Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second deadliest cancer among women. But it has been noted that with increased awareness and thereby early detection and improved treatment, the number of deaths has reduced. But the incidence of breast cancer has been increasing steadily. Breast cancer is generally noticed in women above the age of 50 years. If a woman has sisters, mother or close blood relatives who have had breast cancer, she is more at risk. Women who have had an early menarche and late menopause are at higher risk for breast cancer. Lifestyle factors such as high alcohol consumption, obesity, diet rich in saturated fat and sedentary lifestyle increases a woman's risk for breast cancer. Long-term use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) increases the risk of breast cance
Symptoms of breast cancer:
Lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area.
Prominently visible veins on the surface of the breast or peeling and scaling should not be ignored.
Yellowish green discharge can be a possible breast cancer symptom.
Change in size, shape and appearance need to be carefully observed, as it can be a potential symptom of breast cancer.
Every woman must learn to conduct a BSE (Breast Self Examination) to check for abnormal lumps, irregularities or discharge from the nipples. Such BSE combined with annual check ups by a doctor improves the chances of detecting breast cancer at an early stage. A Mammogram of the breast is routinely advised for women who are at higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Appropriate breast cancer treatment is decided on the basis of a number of factors. Breast cancer treatment will depend on a number of factors such as size and location of the breast lump, the stage at which it was detected and the results of hormone receptor tests. Surgery and chemotherapy are often used in combination. Chemotherapy is breast cancer treatment with anti-cancer drugs administered intravenously or orally. This systemic form of treatment is either administered alone or along with surgical procedures. Chemotherapy is a systemic therapy that affects the entire body by entering the bloodstream. This is used widely in breast cancer treatment to interfere with rapidly dividing cells. Radiation is the use of high-energy rays to prevent breast cancer cells from further growth and division. Though normal cells are also affected by this form of breast cancer treatment, they generally repair themselves and function normally afterwards.
Oncotype DX
Oncotype DX test measures the levels of specific genes that may indicate the presence of cancer cells. Tbis test helps check the risk of recurence of breast cancer. This test makes use of breast cancer biopsy and studies the patient where the cancer is hormone-receptor positive. Then the Oncotype DX test draws up a recurrence score. A high recurrence score indicates higher chances of cancer recurrence. But this has to be seen along with other factors such as the age of the patient, grade of cancer and size of cancer. This test costs about $3,500. In many cases, the Oncotype DX test helps in deciding whether a woman must go in for chemotherapy and hormonal therapy post surgery for breast cancer. Typically those with low recurrence score may not need to undergo chemotherapy. The Oncotype DX test aids in tailoring treatment to suit the individual needs of each patient.
Mammogram
A mammogram aids in detection of breast cancer. This can be particularly useful in the case of women who are at higher risk for developing breast cancer. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. The breast is flattened to take a clear image so as to visualize the structures within the breast. Any abnormalities can be easily detected. It is essential that the breast tissue be compressed against the x-ray plate so as to obtain a good quality mammogram. Every woman is advised to take a mammogram around the age of 40 years by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Surgeons. Minimal radiation is involved.
|
