The month of October is known as breast cancer awareness month. During this period, efforts are made to spread as much awareness as possible about breast cancer. With the increasing statistics of breast cancer, it is very important that people have the right information about it. Most cases of breast cancer are found in developed countries such as the UK. However, now the number of breast cancer cases is increasing in India as well. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

As soon as the symptoms of breast cancer are noticed, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. If caught at an early stage, it is not difficult to get rid of it. But if you continue to ignore its symptoms, it will be difficult to control later.

We spoke to Dr. Ritu Sethi about breast cancer symptoms and prevention. He said many important things about breast cancer. Tell us how the rising breast cancer statistics can be controlled.

First of all, let’s get to know the symptoms that occur in breast cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention warns about are:

1. Lumps in the breast or under the armpit.
2. Thickening or swelling of parts of the breast.
3. Burning or indentation of the skin of the breast.
4. The appearance of red spots on the nipple or breast or the formation of peeling skin on the breast.
5. A feeling of stretching in the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
6. Bleeding and other types of nipple discharge.
7. Changes in the shape and size of the breast.
8. Unexplained pain in any part of the breast.

If you want to prevent breast cancer, remember these things

Health Shots spoke to Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, Aura Clinic, Sector 31 Gurgaon and Senior Consultant, Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon Sector 14, on this topic. She discusses several important ways to avoid breast cancer –

1. It is important to know about family history

Dr Ritu Sethi says, “If your mother, sister, aunt, uncle or any close relative has had breast cancer, then be sure to inform the doctor about it. If so, the doctor checks for the breast cancer gene (BRCA gene). If this gene is positive in any woman, she is more likely to develop breast cancer.

While in 10 to 15 percent of cases, breast cancer is transmitted through the genome. If a woman has the breast cancer gene present, they need to be more careful and be in contact with the doctor.”

2. Pay attention after 40

According to Dr. Ritu Sethi, women after the age of 40 are more likely to get breast cancer. In such a situation, after the age of 40, a mammographic examination must be done once every 2 years. Doctors say breast cancer statistics are the highest in the US, while the American College of Radiologists also recommends mammography testing.

In addition, in order to prevent the increasing statistics of breast cancer, the European Society also requests that mammography be done once every 2 years. If someone in your family has had breast cancer, you should get tested more often.

3. Perform regular breast self-examinations

Obviously, you can’t go to the hospital every day to find out your breast cancer risk. In such a situation, Dr. Ritu Sethi advises breast self-examination. In this regard, you can seek the help of your gynecologist.

In addition, for breast self-examination, it is necessary to regularly touch the breast with your hands and if any changes are noticed, immediately consult a doctor. Also, try to press the breast occasionally, if any lump comes out of it, then it can be a sign of breast cancer.

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