Breast Cancer Awareness: Most women in India are so busy with home and office responsibilities that they often ignore their health. Although some common symptoms resolve with time, many serious diseases begin with minor symptoms. Health experts say that if these symptoms are understood on time, a serious disease like breast cancer can be cured in the initial stage itself.
Late marriage and first pregnancy
Changing lifestyle, hormonal changes and mental stress are considered to be the main reasons for increasing cases of breast cancer in Indian women. Additionally, late marriage and timing of first pregnancy can also increase the risk. Many women are not aware of the early symptoms of breast cancer and the methods of detection. They consider problems like lump in the breast, discharge from the nipple or changes in the skin as normal.
Women ignore the symptoms
Due to social hesitation and shyness, many women are not able to share their problems with male doctors or other people. Due to this, symptoms are identified late. A large number of women put their health behind family responsibilities and ignore the symptoms until they become serious.
Breast cancer screening machines available
Lack of health facilities in rural areas is also a reason for delay. Breast cancer screening machines are not available in many government hospitals, due to which early symptoms are not detected. Because of this the disease often reaches stage 3 or 4. Even in government hospitals, the delay in biopsy and imaging puts patients in critical condition.
Difficult to identify in early stage
Some women associate initial symptoms with general pain or other conditions and self-medicate. Types like lobular breast cancer are difficult to identify in the early stages. Due to financial weaknesses, many women are not able to get tested on time.
Low physical activity and unhealthy food
Breast cancer in Indian women often develops under the age of 50. Young women do not have the habit of regular screening, which makes early detection difficult. In urban areas, low physical activity and unhealthy food habits increase obesity and insulin resistance, which increases the risk of cancer. Late childbearing and reduced breastfeeding also contribute to the risk.
It is very important to get regular mammogram done
According to experts, breast checkup should be done every month. Women below 40 years of age should get checked by a doctor every 1-3 years, whereas after 40 years this checkup should be done every year. It is very important for women above 40 years of age to have regular mammograms. With timely awareness and early detection, up to 90% success can be achieved in detection and treatment of breast cancer.
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