.
If a woman has breast or ovarian cancer before in the family, the risk is higher. The risk of breast cancer is much higher if you have BARCA1 and BARC2 genes.
What are the primary symptom?
Every day while bathing, you have to check your breasts to see if any lumps are being created. Painless lumps are more deadly.
Breast lumps are often seen under the underarm or collar bone. There are also such lumps around the nipple, which feel stiff when pressed and do not change position.
Be aware that you are not breastfeeding, but be aware that a small amount of milky fluid is being secreted from the nipple.
Be careful even if you have shoulder and neck pain without any other ailments. These can be symptoms of breast cancer, as the cancer spreads easily from the breast to these parts of the body.
Inform the doctor if you feel itching in the breast without any rash.
Symptoms of this disease are deformity or swelling of the breasts, reddening of the breasts, pain when touching the breasts. However, before the period, many breasts become heavy and painful. There is nothing to fear.
The nipple is the most sensitive part of the breast. If you do not feel or feel numb even after touching the nipple, the risk of breast cancer is very high.
Rough skin on the top of the breast is also an early sign of cancer.
If you feel pain in the breasts while sleeping at night or feeling like rubbing or scattering while wearing underwear, you should seek medical help.
Myths about breast cancer
Many people think that yellowish fluid from the nipple is a sign of cancer. This idea is not correct. Someone who does not breastfeed, even if a white liquid like milk comes out of the breast, it can be a messenger of the disease.
Many people do not pay attention to the painless lamp. However, doctors claim that painless lumps are more frightening. Rather painful lamps do not have malignancy.
Again, lump means but not cancer. Only 10-15 percent of the lumps present in the breast are malignant.
Many people do not seek treatment for fear of losing their breasts and rely on alternative medicine. Surgery is not needed unless absolutely necessary.
Source: Anandabazar
